What is Transpersonal Psychology?

To begin to explain Transpersonal Counseling it is important to understand what transpersonal actually means. When referring to transpersonal, these are experiences or certain events that go beyond our common self-conscious or ego awareness. These events tend to connect our human essence with a more meaningful reality (Daniels, 2013). There are many ways to connect to transpersonal events. These techniques have existed for many years, especially in Eastern traditions and has been slowly arriving to the Western side of the hemisphere. Some specific examples are through practices of meditation, breathing, yoga, psychedelic experiences, sexual encounters, exercise, music, drumming, chanting, holotropic breath work and rituals. These contemplative practices are designed to help bring about transpersonal experiences that help gain access to our innate wisdom and compassion, they can be very healing and insightful (Wickramasekera, 2016).

Transpersonal Counseling works through a theoretical lens that views the human being in a holistic manner, meaning body, mind, spirit, emotions, thoughts and sensations. Furthermore there is a notion of non-duality, which means that as human beings we are part of a whole and are interconnected with everything that lies within the universe (Davis, 2003). There is also a concept of intrinsic health, which is similar to Carl Rogers idea of actualizing tendency. Meaning that all human beings have an innate capacity to transcend, reach higher potentials or self-fulfillment. Transpersonal psychology is inclusive, and also takes interest in the spiritual aspects of the client. When referring to spiritual, it does not mean religion but moreover experiences that help transcend the individual beyond the ordinary experience of self. These states of consciousness can happen through contemplative practices.

Transpersonal psychology also tends to mention the term “ego”. Ego is a preconceived, fixated idea we have of ourselves, how we understand ourselves and present to others (Wickramasekera, 2017). Ego constructs the lens through which we make sense of the world and our experiences, and suffering arises due to ego and the fixated idea it has created around self. Ego is a type of mask that we have been unconsciously creating since our births, we have learned unintentionally to play this role in the world that we live in. It is almost as if we are actors playing a part in a movie. We come to believe that there is an unchanging part of ourselves, and we create an attachment with this mask or “persona” that has been distracting us from our true self. Through this theoretical orientation there is hope to accompany clients on the journey to discover their true essence and let go of these “roles” which can cause pain and suffering. There is curiosity regarding human potential and our innate capacity to heal, which can be obtained by going beyond the ego through transcendent states of consciousness. This meaning that through wisdom, compassion and awareness clients can explore deeper realms of self. And this can all be facilitated through therapy sessions accompanied with contemplative practices. Hartelius, Rothe & Roy (2013) mention, “the notion that the self is capable of expanding beyond conventional boundaries implies that self is relationally interconnected with community and world” (p.8).

This holistic perspective helps clients explore preconceived ideas about themselves and learn about their deeper, innate potential through awareness. Through transpersonal activities you can come to reach higher levels of functioning that have always been present within your human essence. It just comes to show that we are most likely living in an illusory experience of self and the world. Observing transpersonal phenomena really shows us that humans have an inherent wisdom within the heart and mind; and when in these altered states of consciousness we can transcend our ordinary expectation of who we think we are, simply by letting go.

Sometimes it might be frightening to embark this journey into the unknown of our human nature, but it can be eye opening and give us a different perspective on how we relate to our experiences through compassion and acceptance. As humans we have been taught to repress our emotions, thoughts and sensations which can be so dangerous for the body. Through the transpersonal lens we are seen as energy, and it is essential to let that energy flow through our bodies and exteriorize it through art, exercise, yoga, meditation etc. Davis (2003) states, “Transpersonal psychology is the field of psychology which integrates psychological concepts, theories and methods with the subject matter and practices of the spiritual disciplines” (p.7). It is of importance to honor human spirituality. It has a profound interest in learning about self transcendent experiences, mystical states of consciousness, shamanic states and meditative practices.

“Transpersonal psychology studies those aspects that are beyond the ordinary experience of self, this suggests the need for understanding the whole person in a sense that includes not only body and mind, but also relationship and situatedness in the world” (Hartelius, Rothe & Roy, 2013, p.8)

Here is an interview explaining a bit more about Transpersonal Psychology and its intention:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78E8cAELDu8&t=3s

References

Davis, J. (2003). An overview of transpersonal psychology. The Humanistic Psychologist, 31, 6-21.

Davis, M. (2013). Traditional roots, history, and evolution of the transpersonal perspective. In Friedman, H. L., & Hartelius, G. (Eds), The wiley-blackwell handbook of transpersonal psychology (pp. 23-43). John Wiley & Sons.

Hartelius, G., Rothe, G. & Roy, P.J. (2013). A brand from the burning: Defining transpersonal psychology. In Friedman, H. L., & Hartelius, G. (Eds), The wiley-blackwell handbook of transpersonal psychology (pp. 3-22). John Wiley & Sons.

Wickramasekera, I. (2016). Oracle of the ultimate: Contemplative practice & mind/body assessment in transpersonal counseling. In Kaklauskas, F., Clements, C., Hocoy, D., & Hoffman, L (Eds.), Shadows and Light (123-149). Boulder, CO: University Professors.