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Alumni Stories: Michele Kambolis, Ph.D.

15 October 2024
Mike Lepore
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Author Michele Kambolis, Ph.D., seeks to offer evidenced-based healing practices to heal women’s stress and anxiety.

“If you believe there are forces that guide us in our lives, this would be one of those moments,” says Michele Kambolis, Ph.D., of the circumstances that led her to the Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. program at Saybrook University. She had long wanted to pursue a doctoral degree but found most of the programs she was looking at fell into the traditional Western “reductionist and dualistic” model. Then one night, she says, “I woke up at one in the morning with this strong sense that there was something else that I was meant to be doing.” She noticed that a therapist whose writings she liked on social media was attending Saybrook University. Ten days later, Dr. Kambolis was beginning her studies for a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Mental Health. “It was exactly the right program at the right time,” she says.

Shortly after she graduated from Saybrook, Dr. Kambolis published a book titled, “When Women Rise: Everyday Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Body and Soul,” in which she sought to contextualize the stress and anxiety women face every day. The book provides evidence-based practices that women can internalize to heal and empower themselves in every aspect of their physical, psychological, and spiritual lives.

“I feel grateful for my time at Saybrook in that it provided me with the academic and research foundations to be able to create a book that is deeply founded in science but also accessible to those who otherwise may not have been able to receive the kind of treatments that they may have needed,” Dr. Kambolis says.

Through her platform, Dr. Kambolis intends to continue her writing, research, and speaking on the opportunities everyone possesses to harmonize their lives and awaken to their wholeness through the integrative practices that are the foundations of an education at Saybrook University. On a broader scale, she travels globally to support organizations, companies, and nonprofits in their efforts to bring mind-body-health practices to their communities. “In the long term, it’s important to me to be able to continue to do that outreach,” she says. “There are certain places or communities that really have very low access to this information and the treatments and practices that are so extraordinarily healing.”

Dr. Kambolis credits her experience at Saybrook, which she describes as “a humanistic university through and through” for providing the academic foundation for her work and a supportive peer group. “You feel that from the moment you begin the relationships that continue to grow long after you leave,” she says. “Whether you’re working with your peers, or learning through your professors, or diving into research, everything that you experience at Saybrook is imbued with humanism. It’s deeply heart-centered.”

Dr. Kambolis says she is proud to have raised two boys as a single mom and to have watched them learn their own life lessons. Her oldest son is pursuing a master’s in counseling psychology “There’s a natural transition happening,” she says. “We need to prepare a next generation of therapists and healers who can wisely navigate the challenges of our time.”

Currently working on her third book, this one on the transformative phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, Dr. Kambolis has a message to those who are entering the field. She says, “I would want them to know that when we commit our lives towards understanding ourselves well and expanding not only our minds but our hearts, our capacity to guide others with wisdom grows exponentially. So, continue to look inward, care for yourselves, and know that this world needs the gifts that you have to offer.”

For more information about the programs at Saybrook University, please fill out the form below.

The Hidden Burden: Creating a Social Justice Practice While Avoiding Burnout

3 October 2024
Mike Lepore
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Everywhere you look, social issues are in the headlines. Learn how you can commit to making a difference while avoiding burnout.

Turn on the news or open social media on your phone and there it is: American society, rife with issues of racism, gender inequality, and economic disparity. The world needs people who commit to addressing social justice, but altering mindsets, systems, and society as a whole can be grueling.

For those of us working toward a more just and equitable world, it’s crucial to actively recognize and mitigate potential burnout. By protecting your mental health, you will be better prepared to create and drive societal change through sustainable social justice efforts.

How to Incorporate Social Justice Work Into Daily Life

For many who seek to make a difference, the process can seem daunting. However, integrating social justice work into your life doesn’t require grand gestures or a complete lifestyle overhaul. It’s about making thoughtful choices and cultivating habits that align with your values.

In this section, we’ll break down how to weave social justice into the fabric of your everyday life. Consistent, small actions can accumulate to create a significant impact. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can make a difference in long-term, sustainable ways.

Educate With Credible Sources

The first step toward centering social justice in your daily life is to educate yourself about important issues using reputable sources.

Accuracy is key, as spreading misinformation can do more harm than good. In 2021, The Washington Post shared how the spreading of a trafficking conspiracy theory led to organizations having to reallocate resources in order to combat the false narratives spiraling in the media.

The takeaway? If you’re exposed to a topic for the first time on social media (or any other form of media), be sure to fact-check with credible sources to ensure its accuracy.

Turn Knowledge Into Action

Knowledge has power. Knowledge put into action changes the world.

Once you’re educated on an issue, act on it. Your actions don’t have to be time-consuming or a financial burden—they can be as simple as signing a petition, voting, or volunteering. Think about how you move through the world, and let your knowledge guide your daily actions. For example, where are you choosing to spend your money? What companies do you support financially?

If you’re looking to make a substantive change outside of your norm, join a larger effort such as Saybrook Serves. In this program, Saybrook University facilitates virtual and in-person community service opportunities to positively impact the community.

Social change comes from both individual and collective effort, and every action you take is a step toward long-term progress.

Speak Up

Our communities are shaped by each of us: how we interact with one another and what we allow as acceptable behavior. Change often requires courage.

Annette Anderson-Engler, Ph.D., interim department chair for Integrative Social Work at Saybrook University, says, “Embracing a humanistic perspective that supports social justice and anti-racism as a way of life builds up and preserves the human dignity of all people.”

If you see injustice in real time, act. Speak up for someone. Educate another. Spreading awareness is a key aspect of social justice work. The goal is not to “win” but to share understanding. Ground your communication in care for the other person and the community.

Protecting Mental Health to Create Sustainable Change

To create long-term change, you need a social justice practice that is sustainable—which means protecting your mental well-being.

A 2015 study found that 71.4% of individuals experienced a deterioration of mental health stemming from their social justice efforts. Unlike temporary bouts of fatigue, this often results in feelings of depletion and constant alertness that can even manifest into physical health issues, such as chronic fatigue, insomnia, and nutritional deficiencies. The perception that self-care is a privilege, rather than a necessity, creates a cycle of poor health.

Playing the long game can also be demoralizing for those doing social justice work. One of these study participants said, “I never feel that I’m doing enough … like the feeling you’re only scratching the surface of what needs to be done.”

These signs of burnout can easily lead people to withdraw from social justice altogether. To tackle these added stressors, use burnout prevention strategies.

How to Integrate Self-Care Into Social Justice Practice to Create Long-Term, Sustainable Change

First Self-Care, Then Societal Care

Social justice work is emotionally labor-intensive, so it’s important not to neglect your low-maintenance hobbies and activities. Self-care practices provide a reset during times of stress, decreasing the feeling of constant anxiety.

If you’ve been on a plane, you know the protocol is to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others. Apply that mentality to self-care to ensure burnout doesn’t subsequently harm yourself and others. Boundaries that maintain both social justice and personal efforts are key.

Seek Support for Mental Health

Whether your desired form of support is from mental health professionals or through your community, it is crucial to surround yourself with people who understand the unique challenges of social justice work. They can provide personalized strategies to manage stress while simultaneously combatting feelings of loneliness.

“Saybrook University allows ways for all people to participate in human dignity practices by working together,” Dr. Anderson-Engler says. “Through the building of more inclusive communities, Saybrook offers safe spaces to share stories about positive social change. Saybrook encourages the exchange of storytelling dialogue so that individuals may freely express their views of hope for humanity in an ever-changing world.”

Take Breaks and Practice Mindfulness

Prioritizing your well-being impacts both your personal health and your capacity for engaging in long-term social justice efforts. Identify when you’re experiencing the signs of burnout, and take breaks away from active efforts, social media, and other stressors.

You can also make your efforts more sustainable by adopting holistic practices to mitigate fatigue and burnout. Mindfulness practices—such as meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling—can be helpful in maintaining emotional balance. These practices can help activists stay grounded and present, reducing the risk of burnout.

Dr. Anderson-Engler endorses self-reflection to establish a strong sense of meaning,

“Small group work, specifically transformative mediation and peacebuilding practices are self-care strategies specifically suited for activists and advocates,” she says.

Try incorporating transformative meditation in your routine by checking out Saybrook University’s Mindfulness Moments podcast episodes, hosted by Mind-Body Medicine faculty.

Celebrate All Milestones

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, whether big or small. This could include minor achievements. For example, educating a family member on a social justice issue. It could also involve larger-scale accomplishments, such as advocating for policy changes. It’s important to remember your efforts aren’t defined by the immediate results. Recognizing progress can boost morale and reinforce the value of continued effort.

Saybrook Is a Leader in Driving Social Change. We Invite You to Join Us.

At Saybrook, we know that social change must happen at both the individual and collective levels.

We are committed to providing students with hands-on experience, giving them opportunities to apply their learning to real-world challenges. Through this application, students are given the foundation to take on sustained social justice efforts throughout their careers.

Explore how you can drive social change through our Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work and M.A. in Transformative Social Change programs.

Helping Those With Addiction as a Substance Abuse Counselor

11 September 2024
Mike Lepore
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Discover the importance of substance abuse counselors and how they impact those on the road to recovery from addiction. Substance abuse counselors, commonly referred to as addiction counselors, use their knowledge of psychology, social science, and counseling techniques to create comprehensive strategies to aid their clients to better cope without the use of alcohol or drugs

Saybrook University’s M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization is designed to teach students how to work with clients along their healing journey in various settings. One of the popular career outcomes of this clinical mental health counseling degree is a substance abuse counselor. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), indicating that the program meets the standards within the clinical mental health counseling field.

The State of Substance Abuse in the United States

In 2022, almost 49 million people in America aged 12 and older had substance use disorders from either alcohol or drug use. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol abuse has increased by 23%, and drug abuse increased by 16% for people who had already been using those substances pre-pandemic. Only one out of 10 people who need substance abuse treatment receives it due to the stigma around seeking help, lack of insurance coverage, and the unavailability of quality care.

What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Substance abuse counselors advise and support people with addictions to alcohol and drugs. Addiction counselors provide counsel to those struggling with addiction and utilize their holistic education backgrounds to identify stressors that trigger substance use and come up with a plan to manage those stressors. Due to the nature of the field, compassion, patience, and communication skills are important qualities in a substance abuse counselor.

Addiction counselors work with the patients, discussing their drug or alcohol history and evaluating the extent of the addiction. This helps the counselors create long- and short-term recovery plans for the patient while helping their family understand the impact of addiction and providing ways to support the patient.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

An addiction counselor may implement various approaches to substance abuse treatment and recovery, including individual and group therapy, and crisis intervention.

Different types of therapy techniques work in various ways to create a holistic therapy plan for those struggling with substance abuse. With the goal of creating a sustainable recovery for the client, each therapy technique adds benefits for working toward that goal.

  • Individual therapy: Increases understanding of the patient’s behavioral patterns to better manage triggers and coping mechanisms.
  • Group therapy: Reduces isolation a patient may feel while struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Group therapy also encourages a sense of teamwork to work together to build the group up during recovery.
  • Crisis intervention: Works to abate the intensity of the patient’s emotional, physical, and mental distress toward a crisis event or trigger.
  • Recovery plan: Includes long-term and short-term goals and strategies to help patients work toward and recognize progress, avoid risks, and maintain healthy behaviors.

How to Become an Addiction Counselor

Here are five steps to becoming a licensed professional counselor who specializes in substance abuse or addiction.

  1. Visit the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) website to view the licensing requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
  2. Pursue a Master’s Degree in Counseling.
  3. Complete clinical experience (4,000 to 10,000 hours)
  4. Revisit the NBCC’s website to schedule your state licensing exam. Depending on your state, you are required to take either the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), or both.
  5. Renew licensing every few years or complete 40 or more hours of continuing education every two years as required.

What Is the Average Addiction Counselor’s Salary?

The average annual salary for substance abuse counselors in the U.S. is $53,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

*Data gathered in 2023.

Outlook on Addiction Counselor Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the substance abuse and addiction counselor job outlook is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much higher than the average job outlook. This data was collected at the time of publishing.

Pursue Your Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree

The CACREP-accredited M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization at Saybrook University is designed to meet the educational requirements to become a licensed professional counselor after graduation and pass the licensing exam. For prospective students interested in becoming an addiction counselor, this master’s program offers a gateway to meaningful impact. Through valuable insights and guided exploration, students can start their journey toward professional counseling excellence for addiction recovery. Our graduates are equipped with the skills to become catalysts for positive change in the lives of individuals and communities struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

A Guide to Hospice Care Jobs

4 September 2024
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Where compassion meets clinical expertise in health care lies a profound calling: end-of-life care careers, one of which includes the field of hospice. Hospice care is more than a job, it offers the chance to make a significant impact during the most delicate times of life.

Saybrook University stands at the forefront of preparing individuals for these fulfilling paths, with a special emphasis on integrating mind-body medicine into hospice care. More specifically, our Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care program is a holistic, person-centered, mind, body, and spirit approach to providing support, comfort, and care during the time leading up to a patient’s death. ​​This mind-body medicine degree focuses on palliative and end-of-life care, overlapping interdisciplinary efforts to enhance the quality of life and symptom management during chronic and life-limiting illnesses, including processes for terminal diseases.

Let’s explore jobs in hospice care, how they play a crucial part in end-of-life care, and how Saybrook University sets its students up to apply evidence-based skills in this field. This specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care does not qualify graduates for licensure but rather prepares individuals to better tend to the psychospiritual needs of the chronically ill and dying. Graduates will need to independently pursue proper licensure or certifications for their elective field within hospice care.

Hospice Jobs: What It’s Like Working in Hospice Care

The field of end-of-life care offers a range of opportunities that are not just professions but callings that require compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. With the growing recognition of the importance of providing holistic, person-centered care at the end of life, the demand for skilled professionals in hospice settings has never been higher.

Hospice Counselor

Hospice counselor jobs are centered on providing the psychological and spiritual support to patients and their families needed to navigate the complex emotions that surface during end-of-life care. They employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at addressing grief, fear, and anxiety, facilitating a space where patients can express their feelings and concerns openly. Hospice counselors often engage in life review sessions and legacy projects, helping patients reflect on their lives and create meaningful memories for their loved ones. They also provide spiritual support, tailored to the patient’s and family’s religious beliefs, offering comfort during times of spiritual questioning or need.

In moments of crisis, hospice counselors offer immediate support, helping families manage acute emotional distress and navigate the grieving process. They employ therapeutic techniques to address grief, fear, and anxiety, ensuring a peaceful transition for patients. The Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. with a specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care provides a holistic education for those seeking hospice counselor jobs. This overlapping education in palliative and end-of-life care equips graduates with the tools needed to engage patients and families in meaningful, comforting interactions that honor the individual’s life and journey. Further licensing will be required to become a professional counselor.

Hospice Counselor Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a mental health counselor is $53,710.*

*Data gathered in 2024.

Hospice Nurse

Hospice nursing jobs embody the role of a compassionate caregiver, meticulously managing the physical aspects of end-of-life care. Their day-to-day tasks revolve around symptom management, ensuring that patients remain as comfortable as possible by administering medications, monitoring their effects, and adjusting care plans in response to changing needs. Direct patient care is a significant part of their responsibility, involving routine tasks such as wound care, assisting with personal hygiene, and managing patients’ medical devices.

Beyond these duties, hospice nurses serve as vital educators who provide patients and families with critical information on managing symptoms at home, understanding the progression of illnesses, and making informed decisions about care preferences.  The Mind-Body Medicine degree with a specialization in Contemplative End-Of-Life Care enforces a strong holistic understanding of patient needs and allows them to integrate compassionate care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the patient’s end-of-life experience.  Hospice nursing jobs require acting as the main liaison between patients, families, and the broader health care team to ensure that care plans are comprehensive and respectful of the patient’s wishes. Our graduates understand the goal of palliative and end-of-life care is to improve the quality of life for the client and their family based on the client’s needs.

Hospice Nurse Salary

Hospice nursing jobs, specifically registered nurses working in nursing and residential care facilities such as hospice, have an average salary of $79.280 per year. *

*Data gathered in 2024.

Hospice Social Worker

Hospice social worker jobs offer critical emotional and logistical support, guiding patients and their families through the complexities of end-of-life care. They provide invaluable counseling services, helping families cope with emotional turmoil and stress. Their role extends into practical realms, assisting families in navigating health care systems, accessing community resources, and understanding myriad services available to them. Hospice social workers are instrumental in advance care planning, facilitating discussions around living wills, health care proxies, and the patient’s end-of-life wishes, ensuring these preferences are communicated clearly to the health care team.

Furthermore, hospice social worker offer bereavement support, preparing families for the grieving process and providing resources and support groups to help them cope with loss. Their work is profoundly influenced by principles of mind-body medicine, integrating behavior, exercise, relaxation, and nutrition to manage the patient’s health through their mind, body, and spirit. The Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. with a specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care offers grounded, empathetic guidance through the bereavement process, and fosters a healing environment for families and patients alike.

Hospice Social Worker Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for health care social workers is $ 67,430.*

*Data gathered in 2024.

Saybrook University: A Beacon of Innovation in Hospice Care Education

Saybrook University’s Ph.D. program in Mind-Body Medicine, with a specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care, equips students to apply their education to a range of hospice careers that truly make a difference. Graduates will need to seek the career-specific licensing and certifications that may be required for that field within hospice care. This degree in end-of-life care integrates contemplative practices, evidence-based skills, and a deep understanding of the holistic needs of those at the end of life, and graduates are prepared to enter the field as compassionate, skilled professionals. Through innovative courses and a commitment to holistic, person-centered care, students are empowered to affect the lives of patients and their families.

Make a lasting impact while working in hospice care with a degree from Saybrook University. Join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for those facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Apply today to become a leader in contemplative end-of-life care.

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Alumni Stories: Jeremiah Pearcey, Ph.D.

30 August 2024
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While there are many different triggers for stress—health, money, work, family responsibilities, and relationships are a few of the most common, according to the American Psychological Association (APA)—cognitive psychologist Jeremiah Pearcey, Ph.D., believes social isolation and divisiveness are making people more sensitive and susceptible to all of them. Instead of medication or meditation, he therefore suggests fighting stress with a different kind of prescription: empathy.

“What you see right now in our country is an unwillingness to even consider somebody else’s experiences,” says Dr. Pearcey, a Saybrook University graduate who is now adjunct faculty in the university’s Mind-Body Medicine Department. “There’s no need to talk to other people or work things out with them because we’ve already made up our mind about who they are. Unless we can get back to empathizing with each other and not being so judgmental of individuals that we don’t know, we as a society are going to continue to feel deeply and chronically stressed.”

Raised to Relate

Dr. Pearcey’s passion for empathy is personal. Although he’s now based in Houston, Texas, he was born in Northern California and grew up traveling the world with his parents and four siblings.

“My dad joined the U.S. Air Force when I was 2, so I spent pretty much my entire childhood moving around,” says Dr. Pearcey, whose travels have taken him to 45 different countries. His experiences engaging with different cultures has a lot to do with his commitment to empathy. Equally influential, however, were his experiences as a mixed-race child in a white family.

“My mom, who is white, had me when she was 19 with my biological father, who is Black. She married my dad when I was 1, and he adopted me when I was 12,” Dr. Pearcey says. “That had a big impact on my life. Not because my family treated me differently, or because I experienced a significant amount of racism, but just because of the fact that I was different. I didn’t look like everyone else in my family, and that always caused people to pause. I picked up on that and became really sensitive to people’s perceptions of me—especially as I got older, and people started asking me why I don’t talk ‘Black’ or act ‘Black.’ My experience with racial stereotypes pushed me to try understanding myself and the world, and where I fit in.”

When his self-reflection made him more interested in understanding others, he decided to pursue a career in cognitive psychology. “I developed a mindset of trying to understand how other people think, and how those thoughts translate to behavior,” explains Dr. Pearcey, a combat veteran who followed in his father’s footsteps by spending 13 years in the U.S. Air Force. Because he and many of his friends struggled with PTSD because of their service, he decided to dedicate himself to understanding stress and helping people manage it.

Shrinking Stress

Dr. Pearcey has been promoting empathy as a stress management solution since 2021, when he established his own stress management consultancy, Corporate Stress Management Initiatives (CoSMI). As CEO, he offers enterprise education and training to corporate clients who want to help employees foster positive habits, better work-life balance, and increased mindfulness.

Typical of Dr. Pearcey’s clients is Harris County Public Health, which recently asked him to create a workshop about belonging and inclusion as a facet of stress. “We’re exploring how not belonging and not including people causes stress for those individuals, and how that kind of workplace stress impacts performance,” Dr. Pearcey says. “Empathy is at the core of that. Because in order to include somebody, you have to be willing to put yourself in their mindset.”

Another client is the Houston Police Department. “I’m working with them on conflict resolution, helping officers understand how their stress level impacts everyone they’re working with or dealing with,” Dr. Pearcey continues. “What I really want them to understand is that their ability to empathize with people can be the difference between somebody having a violent outburst and somebody working with them quietly to solve a problem. If you can’t empathize with someone because you’re judging them, it means you’re probably treating them differently. And when you treat someone differently because of how you perceive them, that causes them to reciprocate your negative behavior or energy. Things go back and forth like that until they finally escalate out of control.”

Whether one is a public health worker, a police officer, or just a regular person trying to live their best life, one’s inclination to judge instead of empathize creates chaos, Dr. Pearcey says. “People create their own stress through judgment,” he observes.

‘My Goal Is to Change the World’

Saybrook University has been pivotal to Dr. Pearcey’s journey. “Saybrook has been of the most integral facets of my current trajectory,” he says. “I think that’s because it fosters diversity of thought … When I came to Saybrook, I met a bunch of people with really diverse perspectives who had a lot of knowledge to share, and that really opened up my world. Immediately when I landed here, I felt like I belonged. It was a community of learners, practitioners, and people who wanted to make the world a better place. I never wanted to leave, so here I am seven years later, teaching as an adjunct.”

5 Impacts of a Transformative Social Change Degree

29 August 2024
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In the face of rising authoritarianism, political polarization, social inequality, discrimination, and worsening climate change fanning fires and deadly storms, those committed to improving social conditions in their own communities, much less the larger world, may wonder how to make an impact. That’s where Saybrook University’s Transformative Social Change program can play a vital role, as it prepares students to become policy and advocacy experts focused on the pressing issues of our time.

The program’s faculty members have broad expertise in the activist sphere, including community organizing, social media communications, conflict resolution, social movements, and policy advocacy. In addition to these tools for activism, the program supports students who are planning to teach at the university level in fields including sociology, peace and justice studies, education, and political science.

During their studies, Transformative Social Change students learn to research and advocate for change in a range of issues and later specialize in the area of their choice for their M.A. projects or Ph.D. dissertations. Below are some examples of how the program’s curriculum addresses areas of focus for advocates of social change.

The Rise of Authoritarianism

Totalitarianism is on the rise around the world. Countries such as Hungary and Venezuela, whose governments were democracies until recently, now hold elections for which the outcomes seem predetermined. In Russia and China, leaders solidify power and lengthen their terms. In many countries, including the U.S., an influx of migrants has inspired a nationalist response.

In a Saybrook University ethics course, the instructor and the student discuss at length the principles related to democracy, advocating for tangible processes by which those who are affected by governmental decisions have a voice in how those decisions are made.  The discussions consider recent and successful examples of how unjust concentrations of power have been challenged in U.S. and global contexts.

An example of relevant research is a dissertation written by a Saybook University graduate that explores democratic processes within municipal meetings and how to use widely available new media technologies to expand democratic representation.

Political Polarization

Despite ever-improving means of communicating and gathering information, studies show American society is more polarized than ever. With a range of conflicting groups, divisions, and sources of tension, many are becoming more entrenched in their positions and less respectful of other views.

An important part of the Transformative Social Change curriculum is the  Conflict Resolution course, which applies the theories of conflict to practice, including facilitating training sessions in which students learn how to respond constructively to conflict and how to facilitate dialogue across differences.

An example of relevant research on this issue is an M.A. project that considers possible means of better communication across the rural-urban divide.

Inequality and Social Justice

Rising income inequality is leading to a social justice crisis, and the Transformative Social Change program is educating its students to address this reality.  The Social Systems Theory and Social Interventions course focuses on the theoretical and practical challenges to creating a more just, compassionate world in which each person and community has increased opportunity to live a life of dignity and to thrive. The Global Civil Society Activism and Social Change course addresses these on a wider scale.

An example of relevant research would be a dissertation exploring the effects of gentrification on broader community inequality and development.

Climate Change

At a time when the country and nations around the world are faced with a range of challenges, many international organizations view climate change as the most immediate and persistent threat to our society.

Saybrook University has a curriculum devoted to the issue. The Ecological Psychology and Community Organizing courses address climate change from a holistic perspective, including how people can approach the issue individually. Additionally, issues of climate change arise across the curriculum, including in the Ethics of Climate Justice and the Social Interventions courses, which explore how climate issues increasingly affect most efforts toward collective change.

An example of what this looks like might be a Ph.D. dissertation that addresses ways to educate high-school students about climate change to transform despair into hope and action.

Race, Gender, Equality, and Inclusion

In recent years, certain actors in American politics have sought to demonize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. At Saybrook University, efforts to expand opportunities for those who have faced discrimination because of race, faith, or sexual orientation are at the heart of our vision of a just society.  Both the Race, Class, and Gender course and the Gender and Society course consider emerging theories and practices that address these issues at the individual, community, and systemic levels.

A dissertation presenting case studies on how to develop a racially responsive policing procedure for a community in the U.S. is an example of the kind of scholarship that might arise from this area of focus.

Pursuing a degree in Transformative Social Change begins with a commitment to making the world a better place, whether it be at the community, state, national, or global level.

Saybrook University Appoints Alumna and Social Justice Advocate Ellen Helms to its Board of Trustees

22 July 2024
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Saybrook University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ellen Helms, Ph.D., to its Board of Trustees. A distinguished Saybrook University alumna and advocate for social justice, Dr. Helms brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to transformative social change.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Helms to our Board of Trustees,” said Robyn Parker, Ph.D., acting president of Saybrook University. “Her exemplary work and her relentless pursuit of social justice makes her an ideal addition to our board.”

Dr. Helms holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, with a specialization in Transformative Social Change from Saybrook University, which she earned in 2018. She also received a Master of Arts in Psychology from Saybrook in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Antioch University. Her extensive academic background is complemented by her work in liberation psychology, political activism, and justice-oriented philanthropy.

“Dr. Helms embodies the values of Saybrook University through her extensive advocacy work,” said Patricia Breen, Ph.D., chair of the Saybrook University Board of Trustees. “We look forward to her contributions as we continue to advance Saybrook’s mission of promoting positive social change.”

Dr. Helms has long been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom and justice. She is particularly known for her efforts to address and reverse the controversial political legacy of her grandfather, the late U.S. Senator Jesse Helms. Senator Helms, who began his first U.S. Senate term in 1973, was a staunch opponent of abortion, and his Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance funds for abortion for more than 50 years.

“I am deeply honored to join the Saybrook University Board of Trustees,” Dr. Helms said. “Serving my alma mater in this capacity is a profound way to give back to an institution that has shaped my values and my commitment to social change. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to advance Saybrook’s mission and to support the next generation of leaders dedicated to humanistic values and societal impact.”

Driven by a strong sense of justice, Dr. Helms partners with Ipas, an international health organization that improves access to safe abortion and contraception in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through Ipas, Dr. Helms has helped to fund abortions in countries restricted by the Helms Amendment for more than a decade. She also supports Ipas in fundraising, lobbying in Washington, D.C., for the Abortion Is Healthcare Everywhere Act, and promoting global reproductive justice through various media efforts.

In North Carolina, where she resides, Dr. Helms supports efforts to restore access to safe abortion through partnerships with the North Carolina Democratic Caucus and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. She leverages her platform to promote reproductive freedom, believing that bodily autonomy and access to safe abortion are fundamental human rights.

“Dr. Helm’s appointment to the Saybrook University Board of Trustees reflects her deep connection to the university’s mission and her dedication to fostering environments that promote social justice and human dignity,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “Her diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to advocacy will be invaluable assets to the Saybrook community.”

Saybrook University is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit education system made up of six colleges and universities that uses shared infrastructure and collaboration to drive innovation and advance student outcomes. Since joining The Community Solution in 2014, Saybrook has expanded educational offerings to include more than 30 degree programs.

For more information about Saybrook University, please visit saybrook.edu.

About Saybrook University

Founded in 1971, Saybrook University is an online, private graduate university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The world’s premier institution for humanistic scholarship and research, Saybrook offers advanced degrees in psychology, mind-body medicine, organizational systems, leadership, and human science. For 50 years, Saybrook has empowered students to find their life’s work and achieve their full potential. Saybrook’s programs are deeply rooted in the humanistic tradition and a commitment to help students develop as whole people—mind, body, and spirit. Saybrook University is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated nonprofit system of colleges working together to advance student success and community impact. For more information, visit https://www.saybrook.edu/.

A Look Into Thanatology: How Professionals Help Individuals Cope With Death, Dying, and Grief

7 July 2024
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Death and dying are inevitable parts of life, but for many people, the process remains shrouded in mystery, taboo, and fear.  At Saybrook University, our commitment to exploring this complex subject prepares our students with the empathy and knowledge to navigate the process of grief, loss, and bereavement. Our Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine, Specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care provides health care professionals with the skills and understanding to better tend to the psychospiritual needs of the chronically ill and dying.

What Is Thanatology?

Simply put, thanatology is the study of death and dying. It combines scientific, religious, spiritual, and psychological aspects to examine how people navigate this complex emotional and psychological process. This perspective is important for professionals dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they face the realities of mortality. Such professionals offer the knowledge that provides comfort, understanding, and compassionate care to the dying at the end of their lives and to families after the death of a loved one.

Through thanatology, students and practitioners explore the emotional, social, and cultural responses to death. They create space for experiencing grief and accepting it as a process that can lead to growth and understanding. By engaging with thanatology, students gain a nuanced understanding of death’s impact on human behavior, relationships, and societal norms, increasing their capacity to serve those in need with empathy.

What Does a Thanatologist Do?

A thanatologist can work in a variety of roles. They may providing direct support to the dying as well as to families experiencing loss of a loved one. They may also conductresearch that furthers understanding of how societies perceive and deal with death. Thanatologists might work in hospice, hospitals, counseling centers, or academic settings, bringing a compassionate and informed perspective to those involved.

Clinical Settings and Counseling Centers

Thanatologists provide guidance and support to patients and their families during the challenging journey through terminal illness and loss. They work in hospice, hospitals, counseling centers, etc., where they assist in managing the emotional and psychological aspects of dying, offering comfort and understanding to those facing the end of life.

Education, Research, and Advocacy

Beyond direct support, thanatologists can serve as educators, teaching about death, dying, and bereavement to students across various disciplines. Whether in universities, health care training programs, or community workshops, they prepare future generations of professionals to approach death with sensitivity and informed care.

Thanatologists are also active in research, working to deepen understanding of the social, cultural, and psychological impacts of death. Their research contributes to a body of knowledge that informs better practices in end-of-life care, grief counseling, and policymaking. Moreover, they advocate for improvements in how society manages death and supports those involved, ensuring that policies reflect compassion and dignity for the dying and the bereaved.

Thanatology Salaries

Certified Thanatologist Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, a certified thanatologist in the U.S. makes an average annual salary of $41,734. The usual salary range for a certified thanatologist is between $34,000 and $47,000 a year.

Mental Health Therapist Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary in the U.S. for a mental health therapist is $76,241. The salary range for mental health therapists varies widely based on where they practice, their skill level, and their years of experience. The range is between $37,000 to $127,500 a year.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, an LMHC in the U.S. makes an average annual salary of $75,386. Similar to mental health therapists, the salary range for licensed mental health counselors is vast, ranging from $43,000 to $113,500 a year.

Saybrook University’s Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care

Saybrook University’s Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine offers a Specialization in Contemplative End-of-Life Care, designed for students seeking to deepen their expertise in holistic, person-centered care for individuals nearing life’s end. This program equips students with the skills to support the psychospiritual needs of patients and their families with an approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit.

Students will learn to navigate palliative and end-of-life care, preparing them for roles that make a real difference in the lives of those facing chronic and life-limiting illnesses. Whether you aim to become a counselor, therapist, coach, or consultant, this specialization offers the foundation you need to excel in community, corporate, and clinical settings.

Take the next step in your career by exploring Saybrook University’s innovative approach to end-of-life care. Apply online to join a program committed to making end-of-life care more compassionate and person-centered.

Bo Aucoin: Building Shelter

11 June 2024
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Video by Nick Sperry

Before enrolling in the M.A. Counseling program at Saybrook University, Bo Aucoin had to find his way back from a dark and dangerous place in his life. Suffering from addiction and untreated mental illness, the father of two lost a promising career and found himself unhoused, living out of his car in San Francisco. It’s not rare for patients who receive life-changing mental health care to later pursue a career in mental health care and in turn help others. Aucoin is one of their number. Like so many students at Saybrook, he brings hard-won life experience to his training and has found that the faculty is positioned to help him pursue his goals.

“The first thing I noticed about Saybrook is that professors are very approachable, very human, and really want to see us succeed,” Aucoin says.

Given what Aucoin witnessed on the streets and under the fluorescent lights of a residential facility, he not only understands the vital importance of treatment and therapy, but he also has developed deep concerns about the inequities in American society. He believes that, had he been a person of color, he would have ended up in jail or dead.

“I had a lot of ethical questions about becoming part of the system,” Aucoin says, “and I appreciate that Saybrook has always made the space for those discussions.”

After graduating from Saybrook, Aucoin began working as a clinical counselor at a residential substance use disorder treatment facility. He feels a kinship with people in addiction recovery because of his own struggles with addiction. He tells those he has counseled that, while he may have achieved a lot in his life, “There is nothing that I have been through or accomplished in my life that is harder than recovery from addiction.”

Aucoin also sees a lot of the unhealthy mindsets ascribed to addicts as a reflection of our culture. He believes we are all suffering from addiction, whether it is to capitalism, unsustainable consumption, or unbalanced power structures. “We need to learn to let go of these things, and we can learn a lot from those who have overcome addiction,” he says.

Saybrook’s M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization trains students to apply holistic and systemic perspectives when working with individuals, relationships, and groups in a range of settings.  Aucoin was impressed by this focus on the big picture but wondered if this was just marketing speak. “I was a little skeptical and wondered what that is going to look like,” he says. “What I’ve found is that the professors really are committed bringing others in, to learn how they can grow, and how they can be part of social change.”

Learn more about Saybrook University


If you are interested in learning more about the community and academic programs at Saybrook University, fill out the form below to request more information. You can also apply today through our application portal.

Dr. Michael Mayer: A Journey of Mind, Body, and Spirit

24 May 2024
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Retraction notice: We have retracted the previous version of this article, which you may have received. The article contained factual errors and was not vetted by the subject before publication. We deeply regret this error. If you have a copy of this past article, please delete it.

American author and educator Joseph Campbell outlines the first step of the hero’s journey as a call to adventure where the hero is lured, carried away, or voluntarily proceeds. For nearly five decades, Saybrook University graduate Michael Mayer, Ph.D., has proceeded on his own journey: to become a pioneer in weaving sacred wisdom traditions and holistic approaches into modern psychotherapy, developing his own method called Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy. To this day, Dr. Mayer’s passion continues to drive him forward, and his journey is far from over.

A Child in the Woods

The son of a prominent attorney, Dr. Mayer grew up in West Orange, New Jersey. In his youth, he spent much of his time in the woods, exploring and looking in awe at the ecosystem that surrounded him, the ecosystem of which he himself was a part. Dr. Mayer’s website describes these early experiences in nature as fundamental to his continued exploration of balancing both ancient and modern considerations of health.

These early experiences motivated Dr. Mayer to earn his master’s in psychology from The New School for Social Research in New York City, where he trained to become a psychotherapist. However, he quickly found the limitations of modern psychology rooted in its entomological definition of the study of the mind. It wasn’t long before his yearning to explore a more expansive understanding of psychotherapy sent him across the country.

A Revolution of Consciousness

Many people are familiar with the cultural revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, but fewer are familiar with the consciousness revolution, a person-centered movement that reexamined the connection between the mind and body and emphasized human potential. This revolution brought Dr. Mayer to the West Coast.

“I came to the West Coast to find a school that could be better at allowing innovative research,” Dr. Mayer says. “At Saybrook you could combine East and West in your doctoral studies and study what was called the consciousness revolution.”

During this time, the founders of Saybrook University were on their own journey, one that would challenge the existing psychology establishment. The Humanistic Psychology Institute was born.

“[At the time] Saybrook was the Humanistic Psychology Institute,” Dr. Mayer says. “The beautiful thing about Saybrook at the time was, basically, you could study whatever you wanted to study. I was able to study various forms of what I call ancient wisdom traditions, including Greek mythology, astrological symbolism, tai chi and qigong, and many other things.”

Saybrook’s approach of encouraging self-discovery ultimately led Dr. Mayer to embark on a 40-night vision quest alone in the woods. Just as he did during his youth, he explored and allowed the elements of nature to inspire him. “My vision quest set the groundwork for my life’s work,” Dr. Mayer says. When he emerged, he penned his doctoral dissertation on ancient traditions of personality description.

Among the first graduates of Saybrook University, Dr. Mayer graduated with his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1977.

An Integral Approach to Integrative Medicine

A licensed and practicing psychologist, Dr. Mayer employs an integral approach to psychotherapy, considering a range of perspectives into healing. “I co-founded an integrated medical clinic where I worked for 10 years,” Dr. Mayer says. “[There I worked] with a whole team of healers, Western medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, etc.”

Utilizing his experiences as a psychologist, Dr. Mayer seamlessly integrates tai chi, qigong, and many other traditional and nontraditional techniques into his practice. “I take the essence of those traditions and bring them into my psychotherapy practice, making it grounded for those who may be averse to the esoteric dimension of it,” Dr. Mayer says. “I’ve taken my education at Saybrook and apply it to many things I do nowadays over 40 years later, for example having a humanistic connection with all of my patients.”

Dr. Mayer was a co-founding faculty member at John F. Kennedy University’s Transpersonal Psychology Program where he trained psychotherapists for more than a decade. He pioneered the integration of qigong and psychotherapy, being the first person to train doctoral psychology students in this integration at an accredited graduate school, the California Institute of Integral Studies.

A New Approach: Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy

Inspired by Ken Dychtwald’s classic book, “Bodymind,” Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy continues the consciousness revolution that brought Dr. Mayer to the West Coast and ultimately to study at Saybrook. Specializing in incorporating ancient techniques and wisdom into modern therapeutic techniques, the Bodymind Healing Center offers courses, workshops, certificate programs, literature, sessions, and other resources for those interested in applying traditional forms of healing into practice. Dr. Mayer offers tai chi and qigong classes, which transmit a broader view of cross-cultural, age-old practices, following the Saybrook idea of expanding traditions into a pluralistic endeavor. “After the class, we spend a half hour talking about any topics of interest,” Dr. Mayer says. “They include psycho-spirituality, politics, and even dissertations. Saybrook students are welcome to come to the first class for free.”

Currently, Dr. Mayer is exploring utilizing Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy as an integral approach to working with patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.  “My brother has Parkinson’s,” Dr. Mayer says. “Whenever something deep and personal is happening in my life, or in those around me, I try to utilize it as an opportunity to further my knowledge of healing.”

To bring others along on his journey, Dr. Mayer is author of more than 20 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, six books, and various audio/video products integrating Western Bodymind Healing methods with ancient wisdom traditions, including his Ben Franklin award-winning autobiography, The Path of a Reluctant Metaphysician: Stories and Practices for Troubled Times. He teaches his integral approach to healing at hospitals, universities, and workshops nationally and internationally.

Dr. Mayer has also spoken extensively at conferences, and continues sharing his integral method to psychotherapy with those entering the field. “I’m grateful that my doctoral years at Saybrook seeded my interest to research a broader dimension of psychology than I would have received at a traditional school,” Dr. Mayer says. “My interest in integrating ancient wisdom traditions with modern psychology continues to this day.”

Additional resources for Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy: