Betz King

Dr. Betz King is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and scholar who brings over two decades of experience in existential-humanistic psychology to her role as Full Professor in Saybrook University's Clinical Psychology Program. Her innovative work bridges traditional psychological practice with emerging fields, particularly human-animal interactions and spiritually integrated psychotherapy.

Academic Background & Career Journey

Dr. King earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and completed both her MA and PsyD at The Center for Humanistic Studies (now the Michigan School of Psychology). Following her doctoral work, she served as faculty and administrator at her alma mater for a decade, where she developed three new courses and served as Master's Program Coordinator, shaping the next generation of humanistic practitioners.

Her early clinical career was rooted in community mental health, specializing in substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and the complex intersections of homelessness and mental health. These experiences - along with her lifelong role as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) - deepened her commitment to accessible, culturally responsive care.

Clinical Practice & Innovation

Dr. King is the founder and CEO of King & Associates Psychotherapy in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Her therapeutic orientations span existential-humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, interpersonal, and psychospiritual approaches. She is particularly known for her pioneering work in animal-assisted psychotherapy and her integration of seasonal and ritual elements into therapeutic practice.

Scholarly Contributions & Leadership

Dr. King's scholarship centers on the intersections of spirituality, psychology, and human-animal bonds. She serves on the editorial board of The Journal of Humanistic Psychology and has contributed chapters to multiple books, including work on canine-assisted psychotherapy and existential-humanistic approaches to animal-assisted interventions.

Her leadership extends throughout the American Psychological Association, where she has served on the executive board of Division 32 (Humanistic Psychology) in multiple roles, including Chair of the Accommodation Committee, the Women's Task Force, and her current role as member-at-large. She has been instrumental in developing ethical guidelines for emotional support animals and animal-assisted interventions through her work with APA Division 17's Human Animal Interaction section.

Unique Expertise & Philosophy

Dr. King's practice is informed by both rigorous psychological training and a decade-long immersion in Western esoteric traditions, where she achieved the rank of High Priestess. This unique background enables her to work skillfully with clients seeking to integrate spiritual and psychological growth, particularly within nature-based and feminist spiritual frameworks.

Her blog, "The Seasonal Psychologist," explores the profound connections between psychological healing and the natural world, reflecting her belief that authentic wellness emerges from understanding our place within larger ecological and spiritual systems.

Current Roles & Impact at Saybrook

As a Full Professor in the Core Faculty of the Clinical Psychology program, Dr. King teaches across the curriculum while specializing in existential-phenomenological psychology, group therapy, and clinical skills development. She is a founding member of SACRED (Saybrook Animal Care, Rescue, Education & Dignity), the university's first Learning Community dedicated to human-animal interactions, and serves as Faculty Ambassador for the Integrative Saybrook Certification in Teaching Excellence (InSCiTE).

Dr. King's commitment to inclusive education is evident in her role as faculty mentor for the Accessibility and Accommodation Advocates RSO, ensuring that Saybrook remains a welcoming space for all learners.

Personal Philosophy

Dr. King views psychology as inherently sacred work-an opportunity to witness and facilitate the profound transformations that occur when individuals reconnect with their authentic selves and their place in the web of life. Her approach honors both the rigorous demands of clinical practice and the deeper mysteries of human consciousness and connection.

She shares her heart and home with her husband and their three dogs.

Learn more about Dr. King's work at: www.betzking.com