The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
Mars Hill Graduate School (MHGS) specializes in a masters degree program for Counseling & Psychology and Divinity. located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, MHGS presents an integrated approach in its contemplating of theology alongside psychological theory. As a seminary MHGS is not affiliated with a specific denomination nor is it related to Mars Hill Church (also located in Seattle), but it draws from many parts of the Christian tradition, and is especially inclusive of Postmodernity. Influential to its theological roots has been Stanley Grenz who taught at the school for several years. Psychologist, Dan Allender currently serves as its president and help found the school in 1997. Allender, as a psychologist and author, is a frequent speaker on sexual-abuse recovery and has been key to shaping the school's counseling program. From a psychological perspective, MHGS teaches its counseling courses from a psychodynamic modality that utilizes an existential experience along with attachment theory and object relations stressed in its curriculum.
MHGS first offered classes in 1997, as a branch campus of Western Seminary. In 2002, MHGS officially made the transition to being an independent institution. MHGS is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). [1]