Chapter 1 : John Rowan (psychologist) - Wikipedia Transpersonal psychology (also known as transpersonal counselling) is a humanistic approach to therapy that was developed by American psychologist, Abraham Maslow in the s. The term 'transpersonal' means 'beyond the personal', and this reflects the core aim of the therapy - to explore human. Definition[ edit ] Lajoie and Shapiro [8] reviewed forty definitions of transpersonal psychology that had appeared in academic literature over the period from to They found that five key themes in particular featured prominently in these definitions: Based upon this study the authors proposed the following definition of transpersonal psychology: In a review of previous definitions Walsh and Vaughan [1] suggested that transpersonal psychology is an area of psychology that focuses on the study of transpersonal experiences and related phenomena. These phenomena include the causes, effects and correlates of transpersonal experiences and development, as well as the disciplines and practices inspired by them. They have also criticised many definitions of transpersonal psychology for carrying implicit assumptions, or presuppositions, that may not necessarily define the field as a whole. Note a Hartelius, Caplan and Rardin [9] conducted a retrospective analysis of definitions of transpersonal psychology. They found three dominant themes that define the field: Analysis suggested that the field has moved from an early emphasis on alternative states of consciousness to a more expanded view of human wholeness and transformation. This development has, according to the authors, moved the field closer to the integral approaches of Ken Wilber and Post-Aurobindonian theorists. Although transpersonal psychology is relatively new as a formal discipline, beginning with the publication of The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology in and the founding of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology in, it draws upon ancient mystical knowledge that comes from multiple traditions. Transpersonal psychologists attempt to integrate timeless wisdom with modern Western psychology and translate spiritual principles into scientifically grounded, contemporary language. Another important figure in the establishment of transpersonal psychology was Abraham Maslow, who had already published work regarding human peak experiences. Maslow is credited for having presented the outline of a fourth-force psychology, named transhumanistic psychology, in a lecture entitled "The Farther Reaches of Human Nature" in Early use of the term "transpersonal" can also be credited to Stanislav Grof and Anthony Sutich. At this time, in â 68, Maslow was also in close dialogue with Grof and Sutich regarding the name and orientation of the new field. Both humanistic and transpersonal psychology have been associated with the Human Potential Movement. A growth center for alternative therapies and philosophies that grew out of the counter-culture of the s at places like Esalen, California. The Association for Transpersonal Psychology was established in Mainly in the form of a synthesis of diverse disciplines. Another important contributor to the field, Michael Washburn, was drawing on the insights of Jungian depth psychology. The s were also characterized by the work of Stanislav and Christina Grof, and their concept of spiritual emergence and spiritual emergencies. In the early s a group within APA division 32 Humanistic Psychology argued in favor of establishing transpersonal psychology as a separate division within the framework of the American Psychological Association. A petition was presented to the APA Council in, but was turned down. A new initiative was made in, but it failed to win the majority of votes in the council. In the petition was presented for a third and final time, but was withdrawn by the executive board of Division Turner and Francis Lu. Cortright [44] and Sovatsky [45] made contributions to transpersonal psychotherapy. Both authors published their primary work as part of the SUNY-series. Note b Lukoff, Turner and Lu, writers in the clinical field, were the authors behind the proposal for a new diagnostic category to be included in the DSM-manual of the American Psychiatric Association. The category was called "Psychoreligious or psychospiritual problem" and was approved by the Task Force on DSM-IV in, after changing its name to Religious or spiritual problem. In he formed Integral Institute. In the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology announced that it was changing its name to Sofia University. A change that included a new profile in the academic landscape, with an expanded graduate program. Among these schools Page 1
we find the Analytical psychology of Carl Jung, [3] [12] [44] the psychosynthesis of Roberto Assagioli, [3] [13] and the humanistic psychology of Abraham Maslow. Barry established transpersonal psychology as a valid action research method in the field of education through his Ph. Other transpersonal disciplines, such as transpersonal anthropology and transpersonal business studies, are listed in transpersonal disciplines. Transpersonal art is one of the disciplines considered by Boucovolas, [53] in listing how transpersonal psychology may relate to other areas of transpersonal study. In writing about transpersonal art, Boucovolas begins by noting how, according to Breccia and also to the definitions employed by the International Transpersonal Association in, transpersonal art may be understood as art work which draws upon important themes beyond the individual self, such as the transpersonal consciousness. This makes transpersonal art criticism germane to mystical approaches to creativity. Certain aspects of the psychology of Carl Jung, as well as movements such as music therapy and art therapy, may also relate to the field. More recently, the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, in, Volume 37, launched a special edition devoted to the media, which contained articles on film criticism that can be related to this field. Several academic fields have a strong relation to the field of transpersonal psychology. Related academic fields include near-death studies, parapsychology and humanistic psychology. The major findings of near-death studies are represented in the Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology, [4] and in The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology. A few commentators [20] [57] [58] have suggested that there is a difference between transpersonal psychology and a broader category of transpersonal theories, sometimes called transpersonal studies. According to Friedman [58] this category might include several approaches to the transpersonal that lie outside the frames of science. However, according to Ferrer [59] the field of transpersonal psychology is "situated within the wider umbrella of transpersonal studies". Transpersonal psychology may also, sometimes, be associated with New Age beliefs and pop psychology. Rowan [62] even states that "The Transpersonal is not the New Age". The Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, there is still generally considered to be a clear distinction between the two. The following list is adapted from the Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology [4] and includes: The research of transpersonal psychology is based upon both quantitative and qualitative methods, [11] but some commentators, such as Taylor, has suggested that the main contribution of transpersonal psychology has been to provide alternatives to the quantitative methods of mainstream psychology. Several commentators [9] [32] [65] note that he has distanced himself from the transpersonal field in favour of a new model that he calls integral. However, his psychological model still remains influential to the practice and development of transpersonal psychology, [18] and transpersonal themes remain a central part of his own work. His initial contribution to the understanding of human development was a spectrum-model of psychology, [3] [18] [39] [66] [67] originally outlined in his first books, The Spectrum of Consciousness [35] and The Atman Project - A Transpersonal View of Human Development That is, a confusion of transpersonal progression with prepersonal regression. Wilbers understanding of the levels of consciousness, or reality, ranging from matter to body to mind to soul to spirit, [32] or from prepersonal to personal to transpersonal, [72] [73] is often referred to as the "Great Chain of Being". This overarching framework, that is adapted from the "perennial philosophy" of the worlds great spiritual traditions, is later reformulated by Wilber as the "Great Nest of Being". According to commentators he stopped referring to his work as transpersonal, in favor of the term integral, by the mids. The combination of quadrants and levels resulting in an all-quadrant, all-level approach. The theory also included the concept of holon, "a whole that is simultaneously part of some other whole", and holarchy, "hierarchical holons within holons". Similar to the model presented by Wilber is the information theory of consciousness presented by John Battista. Battista suggests that the development of the self-system, and of human psychology, consists of a series of transitions in the direction of enhanced maturity and psychological stability, and in the direction of transpersonal and spiritual categories. His model presents a series of developmental tasks with corresponding levels of consciousness and psychopathology, and discusses therapeutic interventions in relation to the different levels and transitions. Later in life this contact is weakened, and the Page 2
prepersonal stage is followed by a new stage of development where the ego is dissociated from the dynamic ground. A regression that paves the way for transcendence, [39] and a fully embodied life. Washburn has contrasted his own perspective, which he calls spiral-dynamic, to the developmental theory of Ken Wilber, which he calls structural-hierarchical. Grof returns to many of these findings in later books. Perinatal levels, which correspond to the theories of Otto Rank, is the area of physical pain and agony, dying and death, biological birth, aging, disease and decrepitude. Transpersonal levels, corresponding to the theories of C. Jung, is the area of a number of spiritual, paranormal and transcendental experiences, including ESP phenomena, ego transcendence and other states of expanded consciousness. In order to bring structure to the psychodynamic and perinatal levels Grof introduces two governing systems, or organizing principles: The COEX-system, which is the governing system for the psychodynamic level, and the Basic Perinatal Matrices, which represent the birthing stages and is the governing system for the perinatal level. This has led to the confrontation of constructive and deconstructive models of the process leading to genuine mental health: According to Sovatsky these are maturational processes, affecting body and soul. According to his model a number of advanced yogic processes are said to assist in "maturation of the ensouled body". In his revision of transpersonal theory Ferrer questions three major presuppositions, or frameworks for interpretation, that have been dominant in transpersonal studies. These are the frameworks of Experientalism the transpersonal understood as an individual inner experience ; Inner empiricism the study of transpersonal phenomena according to the standards of empiricist science ; and perennialism the legacy of the perennial philosophy in transpersonal studies. According to Ferrer "the ocean of emancipation has many shores". That is, different spiritual truths can be reached by arriving at different spiritual shores. He defines these events as "emergences of transpersonal being that can occur not only in the locus of an individual, but also in a relationship, a community, a collective identity or a place. Brown [94] adopts the participatory paradigm as a means to fostering clinical pluralism. In their outline of transpersonal therapy they emphasize that the goals of therapy includes both traditional outcomes, such as symptom relief and behaviour change, as well as work at the transpersonal level, which may transcend psychodynamic issues. Both Karma Yoga and altered states of consciousness are part of the transpersonal approach to therapy. Besides drawing on the insights of post-freudians, such as D. Winnicott, Sovatsky integrates his approach to psychotherapy with an expanded understanding of body and mind, informed by the philosophy of Yoga. He also presents a unifying theoretical framework for the field of Transpersonal Psychotherapy, and identifies the dimension of human consciousness as central to the transpersonal realm. He also addresses clinical issues related to meditation, spiritual emergency, and altered states of consciousness. Instead he suggests that these two lines of development are intertwined, and that they come to the foreground with shifting emphasis. Within contemporary psychoanalysis it has been suggested that, from a clinical point of view, postulating a transcendent dimension to human experience is theoretically necessary in promoting non-reductive approaches to therapy. Note d Many of the psychological difficulties associated with a spiritual crisis are not ordinarily discussed by mainstream psychology. Note e The term "spiritual emergence" describes a gradual unfoldment of spiritual potential with little disruption in psychological, social and occupational functioning. A spiritual emergency may cause significant disruption in psychological, social and occupational functioning. Their concern was the possibility of misdiagnosis of these problems. The category was approved by the Task Force in, after changing the title to "Religious or Spiritual Problem". In their view there exist criteria for differentiating between spiritual problems and mental disorders such as psychosis. Addition of the new category to the DSM-system was recognized by the psychiatric press, [3] [] [] [] [] and the New York Times. Chinen [20] notes that the inclusion marks "increasing professional acceptance of transpersonal issues", while Sovatsky [45] sees the addition as an admittance of spiritually oriented narratives into mainstream clinical practice. Page 3
Chapter 2 : 6 Facts About Transpersonal Psychology 2 Transpersonal in Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling can be so overly simplistic so as to seem naã ve; or, alternatively, it can be so complex that a prior knowledge is needed just to understand the. It includes the spiritual experience Transpersonal Counselling can be distinguished from many other forms of counselling by its attendance to the spiritual dimension of life. It could be said that most models of psychology focus on either the abnormal or the normal functioning of the human being. The Transpersonal model also includes ways of being or functioning which are beyond the normal, in the realm of concepts such as transcendent or mystical experiences, enlightenment and access to higher wisdom. It is concerned less with making us normal and more with developing our fullest potential as human beings. Crisis, illness and difficulty are placed within this larger context of growth. Our troubles and trials are an integral part of the process of becoming, not merely symptoms we need remove in order to return to our lives as they were before. Once we move through a particular phase of our healing journey we can become more awake, alive and whole than we were before our troubles came along. Whilst Transpersonal Counselling includes and attends to the spiritual domain, this is not exclusive of the other elements of human experience. It is a holistic approach which values the entire person. Talking, thinking, meaning-making, feeling and expressing emotions and creating strategies can all be a part of the process. Whilst the work can move beyond the personal to the spiritual, unconscious and archetypal domains, it also includes the personal as a valid and meaningful part of the whole. It recognizes and utilises different states of consciousness An important element in the Transpersonal map of the human being is that we exist within a spectrum of consciousness. That is to say that there is a wide range of possible ways that we can experience ourselves and our realities. An ordinary day consists of many shifts in states, from sleeping and dreaming to the cognitive realm of thinking and planning, to the imaginative realm of daydream or reverie, to the embodied experience of vigorous exercise, to the dissolving and merging of making love, to depression, anxiety, peak experiences of oneness with the universe, and endless other possibilities. It is important to realise that each state has its own qualities, potentials and resources. The Transpersonal approach understands this and seeks to use this knowledge for the benefit of the person. There is a science or an art to accessing particular states. The Transpersonal Counsellor is someone who has been trained in guiding others to access specific states for the purposes of healing. Simple examples include meditation, hypnosis, guided visualization and deep emotional experiencing. The Transpersonal approach is especially suited to people for whom spirituality is an important aspect of their lives. Transpersonal Counselling is also a good fit for people who may be undergoing crises of meaning or purpose, and for those who are working to integrate peak spiritual or non-ordinary experiences into their lives. In a relationship counselling context, the Transpersonal approach is very supportive for those who see their relationships as vehicles for their personal and spiritual growth and are committed to being as conscious in their relationships as possible. The Transpersonal model has come together as a conglomeration of influences from various sources, not from any particular individual. As such, there may be varying definitions of Transpersonal Counselling that highlight different aspects of the approach. Also, like within any model of therapeutic work, the approach of different Transpersonal Counsellors can vary greatly from person to person. Whilst finding the right counselling approach is important, probably more important is finding the right counsellor for you. Page 4
Chapter 3 : Transpersonal Psychotherapy and Counselling â Alef Trust Early pioneers of transpersonal counselling and psychotherapy include Carl Jung (although he did not use the term) and Roberto Assagioli. More recent developments include the Process Oriented Psychology approach of Arnold and Amy Mindell. What is the difference between transpersonal and more conventional approaches to psychotherapy and to what extent do they complement each other? What sort of transformation do transpersonal approaches in psychotherapy aim to facilitate? What is the role of the therapist in transpersonal psychotherapy? She was born in Northern Ireland and has lived in the Netherlands since the s. Zelda has been working with groups and individuals for over thirty years. A main influence in her approach is the work of Arnold Mindell Process Oriented Psychology and she was chair of the Association for Process Oriented Psychology in the Netherlands for seven years. She also has a background in Body Oriented Therapy. Zelda gained her MSc. Her dissertation was on the significance of childhood dreams for psychospiritual development. Her work on dreams and body symptoms has been published in both Dutch and in English. She is a tutor in therapist training programmes in the Netherlands. Her interests lie in the exploration of the role of the body and of physical symptoms in spirituality. He is a steering committee member of the transpersonal faculty of the UKCP. Research interests include psycho-spiritual and socio-cultural causes and consequences of ecological problems, the possible evolution of sustainability, human evolution in transpersonal andeco-systemic context, and clues to the latter within spiritual-religious texts, scriptures and myths. He has always been inspired by the invisible web of relationships between beings that constitute the eco-system. In this course we explore transpersonal approaches in therapy, including what distinguishes them from non-transpersonal approaches. The module therefore engages with the extent to which both experience and outlook are necessary to defining the aim of psychotherapy as transpersonally orientated or otherwise. Approaches to all psychotherapy involve both experience and frameworks for interpreting and making meaningful sense of that experience. This is, however, akin to the purposes of non-transpersonal psychotherapies. As such, it offers the possibility of discovering our wholeness and interconnectedness in a way that contributes to the conscious evolution of the human species and planet Earth. It can be seen as a contemporary equivalent of opportunities that have and still are offered in all spiritual-religious traditions. Flavours and influences of diverse traditions can be found within it whilst it remains neutral with respect to any of them in particular. Early pioneers of transpersonal counselling and psychotherapy include Carl Jung although he did not use the term and Roberto Assagioli. Yet other approaches are based on techniques such as Holotropic Breathing and binaural beats. As with other types of experience, experience stimulated by such techniques and substances can be understood and applied to egocentric as well as transpersonal purposes, depending on outlook and priorities of the experiencer. This is a term used to describe ways in which spiritual ideas and practices can be, often unconsciously, used as a way of avoiding looking at and processing emotional issues, often generated early in life. Approaches to contemporary spirituality can have a tendency to neglect this dimension of spiritual work, and how important it was considered in many of the older traditions. However, it is clearly important to the process of truly grounding ourselves in our body physical and emotional, and in our connection with and dependence on the planetary body. Come and study purely for personal interest and enrichment â and get the same level access as our postgraduate students who will be studying alongside you! Enrolment information Length of study: This course features 2 discussion forums, experiential activities and several live webinars. February This course runs for 10 weeks and starts in February of each year. You can study at your own pace and partake in the webinars and forums as much as you like. We offer a unique transformational learning experience and will be here to guide you through every step of your journey with Alef Trust. Please leave this field empty. Page 5
Chapter 4 : Mindfulness-Based Counseling Psychology Naropa University Below are six other facts about transpersonal psychology, from the therapist's role in psychotherapy to transpersonal psychology's history as a field. 1. Transpersonal psychology doesn't. Frequently Asked Questions What types of students benefit most from the whole-person academic perspective offered in the your program? Students in our program share an interest in whole-person approaches to psychology such as humanistic, transpersonal, holistic, integral, somatic, contemplative, Jungian, and East-West. This typically includes Working professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge, advance their education, contribute to research, and bring greater meaning to their existing field of experience. Idea entrepreneurs or activists who wish to use their education as a foundation for consulting, writing, or teaching in the public sphere. Individuals who are in transition in life and who, after varied life experiences, are expanding their worldview to a more whole-person perspective. International students from diverse places on the globe seeking graduate training and a whole-person education. Do I need to have an MA in psychology to apply to the program? You do not need to have an MA in psychology. Many of our students come from social sciences and humanities backgrounds with some coursework in psychology. Students with a lighter background in psychology may be encouraged to take one or more foundational courses in psychology from another program at CIIS, or at a college in their own community. The Integral Counseling Psychology program provides the required academic coursework and professional training necessary to apply for the marriage and family therapist MFT license. The PsyD program provides doctoral-level academic and professional training, and prepares students to become licensed clinical psychologists. The East-West Psychology program integrates the study of world religions with western psychology and psycho-spiritual practice. Our program shares an interest in transpersonal and consciousness studies with some of these programs, but our program comes to the topic with an interest in whole-person-based psychological research. Does the program prepare students to become licensed therapists? No, the our program does not prepare students for licensure as psychological counselors, psychotherapists, or clinical psychologists. However, the degree is designed to serve students who have earned MAs in counseling or psychotherapy. Some of these students will pursue further doctoral studies in topics related to counseling psychology, such as integral psychotherapy, somatic psychology, expressive arts therapy, drama therapy, and community mental health. For what kind of career does the program prepare me? It is expected that many of the graduates from our program will continue working in their established fields as psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, consultants, activists, organizers, leaders, teachers, researchers, nurses, physicians, or lawyers, or in fields related to personal development, social change, or environmental protection. Some students who are entrepreneurially inclined may become consultants, writers, speakers, or workshop leaders. A few may go into academic teaching or research and publication. May I speak with a faculty member before I apply? We provide various forums during which you can meet with a faculty member and discuss your interest in the program, including the biannual CIIS open houses and program information sessions. You can also arrange to attend an online class by contacting the admissions counselor for this program. Our admissions counselor is also able to discuss with you your academic interests and goals, give you program materials and financial aid information, and provide a tour of the university building, which will give you a sense of the intellectual and integral climate of the university. Why does each semester include six units of coursework? In order to qualify for financial aid, you must take a minimum of 6 units per semester. What types of financial aid or student employment are available? Additionally, some students are employed within the university as student workers. It is best to speak directly with a financial aid officer to understand the specifics, and to request that financial aid information be sent to you. Please write to finaid ciis. Will I have a chance to be interviewed? After you submit your application and application materials, our admissions office will forward your materials to the program for review. You may then receive an invitation from our program coordinator for an interview. After Page 6
the interview, the our program will decide whether to offer admission, and if you are accepted, will make recommendations about prerequisite courses and choice of academic advisor. This process takes between two and four weeks. Can I transfer credits from previous graduate work? You can transfer in a maximum of six units, but only after the program has looked at your previous coursework and determined if the work is eligible. This is done after you have been accepted. Page 7
Chapter 5 : How To Become A Transpersonal Therapist blog.quintoapp.com The Transpersonal in Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling is written in an accessible style that appeals to the lay reader as well as experienced clinicians. It offers an in-depth exploration of transpersonal thinking in relationship to the helping professions, in particular psychotherapy and the 'depth psychologies'. Here is what transpersonal therapy can do for you Anxiety: Sustained worry and anxiety can interfere with your sleep, create difficulties in decision-making or completing a task, and in the long run, can damage your health. Worry can exhaust you to the point of feeling literally consumed on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Melancholy or depression takes away the joy of living, bringing darkness and hopelessness in your life. The activities and people that once made you happy now feel empty and meaningless. Most of your energy is gone. Seeking therapy or spiritual counseling may be scary because PTSD can make you feel not fully in control of your actions or feel hopeless about your life. Yet, there is help also for you. So, as you see, transpersonal psychotherapy and spiritual counseling are much more than regular therapy. It works on many levels. But what is this type of therapy exactly? What is Transpersonal Psychotherapy and Spiritual Counseling? How Does it Work? But, why is this so? Well, because the more inner support you have, the easier the process of healing. In your life, have you ever noticed how the pain, or inner discomfort, decreases when you are in contact with a sense of inner support when you are having a good day? They offer you a different way of looking at the healing process. What if my depression, anxiety orâ is biological, can transpersonal therapy or integral counseling help? Well, the latest research shows that nature and nurture cannot be looked at separately. Our unique experience of the environment stimulates our genes in a specific way, and our unique genes affect the perception of the environment. The two go hand-in-hand. Moreover, research shows that psychological and mindfulness spiritual work can change brain chemistry. This is not to say that the biological component is not important. But it is to say that the psychological and biological components cannot be separated. This means that by working on both fronts one can actually substantially improve or even resolve depression or anxiety completely. In addition to that, spiritual counseling and transpersonal psychotherapy include possible spiritual experiences you may have as a way to support the healing process. Sometime my life lacks meaning, sometimes I experience existential anxiety and existential angst. Yes, painful existential feelings can definitely be a part of the human experience. Sages would say that only when you are able to do this, then you can really understand the meaning of the existential feeling and surmount it. PTSD is a very tough and painful challenge to endure and live with. There is no doubt about it. Yet, psychology has made substantial progress in its treatment with new understanding on trauma and its resolution. I do not have depression, anxiety, PTSD, existential angst, or other painful feelings. Remember, mindfulness would be your normal state if there were no internal barriers that were preventing mindfulness from just being there. People are out of touch with their spiritual nature for different reasons. Is you heart closed down? Is your mind in a bit of a haze? When and how does this occur? We also worked on his anxiety and PTSD and the specific challenges around them. Today Joe is fully satisfied about his life. It will also help you to become more mindful, present in your life and relationships, and deepen your spiritual connection. Page 8
Chapter 6 : What is transpersonal psychotherapy and spiritual counseling? Transpersonal Psychotherapy & Counselling My formal journey in Psychology began in Texas with a BSc in Psychology in I then lived in Thailand, West Africa, and Poland for 5 years, to discover what there was outside of my family-of-origin, christian religion, and north american culture. So I was intrigued when I recently came across the term, and decided to do some digging. Transpersonal Psychology might loosely be called the psychology of spirituality and of those areas of the human mind which search for higher meanings in life, and which move beyond the limited boundaries of the ego to access an enhanced capacity for wisdom, creativity, unconditional love and compassion. It honors the existence of transpersonal experiences, and is concerned with their meaning for the individual and with their effect upon behavior. According to the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology which is a private graduate school founded in While an exact definition of Transpersonal Psychology is the subject of debate, Transpersonal Psychology is a full spectrum psychology that encompasses all of this and then goes beyond it by adding a serious scholarly interest in the immanent and transcendent dimensions of human experience: Relationships in transpersonal psychology are key. And both people change as a result of this relationship. Various well-known psychologists pioneered transpersonal psychology. According to The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, William James, Carl Jung and Abraham Maslow are just a few of the psychologists that played a role in pioneering transpersonal psychology. Find out more about each psychologist here. As psychologist Eugene Taylor, Ph. D, writes in the book: He was the first to use the term transpersonal in an English-language context and the first to articulate a scientific study of consciousness within a framework of evolutionary biology. He experimented with psychoactive substances to observe their effects on his own consciousness and was a pioneer in founding the field that is now called parapsychology. He helped to cultivate modern interest in dissociated states, multiple personality, and theories of the subconscious. He explored the field of comparative religion and was probably the first American psychologist to establish relationships with or to influence a number of Asian meditation teachers. He also pioneered in writing about the psychology of mystical experience. Transpersonal psychology emerged as a field in the late s. In, a small working group including Abraham Maslow, Anthony Sutich, Stanislav Grof, James Fadiman, Miles Vich, and Sonya Margulies met in Menlo Park, California, with the purpose of creating a new psychology that would honor the entire spectrum of human experience, including various non-ordinary states of consciousness. Several years later, in, Robert Frager founded the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, which has remained at the cutting edge of transpersonal education, research, and therapy for more than three decades. The International Transpersonal Association was launched in by myself, as its founding president, and Michael Murphy and Richard Price, founders of Esalen Institute. You can find the full-text here, along with other pieces on transpersonal psychology written by Stanislav Grof. What do you know. Page 9
Chapter 7 : Sofia Counseling Center Integrating Depth and Transpersonal Psychology Transpersonal psychology is a spiritual depth psychology. Based on the principles of Jung, Rank, and Reich, among others, this theory subscribes to the belief of a subconscious and super-conscious. At some point in time, most of take a moment to look inside ourselves to discover our inner souls. For some, this might be a fleeting moment, but for others, it can last for years. Transpersonal psychology is a field of psychology for all of the soul searchers out there. Trans translates to "beyond", and personal refers to personality. Therefore, transpersonal psychology is a field of psychology is the study of the human aspect that goes beyond the realm in which the so-called normal personality operates. Studying transpersonal psychology often involves studying spirituality and the parts of the ego that are typically unexplored. Because this field of psychology deals with spirituality, there is often a religious aspect to it as well. This often involves getting acquainted with previously unknown levels of consciousness and life beyond the physical plane. Transpersonal psychology has one of the more interesting histories of all fields of psychology. It was around this time that two Harvard psychologists, Richard Alpert and Timothy Leary, began experimenting with psychedelic drugs, namely LSD and psychedelic mushrooms. Their experiments were meant to discover altered states of consciousness and transpersonal aspects of the human psyche. Although these two unorthodox professionals were fired from the university after their unusual experiments, the seed of transpersonal psychology had been planted and had begun to grow. In, a small group of psychology professionals gathered to create a field of psychology with the purpose of studying all areas of human existence, including our transpersonal existence. From this group, transpersonal psychology began to come into its own. Today, psychedelic drugs are not used to aid those in the field of transpersonal psychology. At least not in traditional circles. It is, however, still a growing field, especially considering humans are becoming more spiritual and looking for new holistic ways to feel better about ourselves and our lives. Transpersonal psychologists believe that to be at our peak performance in life, our bodies have to be completely healthy. Medical doctors can help us take care of our physical bodies, and traditional psychologists can help us take care of our minds. Transpersonal psychologists can help take care of the often ignored soul. Having a healthy mind, body, and soul can lead to a much healthier and happier existence. The field of transpersonal psychology can also help people realize that people are ultimately spiritual beings in physical bodies, and that our consciousness has more than one level. By understanding these concepts, individuals will often have an easier time reaching self-actualization and self-fulfillment in life. What Does a Transpersonal Psychologist Do? Transpersonal psychologists work directly with people that might be "lost" spiritually, or just those that are looking for help "finding themselves" in order to leave a happier life. These professionals can also help patients change their negative behaviors, improve their relationships, or even just explore their spiritual sides. Professionals in this field might use a number of different types of therapy and counseling to help guide their patients. They might use talk therapy, for instance, just as a traditional psychologist would. However they might also combine this traditional type of therapy with spiritual aspects as well. Therapy and counseling in transpersonal psychology might involve such things as meditation, dream work, altered states of consciousness, and vision quests. These types of therapies can be used to help patients see themselves not merely as flesh, blood, and bones, but as diving individuals with a heightened sense of the world around them. Where Do Transpersonal Psychologists Work? Because transpersonal psychology is still thought to be quite unusual, it might be somewhat difficult for some individuals to find employment in this field. Businesses like spas and spiritual retreats, however, might hire transpersonal psychologists, as will a few mental health clinics. The majority of transpersonal psychologists, though, will usually start their own private practices, seeing patients at their own convenience. Those with advanced degrees might also be able to find employment teaching at colleges and universities. As with finding a transpersonal psychology job, finding the right schools that cater to aspiring transpersonal psychologists can also be difficult. Only a handful of traditional colleges and universities offer degree Page 10
programs in transpersonal psychology. Many aspiring transpersonal psychologists start their careers with bachelor degrees in general psychology or counseling psychology. Below is the complete educational path for the Psychologists: Page 11
Chapter 8 : How To Become a Transpersonal Psychologist Educational Requirements blog.quintoapp.co A handful of schools across the United States offer transpersonal psychology or transpersonal therapy degree programs. if you're able to, you should earn a degree in one of these areas. Many transpersonal therapists, however, start their careers with degrees in areas such as psychology or counseling. In order to be physically healthy, most of us realize that we need to eat right, exercise regularly, and have illnesses treated as soon as possible. Mental health, on the other hand, might involves stress reduction techniques, talking about problems, and possibly counseling or therapy. However, even people that take excellent care of their bodies and minds may not feel completely healthy. In order to achieve complete well being, many people must work to heal their bodies and minds, as well as their spirits. This refers to an aspect of a person that is beyond the physical realm. They also consist of parts that are intangible and beyond our known existence, or spiritual. Healing these spiritual aspects are often necessary in order to achieve complete peace and well being. People who work with transpersonal therapists often find that this type of therapy helps them feel more complete, or whole. As we move further into the new millennium, more and more people are in search of holistic approaches and alternatives to modern medicine and mental health practices. Many people are also working toward becoming more spiritually aware. Because of this, the field of transpersonal therapy is expected to grow, resulting in more positions for those interested in transpersonal therapy careers. Who Can Benefit from Transpersonal Therapy? Nearly anyone can benefit from transpersonal therapy. However, some people may be more respective to this type of therapy than others. For instance, people who are looking to explore their spiritual sides and those open to new experiences will often benefit more from transpersonal therapy. Transpersonal therapy is also not affiliated with any one religion, so people of all different religions and spiritual paths can partake in this type of therapy. Professionals in this field, however, will often incorporate certain aspects of different spiritual paths and religions into therapy sessions. What Does a Transpersonal Therapist Do? Transpersonal therapists work with all sorts of individuals that are trying to cope with a variety of different problems, particularly mental and emotional problems. As a transpersonal therapist, for instance, you might work with individuals coping with such things as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, phobias, self-esteem problems, and stress. Methods that transpersonal therapists use when working with clients may vary, depending on a few different factors. There are, however, some very common methods used during most personal therapy methods. Meditationis one of the most common methods that transpersonal therapists use. Meditation can help people relax their minds and bodies and get more in touch with their transpersonal selves. Guide visualizationsare also often used during transpersonal therapists. This technique involves clients following a clients voice as he guides them through imaginary and symbolic visualizations and scenarios. During guided visualizations, therapists can expose clients to positive images, and clients can explore their spiritual selves. Altered states of consciousness are also sometimes used by transpersonal therapists. One example of an altered state of consciousness is hypnosis, or hypnotherapy. During hypnotherapy, clients are lulled into extremely relaxed states, which makes them more receptive to subtle suggestions. There are also many other methods and techniques that may be used by transpersonal therapists. Clients may simply be encouraged to discuss and explore their spiritual beliefs, for instance, which enables them to have a better understanding of their spiritual path in life. Where Does a Transpersonal Therapist Work? Transpersonal therapists might find employment in a few different settings. They might work in medical hospitals, mental health centers, and rehabilitation facilities, for instance. Because transpersonal therapy is such a new field and is still slightly controversial, however, many transpersonal therapists usually start their own private practices. There are no strict education requirements for pursuing a transpersonal therapy career. Like other therapy careers, though, individuals are usually required to have a solid formal education in order to start a transpersonal therapy career. A handful of schools across the United States offer transpersonal psychology or transpersonal therapy degree programs. Many transpersonal therapists, however, Page 12
start their careers with degrees in areas such as psychology or counseling. Becoming a licensed psychologist is often recommended, since licensure can open many doors in your career and many areas may even require it to practice. Before you can become a licensed psychologist, you must also complete a certain number of supervised work hours, which can usually be fulfilled by completing an internship. You should check with your, however, since the minimum number of hours needed varies in each state. Washington requires 3, hours, for instance, while New York requires 3, hours. Spiritual training is another important aspect of becoming a transpersonal therapist. Many of these professionals study several different spiritual paths, and some of them even receive formal training in some spiritual paths. Obviously salary will depend on location, education, experience and employer. Chapter 9 : The Transpersonal: Psychotherapy and Counselling - John Rowan - Google Books The Reality Game: A Guide to Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd ed. and The Future of Training in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Instrumental, Relational and Transpersonal Perspectives. Read more. Page 13