Ken Brown's Interests Converge in Psychology Program at Bastyr

Ken Brown became intrigued by the relationship between health and the mind after he finally lost the weight that he had tried to lose many times.

"I wanted to know what was different in my mind that made it possible for me to succeed this time," he says. "I became interested in studying topics relating to how the mind is connected to things like weight loss and overall health, but I could not decide between a career in psychology, nutrition or exercise science."

"Then, when I discovered that Bastyr's bachelor's degree in psychology with a health concentration addresses all of these areas, and how each affects mental health, I felt as though the program was tailor-made for me," he says.

A Florida native, Ken had a similar feeling about Seattle before moving here. He took a vacation to Seattle and the area seemed perfect for him. "I had a feeling there was something there for me. I decided to move to Seattle. My friends did not really understand. At that point, I did not know if or what I was going to study. I just wanted to come here."

His life had been stable and predictable until that point, as he had worked for Walt Disney World in Florida for 13 years. He worked in many of the theme-park's areas, enjoying the "people" aspect of the job but feeling stifled in other realms. While there, he earned an associate of arts degree (AA), but he had not chosen a bachelor's degree program.

After deciding to move to Seattle, he initially considered attending the University of Washington and studying psychology. "Then I went to the University of Washington campus and decided it was too huge for me," he says. Soon after, he saw an advertisement for Bastyr's health psychology program in The Stranger newspaper.

"I've loved it ever since," he says. This program exactly what he was looking for, a fresh, holistic approach to the mind-body connection as it applies to mental health and wellness. He also likes the personalized attention he receives due to the class size of 20. Since all students attend the same classes, they get to be good friends, he says. Another benefit of his having chosen Bastyr, he says, is that a larger number of his AA credits transferred compared to some other schools.

Ken appreciates the "biopsychosocial" model that guides the psychology program at Bastyr. This perspective - an approach that takes into account the biological, psychological and social factors that affect a given situation - is unique for a psychology program. In every example studied, the textbook and instructors give the pros and cons of each perspective, providing a whole, balanced picture. "I don't think I would get that at another school," asserts Ken.

One of the most exciting things about the program, says Ken, is that they study "mental wellness," which focuses on mind/body/spirit healing modalities that can improve mental health and well-being. Classes such as Principles of Well-Being and Holistic Interventions in Addictions provide knowledge about these holistic health care modalities.

Ken's favorite class so far has been Stress and Disease Process. In that rigorous class, students study how mental stress affects physical health. "One thing we learned was that it's not simple cause and effect," he says, "Many factors contribute to stress, such as how a person is eating, if they're exercising, social factors, and many other things." The class focus is on physiology, including the nervous system, circulatory system, neurotransmitters and hormones. It is not easy, but students unanimously love it, he says. "Professor Lester is the best. She is very smart and knows a lot. She also explains things in a way that you can understand - and she makes sure you know it."

"Stress and Disease Process presents the cutting edge of what the profession is just learning about this subject," he continues, noting that expert guest lecturers visit the class and provide real-world experiences or the latest scientific research. The faculty, all of whom have PhDs, make sure students are exposed to the newest research. The faculty overall is a strong point of the program, according to Ken. "I like knowing that we have such a well-educated faculty. They also have an open door policy, taking an interest in helping us to succeed and in helping us plan our futures."

Ken feels well prepared for graduate school. "Since we have done so many presentations in this program and I can do them so well now, I feel as though I will have an edge in graduate school and in my professional life."

In graduate school, Ken would like to focus his further studies either toward teaching, working as a counselor or becoming a researcher. He knows from past experience - and from his studies - that with persistence, he will discover the most suitable path for him.

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