John Chirban

Professor and Chair of Human Development Program

BA,  Hellenic College and MDiv, Holy Cross School of Theology
ThM, and ThD,  Harvard University
PhD,  Boston University

John T. Chirban maintains special interest in integrative studies of medicine, psychology, and religion. He serves as professor of psychology and Chairman of the Human Development. His current research activities include a psychohistory study examining extensive tape recordings over a twenty year period with B. F. Skinner concerning psychology and religion, development of sex education curriculum that integrates topics of sex, intimacy, and love; and a research study examining the empowerment of children to overcome experiences of shame, trauma, and harassment. In 2003, he was named 40th Anniversary Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard University. He is also clinical instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School at The Cambridge Health Alliance. His recent books include: Holistic Healing in Byzantium (Holy Cross Press, 2008); What's Love Got to Do with IT?  Talking with Your Kids about Sex (Thomas Nelson, 2007); True Coming of Age - A Dynamic Process that Leads to Emotional Well-Being, Spiritual Growth, and Meaningful Relationships (McGraw-Hill, 2004); Raised in Glory: Orthodox Understandings of Death, Resurrection, and Immortality (Holy Cross Press, 2002); Sickness or Sin? Spiritual Discernment and Differential Diagnosis (Holy Cross Press, 2001).  Dr. Chirban authors many academic and trade articles and maintains active involvement in research projects based in his work at Harvard Medical School concerning spirituality and psychotherapy and sexuality and psychotherapy that bridge academic, research, and professional activities for students at Hellenic College.  He also serves as Director of the Institute of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion in Cambridge, MA and has served on the Advisory Board for the Dr. Phil Show since its inception.

Curriculum Vitae pdf

Courses:  

• Counseling and Psychotherapy
• Spiritual Discernment and Differential Diagnosis
• The Psychology of Love
• Bullying, Harassment, and Violence
• Faith and Heath
• Field Practicum