Mission
The Spirituality Mind Body Practices (SMB) Area of Focus of the MA Psychology in Education Degree at Teachers College, Columbia University is the first Ivy League area of studies dedicated to merging spirituality and evidence-based research within the context of clinical psychology.
The SMB Area of Focus provides an innovative framework in which students translate their inner journeys into outer change. As an incubator for experiential learning and teaching, contemplative inquiry, collaboration and research, the SMB Area of Focus allows for students to connect to themselves and their work on a deeper level. They are provided with opportunities to build their own curriculum, implement long-term projects and conduct studies in the concentration of their particular interest.
At the heart of SMB Graduate Studies is a spiritual foundation that fosters connection and collaboration through a dynamic exchange of ideas among students, faculty and special guest lecturers. This structure allows for ongoing support through the process of personal and professional transformation. The SMB Area of Focus is designed to build a global community of inspiring educators, mind-body healers, spiritual activists, mental health professionals and visionaries to catalyze a paradigm shift in education.
Core Values:
- Inner, experiential development for more meaningful outer implementation and change
- Sustainability within the context of interpersonal growth
- An integrative and interdisciplinary approach to learning rooted in traditional forms of psychology
- Spiritual leadership development for self-actualization
- Innovative, collaborative thinking geared towards an emerging generation of service-oriented leaders