Latest news with #NaropaUniversity
Business Wire
15 hours ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Naropa University Launches Low-Residency Somatic Counseling Program Amid Rising Demand for Trauma-Informed Therapists
BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the national rise in demand for trauma-informed mental health care, Naropa University will launch a low-residency format of its Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Somatic Counseling concentration in Summer 2026. As the nation's leading institution for contemplative higher education, Naropa is eager to provide one of the only accredited Somatic Counseling programs of its kind in the U.S. The offering enables aspiring therapists to pursue licensure-track training in body-centered counseling through a combination of online coursework and in-person retreat intensives held in Colorado. The new low-residency modality mirrors the on-campus degree path in both curriculum and academic rigor. It is designed to serve working professionals, caregivers, and geographically distant students who seek access to Naropa's established counseling training but cannot relocate to Boulder for the existing on-campus format. Students will complete asynchronous and synchronous online coursework while attending required in-person retreat intensives in Colorado, typically held twice annually. These intensives provide direct experience in movement practices, touch ethics, and somatic-based clinical skills in supervised group settings. Graduates are typically eligible for licensure as professional counselors, depending on state requirements. Students enrolling in the Summer 2026 cohort may also remain eligible for Graduate PLUS loan forgiveness under current federal repayment plans, ahead of proposed U.S. Department of Education policy changes that may affect future borrowers. "This expansion is about meeting the moment in a time when more people are facing the challenges of trauma, disconnection, and burnout,' said Heather Sutton, core faculty member in Naropa's Somatic Counseling program. 'Somatic counseling meets those challenges not just with insight, but with presence and recognition of the wisdom of the body. With this new low-residency format, we're honoring the integrity of our training while making it possible for more students to step into this healing work, no matter where they live." Meeting the Growing Need for Somatic Therapists According to a 2024 report by Coherent Market Insights, the global somatic therapy market is projected to grow from $4.01 billion in 2025 to $12.40 billion by 2032. This anticipated 210% increase is driven by rising demand for integrative, trauma-informed care. Despite that growth, few graduate programs in the U.S. provide accredited training in somatic modalities. Rooted in contemplative education and embodied practices, Naropa's Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Somatic Counseling concentration trains students in body-based therapeutic methods alongside clinical mental health counseling, equipping them to work with trauma, grief, addiction, and related challenges through evidence-informed and experiential techniques. Amidst the shifting landscapes of higher education and mental health care, Naropa's low-residency Somatic Counseling concentration offers both practical flexibility and spiritual depth for those who may have never had access to this type of education and program before. To learn more or apply for the low-residency cohort, visit: About Naropa University Naropa University, nestled in Boulder, Colorado, was established in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Drawing its name and inspiration from the teachings of the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, this private university stands out distinctly among America's higher education landscape in its effort to integrate eastern wisdom with traditional western scholarship. Recognized as the pioneering force behind contemplative higher education and the start of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is the sole institution to integrate a university-wide contemplative pedagogical approach. At Naropa, education transcends the ordinary; the institution embraces the entirety of its students—mind, body and spirit—augmenting traditional methodologies with practices like meditation. Since receiving its accreditation in 1986, Naropa University consistently upholds the exacting standards for quality and accountability set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more at
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gen Z's ‘Main Character Energy' Is Running Low, According to New Survey on Mental Well-Being
Many Zoomers Turn to Doomscrolling or Retail Therapy to Cope With Mental Overload; But Some are "Touching Grass" BOULDER, Colo., June 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As college students might say: the "vibes are off" across the country. A staggering 94% of Americans say they sometimes feel mentally overwhelmed, and the crisis cuts deep for Gen Z (ages 18-28) at 97%. A new survey conducted online by The Harris Poll for Naropa University, a leader in mindfulness education and one of Colorado's top educators of mental health counselors, paints a sobering picture. Many Gen Z (i.e., Zoomers) see themselves as helpers, are emotionally overloaded and unsure how to find relief. More than two-thirds (68%) of Zoomers agree that they often put other people's emotional needs ahead of their own, and 61% report that they don't know where to turn when they feel emotionally overwhelmed. While more than 80% of Gen Z are on social media, it may not be able to deliver the support they need. "We commissioned this survey to better understand how people, especially younger generations, emotionally navigate in today's world," said Charles G. Lief, President of Naropa University. "The mental health issues experienced today require fresh approaches to how mental health professionals are trained. That includes recognizing and anticipating the very real risk of professional burnout experienced by therapists, teachers, first responders and others in the helping professions." A Social Media Paradox: Mental Health Trends Aren't Enough Starkly compared to a minority of Gen X ages 45-60 (43%) and Baby Boomers ages 61-79 (18%), a majority of Gen Z and Millennials ages 29-44 (63% each) agree they often find mental health information on social media (e.g., TikTok, YouTube, Instagram). Both generations feel like the information is falling short, with 58% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials agreeing that finding self-care tips online is as helpful as putting a band-aid on a broken bone. "Gen Zers are emotionally intelligent and aware, but they are stressed," said Azara Santiago-Rivera, Ph.D., Dean of Graduate Psychology at Naropa University. "Gen Zers are open to receiving mental health services and are proactive in seeking such services, including online services. That openness has led to increased demand for services. Our findings show a generation hungry for deeper, more meaningful self-care than the superficial tips they find online." What Gen Z Coping Looks Like Gen Zers report some of the ways they are coping with being mentally overwhelmed include: 29% doomscroll—more than any other generation (17% Millennials, 6% Gen X and 2% Boomers); 47% binge-watch TV; 27% use retail therapy; and 64% listen to music Yet, 31% report touching grass (i.e. engaging with the real world) as a coping tactic, more than any other generation (24% Millennials, 16% Gen X and 15% Boomers). Nearly a third (31%) of Gen Z report going off the grid (i.e.., taking a break from technology/social media) to deal. "These are insightful techniques," remarked Santiago-Rivera, "that can open people up to a more formal introduction of mindfulness and other contemplative tools to break out of the mental overload which is negatively affecting anyone seeking a level of relief and healing." Zoomers Are Running on Empty, Some Feel Like NPCs Gen Z are less likely than Millennials to report full energy levels when thinking about the state of the world. Imagining themselves as characters in a video game, only 19% describe their energy levels as full, compared to 26% of Millennials. Nearly one in 10 (8%) of Gen Z say they feel like an NPC (non-playable character) when thinking about the state of the world, perhaps indicating growing disassociation and nihilism. Survey Method This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Naropa University from May 6-8, 2025, among 2,085 adults ages 18+, among whom 391 are Gen Z (ages 18-28). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. Email the contact information below for more information on the survey or additional generational data. Gen Z data can be found here. To learn about Naropa's contemplative education programs and approach to mindfulness, visit About Naropa University Naropa University, nestled in Boulder, Colorado, was established in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Drawing its name and inspiration from the teachings of the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, this private university stands out distinctly among America's higher education landscape in its effort to integrate eastern wisdom with traditional western scholarship. Recognized as the pioneering force behind contemplative higher education and the start of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is the sole institution to integrate a university-wide contemplative pedagogical approach. At Naropa, education transcends the ordinary; the institution embraces the entirety of its students—mind, body and spirit—augmenting traditional methodologies with practices like meditation. Since receiving its accreditation in 1986, Naropa University consistently upholds the exacting standards for quality and accountability set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact Molly SposatoGrasslands: A Journalism-Minded AgencyMolly@
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Gen Z's ‘Main Character Energy' Is Running Low, According to New Survey on Mental Well-Being
BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As college students might say: the 'vibes are off' across the country. A staggering 94% of Americans say they sometimes feel mentally overwhelmed, and the crisis cuts deep for Gen Z (ages 18-28) at 97%. A new survey conducted online by The Harris Poll for Naropa University, a leader in mindfulness education and one of Colorado's top educators of mental health counselors, paints a sobering picture. Many Gen Z (i.e., Zoomers) see themselves as helpers, are emotionally overloaded and unsure how to find relief. More than two-thirds (68%) of Zoomers agree that they often put other people's emotional needs ahead of their own, and 61% report that they don't know where to turn when they feel emotionally overwhelmed. While more than 80% of Gen Z are on social media, it may not be able to deliver the support they need. 'We commissioned this survey to better understand how people, especially younger generations, emotionally navigate in today's world,' said Charles G. Lief, President of Naropa University. 'The mental health issues experienced today require fresh approaches to how mental health professionals are trained. That includes recognizing and anticipating the very real risk of professional burnout experienced by therapists, teachers, first responders and others in the helping professions.' A Social Media Paradox: Mental Health Trends Aren't Enough Starkly compared to a minority of Gen X ages 45-60 (43%) and Baby Boomers ages 61-79 (18%), a majority of Gen Z and Millennials ages 29-44 (63% each) agree they often find mental health information on social media (e.g., TikTok, YouTube, Instagram). Both generations feel like the information is falling short, with 58% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials agreeing that finding self-care tips online is as helpful as putting a band-aid on a broken bone. 'Gen Zers are emotionally intelligent and aware, but they are stressed,' said Azara Santiago-Rivera, Ph.D., Dean of Graduate Psychology at Naropa University. 'Gen Zers are open to receiving mental health services and are proactive in seeking such services, including online services. That openness has led to increased demand for services. Our findings show a generation hungry for deeper, more meaningful self-care than the superficial tips they find online.' What Gen Z Coping Looks Like Gen Zers report some of the ways they are coping with being mentally overwhelmed include: 29% doomscroll—more than any other generation (17% Millennials, 6% Gen X and 2% Boomers); 47% binge-watch TV; 27% use retail therapy; and 64% listen to music Yet, 31% report touching grass (i.e. engaging with the real world) as a coping tactic, more than any other generation (24% Millennials, 16% Gen X and 15% Boomers). Nearly a third (31%) of Gen Z report going off the grid (i.e.., taking a break from technology/social media) to deal. 'These are insightful techniques,' remarked Santiago-Rivera, 'that can open people up to a more formal introduction of mindfulness and other contemplative tools to break out of the mental overload which is negatively affecting anyone seeking a level of relief and healing.' Zoomers Are Running on Empty, Some Feel Like NPCs Gen Z are less likely than Millennials to report full energy levels when thinking about the state of the world. Imagining themselves as characters in a video game, only 19% describe their energy levels as full, compared to 26% of Millennials. Nearly one in 10 (8%) of Gen Z say they feel like an NPC (non-playable character) when thinking about the state of the world, perhaps indicating growing disassociation and nihilism. Survey Method This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Naropa University from May 6-8, 2025, among 2,085 adults ages 18+, among whom 391 are Gen Z (ages 18-28). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. Email the contact information below for more information on the survey or additional generational data. Gen Z data can be found here. To learn about Naropa's contemplative education programs and approach to mindfulness, visit About Naropa University Naropa University, nestled in Boulder, Colorado, was established in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Drawing its name and inspiration from the teachings of the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, this private university stands out distinctly among America's higher education landscape in its effort to integrate eastern wisdom with traditional western scholarship. Recognized as the pioneering force behind contemplative higher education and the start of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is the sole institution to integrate a university-wide contemplative pedagogical approach. At Naropa, education transcends the ordinary; the institution embraces the entirety of its students—mind, body and spirit—augmenting traditional methodologies with practices like meditation. Since receiving its accreditation in 1986, Naropa University consistently upholds the exacting standards for quality and accountability set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more at
