Introduction to Transpersonal Psychology

This workshop will define Transpersonal Psychology; identify its unique concepts; name its historical proponents; recognize how it developed within the zeitgeist of the last century and learn how the transpersonal therapeutic applications it has inspired fit within the mandala of psychotherapeutic treatments available today. The workshop begins by distinguishing transpersonal psychology from the other major branches of psychology and psychotherapy, including distinguishing views of mental and emotional health and what transpersonal psychology adds that other approaches neglect. Next, the workshop explores definitions and foundational understandings of what transpersonal psychology is. Various different understandings are considered, compared, and contrasted. This is followed by a review of select important influences on the development of transpersonal psychology. Fourth, six key concepts that are foundational to transpersonal psychology are discussed: consciousness, transcend and include, transcendence and self-expansiveness, inherent health, holism, and spiritual nature as separate from religiosity. Building from these concepts, core components of transpersonal psychology are presented. Brief case illustrations are integrated to help illustrate the therapeutic strategies and techniques. The workshop closes with a period for questions.