Frequently Asked Questions

"I know that this program places strong emphasis on the Buddhist understanding of mind and on meditation practice. Do I have to be a Buddhist to do this program? Do you expect me to become one?"

Not at all! Actually very few of our students are Buddhist. Of those who are, many different traditions are represented. Students from other spiritual traditions and those who feel no special connection with any tradition are part of our community.

"Can I do this program part time?"

Unfortunately, no. One of the most powerful aspects of the program is the community of classmates who journey together for three years. One’s classmates provide support and challenge. This continuity provides a reference point as one goes through the many changes of working with oneself and others. The restructuring of the curriculum makes the program accessible to some students who could have not have participated in it before.

"What if I have children?"

The program tries to be responsive to the needs of parents, but it is more difficult for parents to do this program. At the same time, many parents have done it. Generally the problem area is leaving for the Maitri programs. We try to arrange for parents to visit their children. Occasionally, a parent is allowed to bring a child to Maitri. In that case, a parent must provide for a full-time "nanny."

"Are there prerequisites for this program? I haven’t studied psychology before."

We do not have any specific prerequisites for the program. We have found that some of our most effective students have come from backgrounds other than psychology. Significant life experience seems to be the most valuable prior "work" one can have done. However many internship placements will not accept students who have not had some experience in the field. For this reason we strongly encourage those without such experience to do volunteer work either before they come or during the first two years of the program. A background or some reading in psychology can, of course, be very useful before entering the program.

"Can I get licensed after completing this program?"

After completing the program, all graduates are eligible for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential in Colorado. Candidates must complete two thousand hours of supervised work post-graduation, and complete a written exam. Graduates may also be licensed in other states, however they are subject to the requirements for licensure in that state. For preliminary information on a state other than Colorado, see http://www.nbcc.org/users/stateapplicants.htm. In addition, you may call 303-245-4830 for more details.