Transpersonal Psychology: A Path To Holistic Transformation

If you've wondered how spirituality might relate to psychology, you may be interested in learning more about transpersonal psychology: a unique form of counseling that goes beyond the personal and explores profound topics on human existence. 

Although transpersonal therapy can be difficult to define, it continues to grow in popularity. Since its development in the 1960s, transpersonal psychology has evolved as an outlet for people to integrate spiritual growth and psychological healing. 

If you're wondering whether transpersonal psychology is right for you, it can be helpful to learn more about the history of this field, its varied definitions, and how transpersonal psychology may help people reflect on meaningful aspects of the human experience. 

Defining transpersonal psychology and its impact on consciousness

Including for researchers and psychologists, it may be challenging to offer a precise definition of transpersonal psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines this field as humanistic psychology that explores the nature, varieties, causes, and effects of "higher" states of consciousness and transcendental experiences.

Transcendental experiences can vary by individual. However, in the study of consciousness, a transcendental state is not definable in terms of normal understanding or experience, per the APA. When an individual experiences an event that seems to go beyond their traditional conceptions of their personal identity and the natural world, they may be experiencing a transcendental state.

For some people, transcendence is primarily about spirituality. However, spirituality is not the only application of transcendence! Transpersonal psychology recognizes this reality. In addition to spiritual experiences, transpersonal psychologists can help clients assess other aspects of the "self," including parts that might be more difficult to notice daily. These include social, intellectual, emotional, physical, and creative personality traits.   

Other definitions of transpersonal psychology

Personal definitions of transpersonal therapy can vary depending on what aspects of the "self" you want to develop. However, many transpersonal psychologists aim to help clients improve personal functioning and discover what makes their lives feel most whole and complete. For instance, you may feel like the healthiest, most fulfilled version of yourself when you maintain a daily creative practice, connect with spirituality through meditation, practice organized religion, or practice a ritual.  

Given the volume of transpersonal psychology definitions, researchers set out to provide a clear, precise, and current definition of transpersonal psychology in the early 1990s. After reviewing over 40 definitions of transpersonal psychology used in academic literature between 1968 to 1991, the researchers settled on a final definition. They defined transpersonal psychology as a field "concerned with the study of humanity's highest potential and the recognition, understanding, and realization of unitive, spiritual, and transcendent states of consciousness."

While not necessarily the singular or "correct" definition, this definition encapsulates the role that spirituality, transcendence, and consciousness psychology can play in some areas of this field.

The history of transpersonal psychology and its transformation over time

The field of transpersonal psychology can be traced to the early 20th century. William James was the first person to use the term "transpersonal" in a 1905 lecture. Today, James is widely regarded as the founder of transpersonal psychology and psychiatry. 

Humanistic psychology roots

By the 1960s, inspired by the human potential movement and humanistic ideas regarding mental wellness, several psychologists expressed dissatisfaction with more traditional approaches to human psychology, including behaviorist and Freudian frameworks. This discontent led a group of psychologists, including Abraham Maslow, James Fadiman, and Stanislav Grof, to begin working together. They met to create a more humanistic approach toward depth psychology that honored "non-ordinary" states of human consciousness. 

Early on, Grof and others used psychedelic substances, breathing exercises, hypnosis, and other methods to help clients achieve these altered states of consciousness. (While psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy was once a common modality among transpersonal psychotherapists, its use ended when psychedelics became controlled substances. Personal use of psychedelics is currently not recommended for treating symptoms of mental health disorders.)

The development of a new field in psychology

The work of this group led to the reclamation and redefinition of transpersonal psychology, originally coined by William James. As interest in the field grew, the group launched the Association of Transpersonal Psychology (ATP) and started the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology.

In 1975, Robert Frager founded the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, which offers education, research, and psychotherapy guidelines for transpersonal psychology. In 1978, Stanislav Grof—who is considered “the only major contemporary transpersonal theorist to emerge out of a clinical setting”—founded The International Transpersonal Association. 

In the modern day, the study and practice of transpersonal psychology continue to grow. The field embraces various approaches to psychotherapy and mental healthcare, many of which have nothing to do with religion and everything to do with the human mind, behavior, and finding self-fulfillment. 

Because of the difficulty of applying traditional research methods to transpersonal approaches, there is a small amount of research on the effects of transpersonal psychotherapy. Researchers have suggested that the use of a more quantitative scientific method will help provide legitimacy to the field.

However, studies show that the principles of transpersonal psychology may provide psychological benefits. One study pointed to the positive effects of spiritual approaches on certain mental disorders—including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia—as proof of the potential efficacy of transpersonal psychotherapy. They also, however, discussed the potential for spiritual emergencies that can occur if an individual is unable to process transpersonal experiences. Additionally, certain transpersonal techniques may exacerbate symptoms of certain conditions. For example, the use of holotropic breathing, which can cause repressed memories to surface, is usually discouraged in individuals with panic disorder.

Transpersonal psychology vs. traditional psychology

While transpersonal psychology uses many principles and strategies as traditional psychology or psychotherapy, transpersonal psychologists incorporate a wider range of ideas, disciplines, and theories. In research and transpersonal psychotherapy practice, transpersonal psychologists may apply philosophy, literature, health science, art, social theory, and other academic traditions to understand the human psyche.

In Western discussions of psychology, spirituality is more commonly depicted as one way to cope with the various stressors of life. In contrast, transpersonal psychology views spirituality as a natural part of humanity. This facet can be a source of strength and a barrier to progress and healthy communication. 

To summarize, traditional therapy takes a more focused approach toward the continuum of human experience and behavior, ranging from mental illnesses to "healthy" behavior. In contrast, transpersonal psychologists believe that, given the complexity of human nature, the study of human psychology should consider the "transcendent" aspects of human life. In a study published in the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, researchers state that such psychic phenomena can include “out-of-body experiences, near-death-experiences, mystical/spiritual experiences … past-life reports, and spiritualist phenomena”. Transcendence can lead to the overall pursuit of our highest potential as human beings. 

Transpersonal psychology vs. parapsychology

Although transpersonal psychology and parapsychology are related fields, they're not interchangeable terms. Transpersonal psychology focuses on the spiritual side of human nature. In contrast, parapsychology concerns paranormal experiences such as clairvoyance, near-death experiences, and psychokinesis, which is the alleged ability to control external events and alter the shape of objects with one's thoughts.

What to expect from transpersonal psychotherapy: A path to self-discovery

If you've participated in other types of psychotherapy, transpersonal psychotherapy may be significantly different. In addition to asking about your psychiatric history, psychotherapists trained in transpersonal approaches may ask about a past spiritual experience, prior participation in consciousness studies, or the level of individual consciousness you’ve previously attained. Transpersonal psychotherapy posits that each person, including counselors, has their own experiences and thought processes—none of which are necessarily right, wrong, healthy, or unhealthy. Below are a few strategies that might be included in this therapeutic discipline. 

Meditation

Not only transpersonal psychotherapists teach their clients the basics of meditation. However, meditation is a foundational technique for reconnecting in this therapeutic modality on a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional level. Utilizing meditation techniques or developing a mindfulness practice may guide self-awareness and connection to one's present reality. 

Exploration of altered states of consciousness 

An example of an altered state is hypnosis or "hypnotherapy." Transpersonal psychotherapists may use hypnosis to help clients enter a state of relaxation or calm before discussing challenging topics. Hypnosis is not a recognized form of therapy, according to the APA. Still, it can be used to facilitate other psychotherapy types and the treatment of anxiety, pain, depression, and other conditions. 

Guided visualization 

Transpersonal psychotherapists may guide clients through imagined mental scenarios and imagery. These visualizations may manage stress or pain, promote healing, or enhance performance during an upcoming event. 

Unique mental health approaches 

Transpersonal psychology has no specific tools or methods that "must" be used. It primarily focuses on building a healthy therapist-client relationship. By emphasizing the therapeutic connection, the counselor develops a more profound understanding of what you may want and need from your sessions. 

Therapist-client relationship in transpersonal therapy 

Relationships are often a central component of transpersonal psychotherapy, including the client's connection with the psychotherapist and their bonds with friends, family, and other loved ones and acquaintances. The psychotherapist's relationship with a client can be uniquely central to the effectiveness of transpersonal psychotherapy.

Some describe the space between the transpersonal psychotherapist and clients as "sacred." In this safe, trusting relationship, the psychotherapist is not an expert but a guide and witness to the client's growth. According to one transpersonal psychologist, both people change as their relationship strengthens throughout the psychotherapy sessions. 

The connection component of this modality doesn't mean that transpersonal psychologists lack professional boundaries. Both practicing psychotherapists and researchers continue to study the importance of ethical boundaries in this field. A growing number of researchers point out the need for more thorough, consistent training for transpersonal psychotherapists to approach religiosity, spirituality, and other transcendent topics with their clients while honoring ethical limits. 

Is transpersonal therapy right for me?

If you want to understand yourself and others more personally, transpersonal psychotherapy may benefit you. However, there may not be a "perfect patient" for transpersonal psychotherapy. If you're looking for a therapeutic modality that is person-centered, spiritual, and focused on self-actualization, you may enjoy transpersonal psychotherapy.  

In addition, transpersonal psychotherapists offer services in person and online. While researchers are still exploring the effectiveness of online transpersonal counseling, current studies suggest that many forms of therapy are equally effective in digital formats. In 2017, a group of researchers studied the development and effect of an online hypnosis program for treating people with migraines. After the online treatment, they observed significant reductions in headache severity and concluded that hypnosis could effectively reduce migraine symptoms – even when delivered online. 

Other researchers praise the potential for online therapy, such as Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, to make mental health services more available to people worldwide. Depending on your mental health condition and preferences, an online psychotherapist may suggest CBT, hypnosis, or other therapeutic strategies to meet your treatment goals. If you work with a transpersonal psychotherapist online, they may incorporate various techniques and philosophies to guide you in meeting your goals. 

To start, you might consider using an online platform like BetterHelp, where you can match with an experienced, licensed psychotherapist based on your mental health goals and potential interest in transpersonal psychotherapy. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or chat sessions, allowing yourself control over how and when you receive psychotherapy.