Top 5 Best Somatic Psychology Graduate Programs for Trauma-Informed Training
Why Somatic Psychology Degrees Are in Demand
Somatic psychology is rapidly growing as clients and clinicians alike recognize that talk therapy alone doesn’t always address the full imprint of trauma and stress. Neuroscience now confirms what body-based traditions have taught for centuries — our nervous system, muscles, fascia, and breath all carry emotional memory.
A somatic psychology degree equips you to work at this intersection of mind and body, blending traditional psychotherapy with evidence-based somatic methods. Whether your goal is to become a licensed therapist, a somatic counselor, or an integrative coach, choosing the right graduate program is crucial.
What to Look for in a Somatic Psychology Degree
When evaluating programs, prioritize these core elements:
Integrated Mind–Body Curriculum
Look for coursework that blends somatic therapy, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral methods, and functional health principles.
Hands-On Clinical Training
High-quality programs require practicum or supervised clinical work so you can develop embodied presence and therapeutic skill.
Faculty Expertise
A multidisciplinary teaching team — including therapists, neuroscientists, healers, and movement specialists — ensures you learn from multiple perspectives.
Licensure Pathways
If you plan to become a licensed mental health provider, confirm whether the degree meets your state’s requirements. If not, see whether the school offers an additional pathway to licensure.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
Many students are already in the wellness or therapy field. Hybrid or low-residency programs can make study manageable alongside practice.
1. MA in Integrative Psychology — Integrative Psychology Institute
Integrative Psychology Institute Master’s Program
Location: Online with 2 in-person retreats
Length: 18 months, 48 quarter credits
Cost: $27,100 (before transfer credits)
Link: https://www.integrativepsychology.org/integrative-psychology-masters-degree
The Integrative Psychology Institute offers one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking somatic psychology programs available. Their MA in Integrative Psychology prepares students for private practice as an integrative therapist, with the option to build a coaching practice while earning credit.
Key Features:
Somatic Core — Includes advanced somatic interventions, nervous system regulation, embodied relational work, and trauma-informed body-based methods .
Multimodal Framework — Combines somatic therapy, attachment-based therapy, CBT/DBT, functional health, and spiritual/existential psychology.
Specialized Concentrations — Options in Clinical Somatic Therapy, Psychedelic Therapy, Addiction Counseling, or Educational Psychology.
Bridging Ancient & Modern — The program uses Plato’s chariot metaphor to explore intellect, identity, and soma, integrating Eastern and Western perspectives.
Practical Business Training — Courses on building your private practice and acquiring clients, with mentorship from the first year.
Licensure Note:
The MA meets licensure/certification requirements for addiction counseling in most states. Students aiming for LMFT or LPCC can take additional coursework after graduation to meet requirements in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
2. California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Degree: MA in Integral Counseling Psychology or MA in East-West Psychology
Cost: ~$50,000–$60,000 total tuition (depending on program)
Format: In-person and hybrid options
Duration: 2–3 years
Website: https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/east-west-psychology/about-the-ma
CIIS is one of the most established names in holistic and integrative psychology. Their programs combine Western clinical frameworks with Eastern philosophy, depth psychology, and spiritual traditions. The Integral Counseling Psychology program is designed for those seeking licensure (MFT or LPCC), while the East-West Psychology track is more academic and exploratory.
CIIS is ideal for students interested in Jungian theory, transpersonal psychology, and consciousness studies. With courses on ritual, meditation, trauma healing, and embodied presence, it's a leading choice for those seeking a spiritually grounded and clinically sound education.
3. Somatic Counseling MA — Naropa University
Location: Boulder, CO
Length: 3 years, in-person
Cost: $1,215 per credit ($70,000+)
Website: https://www.naropa.edu/programs/graduate-academics/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
Naropa’s program merges contemplative education with rigorous somatic training. It includes tracks in Body Psychotherapy and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT). Students engage in intensive in-person practice, movement labs, and supervised clinical internships, preparing them for licensure in Colorado and other states.
4. Body Psychotherapy MA — Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI)
Note: Currently merged with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
This historically influential program has trained many leaders in somatic psychology. While no longer operating independently, its curriculum — now integrated into The Chicago School — continues to influence body-based therapy education.
5. MA in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Somatic Psychology — John F. Kennedy University / National University
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA (now part of National University)
Length: ~3 years
Cost: Varies by unit
JFK University’s program, now integrated into National University, has a long-standing reputation for combining traditional counseling psychology training with a robust somatic specialization. The curriculum blends body awareness practices, movement therapies, and trauma-informed care with core psychotherapy competencies.
Highlights:
Designed to meet LMFT and LPCC licensure requirements in California.
Courses in body awareness, movement analysis, and somatic approaches to trauma.
Integration of mindfulness, movement, and psychodynamic theories.
In-person experiential labs alongside academic coursework to develop embodied therapeutic presence.
This program is ideal if you want the foundation of a counseling psychology degree with the added focus on somatic integration, while keeping a clear pathway to licensure.
Practical Steps to Choose Your Program
Action this:
Clarify Your Licensure Goals — If you want to be a licensed therapist, focus on programs that meet state board requirements or offer a clear pathway to licensure.
Assess Your Learning Style — Choose between immersive in-person training (Naropa, CIIS) or flexible hybrid formats (Integrative Psychology Institute).
Review Curriculum Fit — Ensure the somatic modalities you’re drawn to — whether SE, DMT, or body-mind integration — are core parts of the program.
Plan Financially — Factor in tuition, travel for residencies, books, and possible licensing fees. Look for programs with scholarships or payment plans.
Talk to Alumni — They can provide honest insight into faculty quality, workload, and real-world application.