About

Oksana Yakushko, PhD is a researcher, writer, educator, and practicing psychodynamic therapist. She often publishes and presents on her research related to xenophobia, immigration, eugenics, diversity, and social justice. She frequently works as a consultant for organizations and legal institutions, providing depth psychological and historical expertise.

Dr. Yakushko is a core faculty member and chair of the clinical psychology program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, which emphasizes “depth” psychological traditions, including psychoanalytic, Jungian, post-Jungian, indigenous and critical. 

Based in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Yakushko offers psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to individuals seeking to not only discover solutions for their life concerns, but also to gain greater understanding of their inner lives and shift long-standing patterns in their relationships and career. Her clinical expertise focuses on issues related to gender and sexuality, embodied experiences, relational traumas, and social traumas (e.g., experiences of social prejudice and cultural oppression). Her work is suited for individuals seeking to grow their creative aspirations, to develop satisfying relationships, and to face life's losses. 

Education

Candidate, national training in psychoanalysis, New York city, ny | 2017 - Present

doctor of philosophy, university of missouri-columbia | 1999-2004

Major Area: Counseling Psychology (APA Accredited)
Tracks: Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies, Multicultural Counseling, Psychodynamic Therapy 
Graduate Minor: Women’s and Gender Studies

Master of Science in Education, university of kentucky, lexington | 1997-1998

Major Area: Educational and Counseling Psychology
Degree Awarded: December 1998

AWARDS

2018 | Woman of the Year Award, Section for the Advancement of Women, Division 17

2015 | Contribution to Depth Psychological Leadership Award, Pacifica Graduate Institute

2015 | Leslie Hewes Award, Best Publication, Great Plains Research

2011 | American Psychological Association, Jefferson Cup (Governance Leadership)

2008 | American Psychological Association Presidential Citation

2008 | Oliva Espin Social Justice Award in Psychology, American Women in Psychology