What Is Transpersonal Psychology?
Transpersonal psychology is an approach that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century in which the concept of “spirituality” is integrated to understand the processes of the psyche, personal development, health and illness. So that it merges psychological principles with spiritual practices.
The term “transpersonal” means “through” or “beyond” the staff. This “beyond” in the context of transpersonal psychology refers to the spiritual. In other words, to the transcendent experiences of the ego and not just to the usual observable behaviors.
Transpersonal psychology approaches the psyche as an experience that includes higher states of consciousness. That is why it encompasses, in addition to practical behavior, mystical, metaphysical, expansive experiences, deep inner knowing and amplified states of universal love and brotherhood.
The origin of transpersonal psychology
Transpersonal psychology begins with the lessons William James taught at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. This psychologist pioneered religious experiences in a psychological study. He was also the first to use the term “transpersonal”.
Abraham Maslow’s humanistic psychology later turned to transcendental experiences. Some psychologists of this current followed this inclination, giving birth to transpersonal psychology proper in the 1960s.
This approach takes up the ideas of psychiatrist Maurice Bucke. Likewise, Carl Jung and Roberto Assagioli provided valuable information on what would later become transpersonal psychology.
The areas covered by this approach
Transpersonal psychology focuses on “peak experiences”. Namely, the transcendental experiences in which a state of “spiritual interconnection and integration” occurs, according to Maslow.
The central objective of this approach is to ensure that individuals find transcendent meaning in their actions and their lives, and that they come to identify with a higher consciousness. This current distinguishes three levels in the development of this type of consciousness:
- Pre-personal level. It corresponds to the stage when human beings do not yet have consciousness. For example: babies, people with cognitive impairment, etc.
- Personal level. Self-awareness emerges: a person realizes that he is different from others and that he is unique.
- Transpersonal level. It corresponds to the transcendent consciousness: there is a spiritual development.
How does transpersonal psychology work?
Transpersonal psychological therapy aims for individuals to discover the core of their essential being. It is about fostering spirituality and personal development. The way to achieve this is the exercise of free will and the implementation of internal resources to balance and harmonize life. In this context, there are three main lines of work :
- Ego transcended
- Transformative forces
- Integrating forces
Therapeutic work includes a series of techniques. They apply both in consultation and outside of it.
These techniques promote intuitive knowledge which leads to psychological and spiritual well-being. Among them are healing of the inner child, awareness of body movements, breathing work, journaling, meditation, yoga, guided visualization, assertive training, works of art. symbolic art, etc.
Contributions and questions
Transpersonal psychology is particularly applicable to cases of anxiety, depression, phobias and addictions. It is generally beneficial for people who seek to recognize and appreciate their true worth and who otherwise have difficulty in these areas, which results in a state of discomfort or ill-being.
The techniques used in this setting strengthen our emotional balance and help us maintain a more open and compassionate position with others. They also increase self-confidence and promote a more positive outlook on life.
Naturally, this approach received a lot of criticism. In particular, its lack of scientific rigor and its weak conceptual development are highlighted. Likewise, Buddhist philosophy maintains that this school takes concepts from Zen , but decontextualizes them and develops them in an inappropriate way.
Transpersonal psychology nevertheless has a place of its own. It now applies everywhere in the world. Although it does not satisfy academicism and scientism in the strict sense, the truth is that many people resort to it to alleviate their suffering.
Our thoughts When we speak of transpersonal experience, we are referring to a school of thought outside of what is scientifically effective …
