From PAU to Spiritual Psychology® : Dr. Dara Goldberg's Journey of Healing and Hope

Dr. Dara Goldberg (Class of '09), a proud alumna of Palo Alto University (formerly Pacific Graduate School of Psychology), has dedicated her life to bridging the worlds of spirituality and psychology. As the founder of Spiritual Psychology® LLC and the author of Awaken Your Inner Goddess and Awaken Your Inner Goddess Journal she has developed a unique approach to healing, personal growth, and existential understanding. Her journey—marked by academic rigor, spiritual exploration, and an unwavering commitment to instilling hope—exemplifies the profound impact of PAU’s education on its graduates.

Reflecting on her time at PAU, Dr. Goldberg credits the university with providing a strong empirical foundation to support her natural inclination toward intuitive healing. "I have always had a spiritual background, but the reason I wanted to study at PAU was to place a scientific lens on my understanding of healing," she recalls. "I wanted to ensure that my work was scalable and empirically sound, and PAU provided me with that opportunity."

Among the many lessons she carries from her alma mater, two stand out: the importance of instilling hope and the insightful words of her professor, Dr. Livingston, who often reminded students that "everything is data." This perspective enabled her to approach complex psychological and emotional landscapes with objectivity and insight, blending her empathic approach with structured analysis. She also learned early on that the foundation of being a good clinician is to offer clients a sense of hope, no matter the circumstances. 

Dr. Goldberg’s path was not linear—nor did she expect it to be. She describes her career as a series of "redirections," each one ultimately leading her closer to her purpose. While at PAU, she found herself at the Institute of Aging in San Francisco, an internship that profoundly shaped her understanding of existential psychology. Working with the elderly, she encountered individuals reflecting on life’s biggest questions—providing her with invaluable insight into grief, loss, and resilience. She then transitioned to crisis and triage work at Kaiser, where she further refined her ability to provide immediate care and instill hope in those facing moments of acute psychological distress. "It was on the front lines that I learned the importance of making someone feel truly safe when they reach out for help," she shares. "That is a cornerstone of spiritual psychology—holding space for vulnerability while guiding individuals toward inner strength."

After years of clinical practice, Dr. Goldberg took a bold step: she trademarked Spiritual Psychology® and launched her company, Spiritual Psychology® LLC. She has been developing this framework for over 20 years, focusing on grief, loss, and connection to soul purpose. "Living with a sense of abundance, trusting that the universe will provide what you need to fulfill your calling—this is at the heart of my work," she explains. Her framework has been applied in various settings, from skilled nursing facilities to telehealth services, and she envisions expanding its reach even further. "I want to make this scalable. I want to ensure that everyone, no matter where they are in the world, has access to this kind of holistic, integrated care." 

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Goldberg is also an accomplished author. During the pandemic, she wrote Awaken Your Inner Goddess, its audiobook companion, and Awaken Your Inner Goddess Journal, all of which serve as guides for those navigating grief, personal transformation, and self-empowerment. "I consider books to be like children—they are birthed through you, taking on a life of their own," she says. Her writing captures the essence of spiritual psychology, blending existential thought, and practical therapeutic techniques to guide readers through life’s transitions. Her goal is not only to help individuals overcome loss but also to expand their consciousness and fully step into their personal power. "Grief, loss, and change are part of the human experience. But when you allow yourself to open to the light, to trust that there is something greater unfolding, you can move from suffering to transcendence." 

For those embarking on their own journeys in psychology, Dr. Goldberg offers a simple but profound piece of advice: "Recenter into what truly calls you. There will be redirections—embrace them. They are often the universe’s way of guiding you where you are truly meant to go. Stay in flow state, expand your consciousness, and don’t let fear constrict you. The world needs your unique gifts."

Her story is a testament to the power of PAU’s education, the importance of staying true to one’s calling, and the limitless potential of combining science and spirituality in the pursuit of healing.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @spiritualpsychology_llc.