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A Detailed look at Transpersonal Psychology.
Thanks to all the research and development, we live in a consciously aware society. Unlike the past, when people think psychology only deals with the mind, body, and soul; now people understand its vastness.
People rarely knew there was a religious or spiritual aspect of psychology called transpersonal psychology. But, now the real question is, why it is so important and why do we all need it?
The answer to this query is simple. We live in a busy and stressful environment. As a result of which we sometimes forget our spiritual needs. Thus, it negatively impacts our lives.
Because besides our physical needs, we also have to fulfill our spiritual needs for a healthy life. In this article, we will explain this little known type of psychology in detail.
What is Transpersonal Psychology?
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It is widely recognized as the Fourth Force of psychology that aims to study mind/body relations, spirituality, consciousness, and human transformation. The primary goal is to study the growth and development of humans from a more in-depth perspective considering the inner soul.
It is less commonly but otherwise known as spiritual psychology. Transpersonal psychology helps to promote eco-spiritual human transformation. It focuses on a deeper level beyond the physical boundaries; thus, it also includes religious aspects.
An important aspect is its holistic side. Therefore, it plays a vital role in self-transcendent states, psychedelic experiences, mystical state, and other exceptional states of consciousness for transformation and optimal well-being.
Transpersonal Psychology vs. Parapsychology
Many people mistakenly think that parapsychology is the same thing. However, the two are entirely different fields and deals with the different aspects of human nature. Consequently, there are significant differences in their perspectives.
Although it is true that both deal with human experiences beyond the physical world but parapsychology does not deal with the spiritual aspect of human nature to reach a state of self-actualization. It is much more based on the study of unnatural psychic phenomena like reincarnation, apparitions, psychokinesis, and near-death experiences.
So, the two are entirely different. Moreover, parapsychology helps less with meditation, vision questions, hypnosis, dreamwork, and other similar states to achieve a sense of reality.
Transpersonal Psychology and Study of Human Growth and Development
We have already mentioned above the biggest goal of psychology focused on transpersonal aspects is to study the growth and development of humans. According to psychologists, the continuum begins with people who are at the lowest in the development structure of humanity and lack ego.
Therefore, it can include people with psychotic and borderline personality. Besides, as we move forward, egos of people become more robust, and they are at a higher conscious state. Consequently, they are labeled as normal.
And when you move a little further in human development, you will encounter meditators and mystics. They have transcended the conscious state and are now at the state of Supreme Being. However, keep in mind that transpersonal psychology is not focused on the end of human personality. Instead, it considers each trait and attributes as a way to understand the true nature of humans.
Because we are merely a window to the transpersonal being, and our role is to transport our spirit and soul throughout our world. Therefore, the transpersonal psychology model integrates all spiritual, emotional, physical, creative intellectual, and social aspects to address human growth and development.
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6 Basic Facts about Transpersonal Psychology
Although from the past few years, transpersonal psychology has gained recognition. But still many people have no idea what it is in reality. Therefore, in this section, we will explain six basic facts about transpersonal psychology.
1. Specific Tools and Methods:
Although this field has emerged considerably, still transpersonal psychology doesn’t use any specific tool and methodology. The answer to this is simple; because transpersonal psychology deals with the aspects of human nature beyond physical powers.
Moreover, it lies in human ideology and basic humanity. It is not about tools and methodology; instead, it deals with intentions that motivate the interventions.
2. Relationships in Transpersonal Psychology:
Transpersonal psychology tries to understand how our mind works through our relations with others, our belief system, how big or deep it had an impact on us. Therefore, it gives key importance to relationships.
So, for an effective session, there should be a healthy relationship between client and therapist. The space between the therapist and client is important for transformation. Besides, this relationship is what helps people to change.
3. Therapists are not Experts:
Keep in mind that a transpersonal therapist is not an expert, but he can act as a facilitator. Therefore, helping their clients to understand their true self during the process.
Besides, the only expert, a transpersonal psychologist, possesses is helping clients accept and reflect on their truth.
4. Don’t Judge Others Experiences:
An important aspect of transpersonal psychology is it don’t judge anyone based on their experiences. Everyone has their own experiences, and there is nothing right or wrong about these experiences.
A true therapist cannot feel discomfort while hearing a client’s experience and has no right to judge them. They are only there to help their clients not to judge them and pass their personal opinions.
5. Pioneer of Transpersonal Psychology:
To your surprise, many famous and well-known psychologists pioneered transpersonal psychology. These include Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow, William James are to name a few.
Whereas William James is the first one to use the term transpersonal in his book. Therefore, he is considered the founder of personal psychology.
6. Transpersonal Psychology and Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is very closely linked with transpersonal psychology because it shows a strong interest in consciousness. Moreover, recent researches show that it is associated with the therapeutic properties of psychoactive substances.
Moreover, both deal with our conscious state beyond physical boundaries and help humans to live a better conscious life.
Final Words
Transpersonal psychology, or also known as spiritual psychology, deals with aspects beyond physical limits. Moreover, it aims to target human growth and development. Transpersonal psychology also shows a close association with mindfulness, positive psychology, and holistic life approach.
Research Areas
The following are only a few areas of research interest:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Guided imagery and visualization
- Spirituality and psychology
- Peak experiences
- Parapsychology
- Music therapy
- Near-death experiences
- Three Principles