Transpersonal Psychology
Transpersonal psychology is a field of psychology that explores the spiritual aspects of life.
"Transpersonal" refers to experiences or perspectives that extend beyond the personal self or ego. Many transpersonal psychologists believe that there is a reality beyond what can be perceived through the limited capacity of our five senses. For example, they might be open to the view that a form of consciousness exists beyond the material world, allowing us to connect energetically or spiritually with ourselves, others, and the natural world.
"There is a world beyond ours, a world that is far away and nearby, invisible and seen. And there is where God lives, where the dead live, a world where everything has already happened and everything is known. That world talks. It has a language of its own. I report what it says." - María Sabina, Mexican healer and poet
In transpersonal psychology, this unseen yet perceptible realm operates beneath the surface of our conscious minds and profoundly influences not only how we live but also our potential for spiritual transformation.
In various religious traditions, this hidden realm is often described as being inhabited by entities like angels who offer guidance, support, and protection.
Meanwhile, in Jungian depth psychology, the collective unconscious harbours archetypes that convey inherent wisdom, often described as the "numinous."
Both perspectives suggest that by transcending the visible world and accessing this higher, concealed realm, individuals can greatly enhance their spiritual and physical well-being.
Some suggest that transpersonal psychology explores humanity's highest potential and recognizes a "oneness" or singular energy source from which all life originates and to which it returns.
This perspective challenges the positivist view that matter is the primary substance of the universe and that consciousness is merely a by-product.
Instead, transpersonal psychologists argue that consciousness is fundamental, and matter is secondary.
Although the term "transpersonal psychology" came into use in the 1960s, thanks to psychologists like Abraham Maslow and Viktor Frankl, its roots trace back to the early works of William James and Carl Jung, who were profoundly interested in spirituality.
The transpersonal can also have a secular aspect, focusing on self-expansion rather than spiritual or sacred dimensions.
"Transpersonal psychologists strive to blend timeless wisdom with modern Western psychology, translating spiritual principles into scientifically grounded, contemporary language. Transpersonal psychology addresses the full spectrum of human psychospiritual development—from our deepest wounds and existential crises to the most transcendent capacities of our consciousness." - Caplan, 2009
Beyond the personal
Transpersonal psychologists seek to understand various layers of consciousness beyond just the 'waking state.' They are also interested in exploring different perspectives on reality, not limited to what we can physically perceive with our senses.
The concept of the 'transpersonal' involves what lies beyond an individual's physical reality, encompassing other states of consciousness and alternative ideas of reality.
“Our normal waking consciousness, rational consciousness as we call it, is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the filmiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different. We may go through life without suspecting their existence; but apply the requisite stimulus, and at a touch, they are there in all their completeness, definite types of mentality which probably somewhere have their field of application and adaptation. No account of the universe in its totality can be final which leaves these other forms of consciousness quite disregarded.” – William James
Exploring different levels of consciousness can be likened to tuning a radio to various frequencies, enabling us to consciously access dimensions of experience that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
Just as our eyes can shift focus to elucidate different aspects of the same scene, including subtle reflections in water, we can also direct our awareness to different layers of consciousness.
For example, the Islamic philosopher and mystic Ibn Arabi uses the metaphor of a polished mirror to describe the encounter between the divine and the mystic during moments of mystical union (Lancaster, 2004, p.15).
As Sells explains, this 'polishing of the mirror' symbolizes the journey to wholeness, where the ego is transcended, revealing the unblemished reflection of the divine.
Transpersonal psychology delves into experiences that foster open awareness, leading to the expansion of consciousness. This exploration is associated with several key ideas:
Transcendence of the Ego: Experiences that extend beyond the individual ego, fostering a sense of unity with a greater reality.
Interconnectedness: A deep sense of connection with all life and the universe, recognizing the interdependence of all beings.
Holistic Perspective: Viewing consciousness as an integral part of a holistic, interconnected reality, where individual experiences are part of a larger, universal consciousness.
Non-ordinary States: Experiences that occur in altered states of consciousness, such as those induced by meditation, psychedelics, near-death experiences, or deep contemplation.
Spiritual Experiences: States of consciousness often described in spiritual or mystical terms, such as enlightenment, cosmic consciousness, or divine union.
Collective Unconscious: Carl Jung's concept of a shared unconscious mind that connects all humans, containing archetypes and universal symbols.
Noetic Experiences: Direct, intuitive knowledge or insights that provide a deep understanding of existential truths and the nature of reality.
Self-Actualization and Beyond: The idea that human development involves not only personal growth and self-actualization but also the realization of one's place within a broader, transpersonal context.
Juliette is currently pursuing a PhD in ‘Applied Transpersonal Psychology,’ focusing on how Jungian sandplay therapy addresses the psychological impact of childhood trauma.
Her research aims to explore the transformative potential of creating a sacred space for children, where they can engage in storytelling, active imagination, and symbolism.
Growth rather than pathology
A central tenet of transpersonal psychology is its focus on the individual's inherent drive toward healing, growth, and wholeness.
Rather than centering on mental illness or pathology, transpersonal psychology emphasizes that everyone has the potential for personal healing, given supportive environmental conditions.
Even when faced with challenging life circumstances or mental health difficulties, we are not fundamentally 'broken' or 'flawed' at our core. Each individual is unique, whole, and healthy, possessing intrinsic value and worth.
This perspective aligns with research on resilience. Ann Masten highlights that "Resilience models emphasize positive influences without discounting risks and vulnerabilities" (Masten, 2011, p.495).
The more we adopt a resilience-focused lens, seeing ourselves and others as inherently whole, capable of health, and open to growth, the more we will naturally express these vital qualities.
In transpersonal psychology, every life experience is seen as valuable, contributing to our spiritual growth—even those that cause pain and suffering.
This concept, often referred to as 'adversarial growth,' suggests that, like a tree that grows stronger through its scars, we too have the capacity to emerge more whole after facing adversity.
"Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift." - Mary Oliver
Transpersonal psychology and the Self
Transpersonal psychology aims to guide individuals in "recovering" and aligning with their deeper, more authentic self, enabling them to live in harmony with this true essence.
As Lancaster (2004) suggests, the term "recover" implies that a part of our true, divine self has been lost and then rediscovered. However, what we uncover must also be "re-covered" or protected as sacred, allowing us to live from a profound place of mystery.
This connection to the numinous—the mysterious and sacred aspect of existence—is essential for our spiritual and physical well-being and is central to healing, growth, and transformation.
The journey of recovery involves recognizing and addressing the psychological barriers or wounds that may obscure our connection to our deeper self. Viewing these wounds with compassion and without judgment allows our truest potential to emerge.
These psychological "wounds" are often referred to as "shadow" parts of ourselves. Shadows can be negative aspects of our personality that we dislike, deny, or are unaware of.
They may also include positive traits we have been taught to suppress or that have not been allowed to develop. Additionally, shadows can represent parts of ourselves that have been hurt, abandoned, rejected, or shamed.
Remaining unconscious of these shadow aspects can lead to a sense of imbalance and being easily unsettled. For example, we might have intense emotional reactions to certain situations, experience recurring life patterns, or feel empty, depressed, or unfulfilled.
By bringing our shadows and wounds into awareness, we can integrate them and begin to accept ourselves as whole. This integration reduces the power these wounded parts have over our lives, allowing us to make conscious choices and become who we truly are.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” - C.G. Jung
