Monday rolled around and it was time to visit JFK University in the small suburb town of Pleasant Hill. If you have not read my earlier post about my California leg of this trip, go back and do so. With that as context, I continue.
I was not expecting anything spectacular considering my top choice for schools let me down so hard a few days earlier. But I had made appointments and I was determined to see what they had to offer.
When I arrived, the admissions person with whom I had an appointment had to leave early, so I spoke with someone less than informed about my specific program (counseling psychology with a somatic focus). Not the best start, but then it rapidly improved. I attended an info session with three other students and learned a lot about the program and the school. The professor giving the session was obviously a therapist as he was patient, listened well and was quite organized. I was pleased.
Then I got to speak with a professor who teaches in the somatic section and I got many more questions answered. I learned there are only three schools offering (and accredited) what I want. I already visited the first and I am not that interested in Naropa. Therefore my choices were a bit limited. Actually, she teaches for both CIIS and JFK so she was able to confirm my perspective on CIIS.
In actuality, JFK did not need to be spectacular. I found them (Profs, fellow students, staff members) to be approachable and I felt that my experience was honored. Plus they were organized and cohesive.
I learned that many of their students have jobs and / or families and I appreciate the ample life experience students will bring to the table as it were. The school does the quarter system, four eleven week sections, so my year will be full. But that also means there are four shorter vacations, which will be useful.
I am still planning to apply to CIIS, but I’m not sure why. JFK practically told me I was in if I write a quality personal statement. But I keep hearing great things about the projects and faculty of CIIS. Maybe I want to give them another chance (to help me feel supported or comfortable at their school). Time will tell. At present tough, there is a very good chance I am heading out to Ca for graduate school in a year. And I’d say I will probably be at JFK.
Meditation Informs Healing Facilitation 
This is so great that you are doing this, Kirby!! I have looked at those three programs too, not seriously, but just because I am so glad they exist and that the profession is incorporating somatic psychology. They will be SO lucky to have you, and you will contribute so much to their continued development! And likewise for you! Yay all around.