Celebrated on May 15, 2022

Father LeRoux, S.J. Conference Center, Seattle University

Photo of the program foundersThe Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) Program in Existential Phenomenological (EP) Psychology began to train therapists in a radically new philosophical healing model in 1981. The art and human science of existential-phenomenological therapy offered a deeply humanistic and experiential relational framework for creating apprenticeships with meaning making in the therapeutic journey for therapist and patient.

The central founders of this new model, George Kunz, Steen Halling, Lane Gerber, Jan Rowe, Kevin Krycka, and Jim Risser, brought forward a vision for a reframing of human suffering from reductive pathology to passage and possibility.

Welcome and introduction to the 40th anniversary of the Master of Arts in Psychology program by Dr. Randall Horton and Dr. Claire LeBeau.

Founders Circle: Dr. Lane Gerber, Dr. Steen Halling, Dr. Kevin Krycka, and Dr. Jim Risser talk about their experiences from the beginnings and their hopes for the future in a panel led by Dr. Erica Lilleleht.

The Psychotherapy Cooperative: Past President, Karen Halsey, MAP ‘97, and current president, Emilie Zuckerman, MAP ’14, and Administrator, Melany Grout, MAP ’21, talk about their experiences of mission and vision of this non-profit in a panel led by Dr. Claire LeBeau, MAP ’97.

New Frontiers in Consciousness Studies and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Panel led by current MAP student, Ava Keating, ‘23 and recent alumni, Shane Mitchell. MAP ’21, and Andrew Carnahan, MAP ’17.

Liberation Psychotherapy and Community Psychology: Kaleb Sinclair, MAP ‘21, Kelvin Peprah, MAP ‘17, and Neshia Alaovae, MAP ‘16, talk about their experiences as therapist healers and activists for social and liberatory justice in a panel led by Dr. James Norris, MAP ’09.

Founders Interview: In 2006, the Seattle University Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP program) Founders, Steen Halling, Lane Gerber, Jan Rowe, and George Kunz sat down together to describe their experiences in forming and navigating the early years of the Existential-Phenomenological Therapy model that has been a core part of the spirit of innovative Jesuit Ignatian Pedagogy at Seattle University since its founding in 1981.