DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

The Integration of Mental Health and Theology at the School of Psychology, Family, and Community

Mental health is comprised of the nexus of biological, psychological and social domains. In recent years there has been a growing recognition of the equally important domain of spirituality in the health and well-being of individuals, couples and families.

Some students wish to bring skills and knowledge from both mental health disciplines and Christian theological understanding into their work. Church positions which incorporate roles of pastor and therapist come to mind — for example, Pastor for Family Ministries or Inner-City Work with Homeless Families. Licensed therapists working within a church counseling center might fit here too. Students seeking a sense of call to both ministry and delivery of professional mental health counseling services would do well to consider the dual-degree programs in Seattle Pacific Schools of Theology and Psychology, Family & Community.

What are Benefits of Integrating Mental Health Issues and Theology at the School of Psychology, Family, and Community?

• Faculty Expertise and Experience
A cadre of core Seattle Pacific Seminary and SPFC faculty members have research and publishing experience in the psychology of religion, including such topics as Christian faith and mental health, the mental health needs of Christian clergy, and the social psychology of Christian congregations. In addition, key faculty members have dual degrees themselves in marriage and family, clinical psychology, and theology.

Claudia Grauf-Grounds, Ph.D.

John Thoburn, Ph.D., ABPP

Marcia Webb, M.Div., Ph.D.

 

• Relevance of Theology and Mental Health Functioning Together
Worldview assumptions powerfully impact the actions, thoughts, and emotions in human experience. Examining these issues from theological perspectives, as well as the perspectives of mental health disciplines, provides a more holistic vision of the human person. This integrative perspective offers a bio-psycho-social and spiritual viewpoint on human experience.

• Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Research
Faculty in both the Seminary and SPFC are interested in interdisciplinary research with students. Research opportunities exist for both master’s and doctoral-level students.

What Programs within SPFC offer dual degrees?

Marriage and Family Therapy

Learn more!