What is Transpersonal Psychology?

According to CareersInPsychology.org (2020), transpersonal psychology is a field of psychology for the soul searchers. Transpersonal psychology studies spirituality and the parts of the ego that are typically unexplored, such as the “shadow self”. 

Transpersonal psychology started during the psychedelic “hippie wave” of the 1960s. Harvard psychologists, Richard Alpert (aka Ram Dass) and Timothy Leary started experimenting with LSD and psychedelic mushrooms. These experiments were meant to discover altered states of consciousness and transpersonal aspects of the human psyche (Careers In Psychology, 2020). 

I was drawn to transpersonal psychology because I needed assistance “finding myself”. With that being said, a person could go to a transpersonal psychologist or counselor when they are feeling “lost” spiritually or are seeking to improve their quality of life. These professionals can also help clients change their negative behaviors, improve their relationships, or explore their spiritual side (Careers In Psychology, 2020). 

Transpersonal psychology explores topics such as:

• Self-development

• Self beyond the ego

• Mystical experiences

• Spiritual crises

• Spiritual evolution

• Religious conversion

• Altered states of consciousness

• Psychedelics

Transpersonal psychologists aim to optimize the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Transpersonal psychology has a humanistic approach for treatment and views the client as capable of reaching self-actualization when provided the right environment. Individuals become fully functioning when self-actualization occurs. 

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Reference:

Careers In Psychology. (2020). Transpersonal Psychology. https://careersinpsychology.org/start-your-transpersonal-psychology-career/

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