Close-up of natural wood grain rings forming a textured, concentric pattern.
Close-up of natural wood grain rings forming a textured, concentric pattern.
Clarissa Cigrand headshot

News & Updates

Clarissa Cigrand, PhD, LPC

Core Assistant Professor, Academic Course Lead Coordinator

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Concentration (residential and low residency)

EDUCATION:

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado, MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, BS in Psychology and a Minor in Ancient Greek from the University of Iowa

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

COURSES TAUGHT:

Social and Multicultural Foundations, Counseling and Helping Relationships I, Counseling and Helping Relationships II, Research Methods and Program Evaluation, Counseling Practicum, Professional Orientation and Ethics I, Professional Orientation and Ethics II
Clarissa Cigrand, PhD, LPC, is a Core Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Faculty and Curriculum in the Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling concentration of the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She is an educator, researcher, mental health counselor, and clinical supervisor and received her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is passionate about the fields of transpersonal counseling, contemplative practice, contemplative pedagogy, ways of knowing, and social justice and liberation and deeply enjoys the honor of supporting bourgeoning counselors in their development.

PUBLICATIONS:

  • Cigrand, C. B. (2020). Contemplative Pedagogy: A Grounded Theory of the Integration of Contemplative Practices and Perspectives Within Counselor Training. University of Northern Colorado.
  • Cigrand, C. (2020). Contemplative practice: A proposal in reducing novice counselor’s performance anxiety and excessive self-focus. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 13(4), 2.
  • Cigrand, C. (2021). Bringing learning to life: The contemplative counseling classroom. In Kaklauskas, F. J., Nimmanheminda, S., Hoffman, L., Jack, M., & Perlstein, J. (Eds.). (2021). Brilliant Sanity (Volume 1, Revised & Expanded Edition): Buddhist Approaches to Psychotherapy. University Professors Press.
  • Quaglia, J. T., Cigrand, C., & Sallmann, H. (2022). Caring for you, me, and us: The lived experience of compassion in counselors. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 321.

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

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If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

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At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

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Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today.