New Certificate and Degree Programs

The Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce a new Certification Program in Buddhism and Psychotherapy for clinicians who wish to deepen and expand their practice as psychotherapists through a rigorous study of the Buddhist teachings. Rev. Judith Daijaku Kinst, Ph.D., IBS Adjunct Professor, states that the interface between Buddhism and psychotherapy is an increasingly important one for both the individual psychotherapist and for the practical integration of Buddhist teaching into contemporary Western society.

The program will begin in the Fall 2009 semester and requires eight classes, the equivalent of a year of graduate level study, plus additional half-day clinical training sessions each semester that the student is enrolled in the program.

Admission to the program will require demonstration that one is already either a licensed psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, pastoral counselor, or other professional; or Buddhist ministers with substantial training, or a clinician who has completed the MA or PhD, and is currently completing hours for licensure.

In addition, the IBS will offer the Master of Divinity Degree ( MDiv) starting in the fall. The three year professional degree is common to all seminaries throughout the United States, and will fulfill chaplaincy requirement for the Association of Professional Chaplains.

For further information on the two programs, contact the Institute of Buddhist Studies.