SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 22, 2005–As US students head back to school, 30 in Japan are donning caps and gowns for graduation. The first commencement from Alliant International University’s Clinical Psychology Masters Program will turn out a pioneering band of Japanese-trained psychologists on Saturday, September 10 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo.
“Japan, like other countries, feels stress related to an aging population and adults trying to care for both children and elderly parents. The Japanese also feel extraordinary pressure to achieve in school and business,” explained Program Director Nancy Piotrowski, Ph.D. “Traditionally, they have struggled alone; the idea of seeking professional help with these pressures and normal transitions associated with birth, families and death is a new one. But that is changing. The services of modern-day clinical psychologists — specially trained to function in Japan — can lessen suffering for families and communities.”
Headquartered in San Francisco with campuses throughout California and in Mexico City, Alliant prepares students for professions in the applied social sciences of psychology, education, business and related fields. The unique, three-year Clinical Psychology Masters Program in Japan is run by Alliant’s California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) and geared toward adults who take courses part-time while also attending to career and family.
“Our dedicated students and faculty have worked tirelessly to make this day a reality, and we are proud of them,” said Dr. Geoffrey Cox, newly appointed Alliant President. “The objective of the pioneering Japan program is to develop culturally competent practitioners to serve people in the community.”
Classes are taught in Japanese and are held both online and face-to-face, including intensive week-long training experiences once each year. Currently, more than 100 students are enrolled; 25 will graduate and 24 will join the program this fall.
“Masters-level psychology training that is clinical in nature is relatively new in Japan,” said Piotrowski. “Our curriculum is unique in several ways. In addition to our part-time executive training format, we offer a supervised clinical training experience, called a practicum, so students get practice in providing clinical services to clients.”
The program responds to the growing need for well-educated and culturally-aware clinical psychologists who understand the complex issues of ethnicity, community, sexuality, age, gender, religion and social class.
Families of graduates and journalists are encouraged to attend the graduation. Advance R.S.V.P. required; call Alliant in the US toll-free at 866-825-5426. Commencement begins promptly at 4 and runs until 5:30 pm at the Keio Plaza Hotel, 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8330, Japan.
Alliant International University
Alliant International University has prepared students for professional careers in the applied social sciences of psychology, education and business since 2001. CSPP, now a school within Alliant, has been training professional psychologists for more than 30 years. Alliant offers a unique curriculum that combines academic learning and apprenticeship in all courses of study. With accredited programs at San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, Irvine and San Diego locations, Alliant also hosts accredited programs in Mexico City, Mexico and Tokyo, Japan. For information call 415-955-2037 or visit the new website at www.alliant.edu.
