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Frequently Asked Questions

New to USM

What is Spiritual Psychology?
Spiritual Psychology is the study and practice of the art and science of Conscious Awakening. Watch Drs. Ron & Mary Hulnick, Founders of Spiritual Psychology, speak about the essence and origins of Spiritual Psychology: [youtube_sc url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QeOeJpFC8Q"] Or, read the transcript below:

What Is Spiritual Psychology?

Ron: We're often asked, “Well, just what is Spiritual Psychology?” And you know, if you look up the word psyche in the dictionary you're going to see the definition being “Breath of life; Soul.” And if you look up the word psychology in a dictionary you're going to see “the science of mind and behavior.” Somehow breath and soul got converted into the science of mind and behavior. When we call it Spiritual Psychology we're really just bringing it back to the roots of what it was when it was first inspired on the planet. Psychotherapy really is all about the care of the soul. At USM, we take that one step further. I'd say it would be more about—oh, I'll call it the soul's awakening journey. That's what we do at USM. Mary: And the way that we define Spiritual Psychology is that it is the art and practice of conscious awakening; awakening into the awareness of who we truly are. There are three essential questions: The first question, “Who am I?” and the second question, “Why am I here—what is my purpose?” and the third question, “How can I make a more meaningful contribution; how can I  somehow experience that my life has value and purpose, and that my being here is truly making a difference?” Ron: This is especially important these days for young people. We're finding more and more young people are coming to USM—because they have this internal knowing that there must be more to life than what we're seeing around on the planet at this time. There's just a deeper level of living that's available to them. And they are yearning for, oh, I'll call it a sense of freedom to explore that which they are experiencing within themselves. We see this more and more and more as time goes on. You are an inherently loving being who is using a human experience for purposes of your spiritual growth. Think about that, learning the validity of that experientially. “What is my purpose?” Learning how to answer that question experientially by actually doing things in the world where you have the experience of being used in a very, very positive and uplifting way and making a meaningful contribution in your world. If you're listening to this, you're probably aware that you can earn as much money as you want, and it's not going to do it for you. What will do it for you is to know that you're being fulfilled through the way that you are living your life. USM helps people to step into those realities—and we've been doing it for over thirty years. In fact, between you and me, it's our favorite thing to do!
Can USM’s Spiritual Psychology Programs assist me in discovering my life’s purpose?

Right now, more than any time in history, people are evaluating their lives through the filter of these essential questions:

  1. Who Am I?
  2. What Is My Purpose?
  3. How Can I Make a Meaningful Contribution?

For more than 30 years, the University of Santa Monica, the Worldwide Center for the Study and Practice of Spiritual Psychology®, has been diligently and lovingly providing innovative Programs in Spiritual Psychology. The University’s Soul-Centered experiential educational paradigm evokes in students their own answers to these three essential questions resulting in more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives. Each individual student is recognized, honored, and respected for the Essence of who they truly are and their unique gifts.

Who are USM Graduates?
One knows the true nature of the tree by the fruit it produces. And so, for us at the University of Santa Monica, our graduates, their lives, relationships, careers, and their contributions in the world are the true measures and celebrations of how a University of Santa Monica education can transform a human life. We invite you to see their stories and, ideally, connect with them in person at one of our Complimentary Evenings. To experience the miracle of our graduates is to experience the miracle of the University of Santa Monica.
What does USM mean by “spiritual”?

The University’s programs are based on universal spiritual principles. As scholars, poets, and wise people have been saying for centuries, there is a deeper level within each of us that we refer to as the Authentic Self or Soul, the spiritual dimension of human consciousness. This is the level of awareness that people who meditate seek to explore, and (as those who say they have succeeded report) all that is ever found there are Peace, Love, Joy, and Infinite Compassion. It is at this level that we, as human beings, begin to experience who we truly are as spiritual beings with spiritual purpose independent from the personality dictates of the mind and emotions.

What’s unique about USM?

Like each of us, the world of education is evolving. In each era, institutions of higher learning have brought forward new paradigms of thought and practice to assist the world in overcoming the challenges of the times. And so, for hundreds of years, institutions of higher learning have been operating within the paradigm of Knowledge, meaning the acquisition of information, in service to fueling passages marked by monikers like the “Industrial Age” and the “Information Age.”

Would it be in service to humanity for there to be an institution of higher learning whose purpose was not to equip students with more knowledge but to provide them with opportunities for the healing and transformation of their own consciousness, along with principles and practices that empower them to make a meaningful contribution in their world?

Can I apply to USM if I don’t have a bachelor’s degree or I am in process with completing one?

Yes! A bachelor’s degree is not a requirement to apply to Soul-Centered Living. However, a high school diploma/GED or its equivalent is required. Contact an Admissions Advisor for more details at (310) 829-7402.

What books do you recommend on Spiritual Psychology?
Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick, pioneers and worldwide leaders in the field of Spiritual Psychology, have written several books on the topic. Their latest book, Remembering the Light Within: A Course in Soul-Centered Living, was published in 2017 by Hay House and can be purchased at ronandmaryhulnick.com. We also recommend their book, Loyalty to Your Soul: The Heart of Spiritual Psychology, which can be purchased through Amazon.com. We invite you to learn more about Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick and the field of Spiritual Psychology by reading the articles and viewing videos on the University of Santa Monica website.
Who are the faculty for USM’s Programs and Workshops?

Founding Faculty and Co-Directors of the University, Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick are the lead facilitators at the University of Santa Monica. They are pioneers and innovators in the field of Spiritual Psychology and are the designers of the University’s life-changing curriculum. To see Ron’s bio, click here. To see Mary’s bio, click here.

Licia Rester-Frazee also serves on the University’s faculty as a facilitator for USM's Program and Workshops. Additionally, she serves as USM’s Director of Online Education, where she works closely with Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick to translate the Principles and Practices of Spiritual Psychology to the interactive medium for the Online component of USM's curriculum. To see Licia’s bio, click here.

Are USM Programs a form of therapy or a drug and alcohol recovery program?

USM Programs are not a form of therapy nor are they a drug and alcohol recovery program. The Programs at the University of Santa Monica are Soul-Centered experiential education processes designed to provide students opportunities for learning and applying the Principles and Practices of Spiritual Psychology in service to transforming their consciousness and Awakening into the fuller awareness of their Essential Nature.

These Programs are not intended to replace or be an alternative to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, psychiatric, or other medical services provided by trained, licensed professionals.

The University’s Programs are not intended to be a detoxification program or a recovery support group. Nor are they intended to be a substitute or alternative to such programs. If you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, we urge you to seek a program designed to help you achieve sobriety. Once having achieved a stable level of sobriety, many people have reported the Programs to be an important and valuable adjunct to their [12-step] recovery program.

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