Independent Studies | University of Waterloo

Independent studies is the ideal place for a person that has diverse or unconventional areas of interest, is mature and self- motivated in their approach to learning and study, and is not afraid of creating and exploring new possibilities.

That is why it is the ideal program for a person like Rob McRae.

Coming to UW specifically for the hidden jewel that is the IS program, Rob is a mature student with clear direction towards a pastoral counseling profession. To this end he brings a solid foundation and understanding of world religions and mystic traditions – a field in which he published his first book in 2006 (Living As God: Healing the Separation, Namasté Publishing, Vancouver).

Rob is delighted to use the flexibility of the IS degree to deepen this knowledge by studying both religious and psychological fields (in both its mainstream and eclectic areas) and to learn more about how to apply and integrate ancient wisdom (such as advaita, meditation and self-inquiry) to Western psychotherapeutic healing techniques (such as cognitive/ behavioral therapy).

Currently, he volunteers teaching a meditation based stress-reduction technique within the Grand River Hospital’s Withdrawal Management centre and hopes to do much more work of this kind.

Rob’s website: www.emptyfullness.com

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Rob McRae This page was last reviewed on August 4, 2011