Pacifica Graduate Institute

Pacifica Graduate Institute Pacifica is an accredited graduate school with two campuses in Santa Barbara, California
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The importance of symbol and metaphor in personal and cultural imagery or the recognition of the dynamic interplay between the natural world and the world of the human psyche—are articulated in all of the Institute's programs. At its core, Pacifica is rooted in its vision: animae mundi colendae gratia (for the sake of tending the soul of the world). Our learning environment and curriculum draws st

udents from around the world by offering them a variety of different cultural experiences and competencies. Students learn to engage in an empathetic and meaningful way the complexity of what it means to be a global citizen and to fulfill the Pacifica mission of tending to the multiplicity of soul in the world.

Founded in 1976, Pacifica Graduate Institute emerged from a bold and uncommon vision: to create a place of higher learni...
06/02/2026

Founded in 1976, Pacifica Graduate Institute emerged from a bold and uncommon vision: to create a place of higher learning devoted to the study of psyche, soul, myth, and meaning, and to do so in service of both individual transformation and the wider world.

In 2026, Pacifica stands at a moment of reflection and renewal as it marks its 50th Anniversary. In a world facing profound cultural, ecological, and psychological challenges, Pacifica’s founding vision feels not only relevant, but essential. For fifty years, Pacifica has tended soul in and of the world. The story continues forward, grounded in depth, shaped by community, and guided by a lasting commitment to education in service of psyche and society.

To mark the occasion, Pacifica is launching a special webpage dedicated to our history and special anniversary events.
Please visit to look back, share your stories, and stay updated.

Honoring Our Legacy, Dreaming Our Future: www.pacifica.edu/50th-anniversary

Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing ahead of Goddess-Makers 2026. Goddess-Makers gathers scholars, artists, clinicians,...
06/02/2026

Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing ahead of Goddess-Makers 2026.

Goddess-Makers gathers scholars, artists, clinicians, and leaders to stand consciously in this moment. Together, we will explore creative practice as oracular force — sacred listening to the creative unconscious in a time when old myths falter and new images press toward form.

Goddess-Makers 2026
Oracles of the Creative in an Age of Collapse: An Arts-based Research Conference
August 28 – 30, 2026

Early Bird Pricing info and more here: https://loom.ly/5OR2V2E

The Power in Your Hands: An Interview with Shannon AlgeoShannon Algeo MA, AMFT, APCC, is a psychotherapist, public speak...
05/28/2026

The Power in Your Hands: An Interview with Shannon Algeo

Shannon Algeo MA, AMFT, APCC, is a psychotherapist, public speaker, meditation teacher, author of Trust Your Truth, and an alum of Pacifica’s Masters in Counseling Psychology program. Shannon’s recent book, The Power in Your Hands: Liberate Yourself From Attachment to Technology is “both an urgent wake-up call and a compassionate roadmap” about society’s attachment to technology and how to reclaim one’s life.

“I learned that if I want to become a steward of my attention, I must see—with fierce sobriety and gentle compassion—the ways in which devices seek to exploit my attentional agency and the ways in which my own daily habits are complicit in such exploitation.”

Read the full interview here: https://loom.ly/Iisr_vI

Pacifica Graduate Institute Commencement 2026
05/23/2026

Pacifica Graduate Institute Commencement 2026

05/22/2026

The faculty and administrative staff of Pacifica send their very best wishes and congratulations to our 2026 graduates.

May the heart and soul of Pacifica carry through to the next chapter of your life and into the work that you will be doing out in the world.

Dr. Stephen Aizenstat is the founding President of Pacifica Graduate Institute and a seminal figure in the development o...
05/22/2026

Dr. Stephen Aizenstat is the founding President of Pacifica Graduate Institute and a seminal figure in the development of depth psychology education in the United States. A professor of depth psychology with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, he is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and a credentialed public‑school teacher and counselor. Over more than four decades, Dr. Aizenstat has explored the transformative potential of dreams and imagination through scholarship, teaching, and global organizational consulting, shaping a body of work that bridges psychology, culture, and lived experience.

As the visionary architect of Pacifica, Dr. Aizenstat established an institution grounded in the motto animae mundi colendae gratia—for the sake of tending soul in and of the world—and lived that in his guidance of Pacifica through his retirement as President and beyond. His innovative dream tending methodologies, articulated in his books Dream Tending and The Imagination Matrix, extend traditional dreamwork to envision an animated world where living dream images are experienced as embodied, originating in both the psyche of nature and the psyche of persons. This foundational idea is the tap root of Pacifica’s mission and continues to inform its values, curriculum, and community.

As is appropriate with the Institute celebrating the milestone of our 50th year, Pacifica honors Dr. Aizenstat’s enduring legacy to the school and as a scholar, leader, and steward of depth psychological thought by welcoming him as the 2026 Commencement speaker.

Commencement info: https://loom.ly/58zk-8A

05/20/2026

Dr. Vanja Bokun Popović, co-teacher for Pacifica Extension's Advanced Graduate Certificate, Black Moon Lilith: The Astrological Portal of Refusal and Liminal Intelligence gives an overview of her introduction to Black Moon Lilith, how her understanding of refusal and autonomy has changed, and how this work can change the way therapists, coaches, or consultants engage with clients.

Learn more about the course here: https://loom.ly/dO8hahQ

Vanja Bokun Popović, PhD

The Counseling Psychology Department looks forward to hosting its annual Thesis Presentation Day on Friday, May 22nd. Th...
05/19/2026

The Counseling Psychology Department looks forward to hosting its annual Thesis Presentation Day on Friday, May 22nd. This meaningful event provides an opportunity for graduating students of the MA Counseling Psychology program present their thesis research work to fellow classmates, loved ones, faculty, staff, and the larger Pacifica community. Through this work, students have the opportunity to showcase their research findings and experiences throughout the multi-year thesis process. This event is always an important ritual experience, and it is our honor to witness our graduates as they present their research work.

Thesis Presentation Day will take place on Pacifica’s Ladera Lane campus throughout the day, from approximately 9 am – 5 pm PT. A livestream option via Zoom will be available for guests who are unable to attend in person or prefer to join remotely.

More info: https://loom.ly/qb3wjek

Congratulations to all of the presenters!

Congratulations to our 2026 graduates! The 2026 Commencement will be this Saturday, May 23rd in Santa Barbara, Californi...
05/18/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 graduates! The 2026 Commencement will be this Saturday, May 23rd in Santa Barbara, California.

For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit our commencement info page for more details on lodging, logistics, and ceremony details: https://loom.ly/58zk-8A

Rooted in the traditions of depth psychology and the humanities, Pacifica’s programs challenge students to think critically, live authentically, and engage the world with heart and purpose. This year’s graduates leave prepared not only with advanced degrees, but with a mission to tend soul, in themselves, in others, and in the world.

Navigating the world of financial aid can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Join us for an informative and intera...
05/12/2026

Navigating the world of financial aid can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Join us for an informative and interactive webinar on financial aid for Pacifica.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4th, 2025, includes legislation that transforms federal financial aid policies for higher education, which are proposed to take effect on July 1, 2026. Pacifica has been closely monitoring the details of the bill and its effects on our students, whether you are currently enrolled or a prospective new student.

We invite you to learn more at our upcoming FREE Financial Aid Webinar.
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM PT
Register: https://loom.ly/cWKF4II

Address

249 Lambert Road
Carpinteria, CA
93013

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10pm
Tuesday 8am - 10pm
Wednesday 8am - 10pm
Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 10pm

Telephone

+18059693626

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