Transpersonal psychology (also known as transpersonal counselling) is a humanistic approach to therapy that was developed by American psychologist, Abraham Maslow in the 1960s. The term ‘transpersonal’ means ‘beyond the personal’, and this reflects the core aim of the therapy – to explore human growth and help people to discover a deep and more enduring essential self that exists beyond the conditioned ego.

Transpersonal therapists value wholeness – taking the view that the essential self is a combination of the transpersonal, self-transcendent and spiritual aspects of human experience. All of life’s experiences are considered valuable and growth enhancing, and every individual is treated according to their innate striving toward a higher reality. Ultimately, in transpersonal psychology healing and growth is approached through recognition of the centrality of self.

The methodology used to drive this therapeutic process is a combination of spiritual traditions from around the world, which are integrated with elements of contemporary psychology. This framework can help a wide range of individuals – including groups of people such as families and work colleagues. Clients of transpersonal psychology are expected to gain a complete understanding of themselves, their capacities, and their relationships, and will leave equipped with the skills to help them deal with these beyond therapy.

Transpersonal Psychology addresses the spiritual nature of humankind. Unlike religion and theology, its interest centres on the mind and behaviour; hence it is a branch of Psychology. All the major spiritual and mystical traditions of the world incorporate teachings about the nature of mind and promote behavioural practices intended – amongst other goals – to bring about psychological transformations. Transpersonal psychology addresses these teachings and practices, researching their value and evaluating their relationships to ideas promulgated in Psychology. In essence Transpersonal Psychology seeks to integrate non-scientific spiritual insights with observations and models associated with the rigorous methodological approach of psychological science.

Therapists who subscribe to transpersonal psychology believe that wholeness and human growth begins with people who are hindered from reaching their potential (i.e. suffering from a psychological disorder). Transpersonal psychology does not view human personality as limited. Instead it sees certain character traits and attributes as a mask of our true essence. Our beings are merely the shell that transports our souls through life, and therefore who we are consciously is only a window to our transpersonal selves. This is why transpersonal psychology addresses, equally, all aspects of our being (spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, physical and creative) to help us heal and grow. By enhancing all our inner capacities we can become powerful vessels for long-term change.

Another key element of transpersonal psychology is the use of positive influences rather than troubled aspects of our human psyche to bring about healing and personal development. This technique derives from Abraham Maslow’s research on self-actualisation, and his belief that creativity, experiences, personal actions and altruism exist outside of the ordinary personality, and deep within the essential self. Focusing on positive role models who embody the true nature of our human psyche, therapists can teach a client to see their inner capabilities and view themselves as in the process to reaching a similar state of improved human functionality.

Transpersonal psychology relies heavily on the nature of the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. First and foremost, the therapist must assume the role of an equal to their client and must be completely connected on the level of pure consciousness – sharing the same experience as their client does in therapy. This shared consciousness ensures that empathy and insight can take place alongside the therapist’s discriminating and analytical stance.

Fundamentally though, the primary mode a therapist must adopt when being with their client is with an attitude of open mindedness, respect, innocence and wonder – as if everything that is said, felt and thought is completely new. Ultimately, both the client and therapist aspire to be present, authentic and self-aware, ensuring an ideal therapeutic relationship and setting that will help to facilitate ongoing healing and growth.

Transpersonal psychology is a process of self-actualisation and self-realisation, which helps clients to discover the deep core of their essential self. Therapy works by building and expanding on an individual’s qualities, their spirituality and self-development – helping clients to utilise their free will and inner resources to remove inner conflicts and create a sense of balance and harmony in their lives. Ultimately, through transpersonal therapy, the individual attains a level of functioning in terms of their work and relationships that would be considered ‘normal’ and healthy by current standards of mental health.

Although experts are in disagreement about a specific model for this therapeutic process, there are three key areas that it encompasses. These are:

• beyond ego (ego-transcended) psychology
• transformative psychology
• integrative/holistic psychology.

In this framework, transpersonal therapists will draw from a diverse range of techniques, which will be taught and supported in a way that clients can continue to apply beyond therapy. Crucially, these techniques will be tailored to the specific needs and personal circumstances of each individual client. The emphasis on individual development in transpersonal psychology is to ensure the effective cultivation of intuitive ways of knowing that complements a person’s unique psychological and spiritual being. This is how transpersonal psychology is able to support and enhance a person’s inherent striving for freedom, unity and life fulfilment.

Some of the commonly used methods in transpersonal psychology include:

• body awareness and movement
• journal writing
• breathwork
• inner child healing
• guided visualisation
• meditation
• yoga therapy
• goal-setting
• dream work
• assertive training
• gestalt
• regression therapy
• development of the imagination and intuition
• symbolic art work.

Transpersonal psychology gives individuals the opportunity to recognise and value their true worth. This makes the therapy particularly beneficial to those who may be experiencing symptoms that are hindering their ability to appreciate, and make the most of the experiences life has to offer. The kinds of problems that transpersonal psychology can help to treat include anxiety, depression, phobias and addictions – psychological conditions that are considered to have a spiritual component which needs to be understood and addressed.

Outcomes of transpersonal psychology include an enhanced spiritual connection, greater concern for others, and appreciation of life. These benefits extend to more specific areas of growth and healing depending on the variation of techniques used in therapy. Whilst yoga and body-work can help to relieve stress, improve mental functioning and balance mental, emotional and physical energies, breathing practices can stimulate calm and initiate an altered state of consciousness. In addition, meditation and guided visualisation can help clients to establish inner peace, whilst hypnotherapy and inner child work can build a positive life outlook and improve self-confidence.