Transpersonal Approach Research Articles

Organic inquiry into the psycho-spiritual dynamics of pro-ecological behaviour

The unfolding ecological crisis, driven by human actions and unsustainable consumerism, reflects a disconnection from our ecological interdependence. This research adopted a transpersonal ecopsychological perspective to investigate the psychological, emotional, and spiritual factors underlying pro-ecological behaviour. Employing the qualitative and transpersonal approach of Organic Inquiry, it explored the experiences of six individuals who are actively engaged in pro-ecological work and relates the ecological crisis facing the planet to a crisis within the human psyche. Findings centred around the use of storytelling, combining a creative synthesis of the interviews within an imaginal story alongside the analysis of the interviews. The emerging themes reflect a complex interplay of factors in pro-ecological behaviour, catalysed by critical thinking through an ecological lens. Grief and suffering were revealed as significant factors, but above all, the findings underscore an experiential hope embedded in the role of stewardship, suggesting that pro-ecological efforts can yield a profound sense of interconnectedness with the universe. Findings suggest that by applying this perspective through an ecological lens, we can better understand and promote a sense of qualitative abundance, fostering a more harmonious and meaningful relationship with the Earth.

Pieces of peace: Transpersonal approaches in Israeli-Palestinian peace-building events

This article presents a research study in which Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilding events embedded in a transpersonal container were examined. It explored the lived experience of four Israelis and three Palestinians who participated in or facilitated peacebuilding initiatives rooted in spiritual, holistic, and integrative methods. Simultaneously, such peace initiatives were joined and observed through the direct participation of the researcher in three transpersonal peacebuilding endeavours. Constructivist grounded theory was chosen as the study’s methodology, as it is particularly valuable for exploring complex and multifaceted phenomena and as it focuses on understanding the multiple realities and perspectives of participants. The results indicate that peacebuilding events entrenched in transpersonal approaches emphasize the painful but necessary exposure of Israeli and Palestinian opposing narratives by applying a variety of integrative approaches during these events. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Humanizing connections, (2) the role and power of semiotic signs, and (3) manifestations of change. These themes provided the foundation for the creation of the dual narratives integration model, contributing to the field’s understanding of these complex and multifaceted peace initiatives.

Management of Religious e-Counseling at Islamic Religious Colleges in the New Normal Era

<p class="06IsiAbstrak"><span lang="EN-US">The existence of technology requires us to change in all aspects of life, including guidance and counseling in Islamic religious colleges. Maximum utilization of resources in Society 5.0 benefits the effectiveness and efficiency of managing guidance and counseling services. This study aimed to identify the management of religious e-Counseling at Islamic Religious Colleges in the new normal era. This research uses qualitative research with case study analysis. The research subject is UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. The results showed that implementing e-Counseling at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung was the responsibility of the Unit of Psychology Service. Clients can access the process of implementing e-Counseling by contacting the registration admin, then the admin will contact the psychologist/counselor and inform the client/counselee about the counseling schedule with the psychologist/counselor. Clients/counselees can also follow the counseling process according to the agreement and procedures set by the Unit of Psychology Service of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. Handling problems in e-religious counseling is carried out through stages: opening: awareness planting (<em>qawmah</em>), exploration stage (<em>taubah</em>), contemplation stage (<em>muhasabah</em>) and basirah (determination of vision and goals), implementation and development stage (‘<em>amal</em>) and the prayer stage (closing) with transpersonal approaches such as prayer, fasting, dhikr, and Islamic art therapy.</span></p>

Re-enchantment of life, nature and the cosmos from transpersonal approach

This article aims to present an analysis of the journey carried out by John, a talented 70-year-old musician, divorced, when he underwent the 36 sessions of transpersonal therapy from April to July 2022, in a virtual way. The symptoms reported by John form anguish, loneliness, lack of self esteem and lack of hope for the future. Listening and regression resources, as well as meitation and music therapy were used. The focus of the sessions was given to work with conscious affectivity. Transpersonal therapy allowed John to meet the transdisciplinary state of consciousness with his own essence. This experience made it possible to raise self-esteem, giving him the possibility to achieve new goals, dazzle ways of thinking, feeling and acting, transforming him into the author of his own story. By strengthening his self-image, John expanded his creative and transformative process as he returned to composing music and opened himself up to a new love relationship, thus demonstrating personal and spiritual evolution.

Transpersonal exploration of a leader’s transformative journey, and the effects on the organization

This paper explores how the transpersonal approach might bring an actualized view to business and leadership, enabling a collective transformation, giving rise to more engaged, healthier and happier people, reaching high performance and positive business results. This case study examines a real-life experience, investigating the inner transformative journey of a senior business leader, followed by a collective transformation of the company he worked for. An in-depth understanding was formulated through multiple data sources: interviews, associate surveys, reports, office images and meeting protocols. Six themes emerged: preparation, the leaders’ journey of dissolution, the organization’s soul encounter, metamorphosis, enactment and actualization of the senior leader. These themes were explored in relation to the experience of other global business leaders, followed by an exploration of a calling for leadership transformation which aimed to cope with uncertainty and rapid change, and finally, the impact on the organization, when leadership matured from silo and individual-thinking to a common-purpose direction. A description was written to explore the essence of each step of the transformative journey, starting from the senior leader and followed by a collective shift of the organization’s identity. This lived experience shows what can be achieved in an organization when people feel deeply connected with each other and part of a greater purpose, beyond organizational structures.

Mental health in higher education: faculty staff survey on supporting students with mental health needs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how faculty staff on health and social care programmes support students with mental health issues.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a qualitative survey design to gain in-depth information on faculty staff experiences. Seventy-one faculty staff at two universities in the South East of England out of an eligible population of 115 staff responded to an anonymous online questionnaire which were thematically analysed.FindingsThe findings indicated that faculty staff faced uncertainties in providing support to students with mental health needs. They reported tensions between their academic, professional and pastoral roles. There was a wide recognition that supporting students was physically and emotionally demanding for faculty staff and especially challenging when their roles and expectations were unclear. This was compounded by lack of explicit guidelines and an apparent severed connection between faculty staff and student support services.Practical implicationsA need for clearly defined roles and responsibilities for faculty staff in supporting students with mental health needs including a review of their pastoral role were identified. The study reinforces the need for effective collaborative arrangements and collective decision making and clearer procedures in the planning and implementation of students' personal support plans. A concerted effort into adopting a transpersonal approach which incorporates mental health staff awareness training, restorative spaces for reflection and supportive pathways for faculty staff are recommended.Originality/valueThis paper provides rare empirical evidence of faculty staff views on their role in supporting students with mental health needs on health and social care programmes.

Parapsychology and Transpersonal Psychology in Dialogue: Could These Two Movements Be Brought into Better Alignment?

Parapsychology and transpersonal psychology were founded independently and have evolved separately as two distinct movements, although there is considerable overlap in both their content and in the interests of a number of scholars who are active in both areas. Harris Friedman, Co-President of the Association of Transpersonal Psychology, and Dean Radin, President of the Parapsychological Association, engaged in an informal discussion on the salient commonalities and differences between the two movements, focusing on exploring ways that the two could be brought into better alignment, such as including more transpersonal approaches within parapsychological studies and vice versa. Stanley Krippner, whose seminal work straddles both areas, chaired the panel, introducing and serving as a discussant for Friedman’s and Radin’s views, as well as in presenting his own views on the relationship between parapsychology and transpersonal psychology.

Towards an Integral Transpersonal Approach to Medicine. Beyond the bio-medical model produced by western modernity

Two paradigms cross the history of medical science the rationalist and holistic one.Western modern medicine seems to be prevalent at present time due to the great achievements and extraordinary technological progress. For the original and holistic tradition medical act consists in restoring the balance by awakening the ‘healing force of nature,’ since the body possesses the means to heal itself. Modern Medicine believes in technology and drugs. This work suggests an Integral and Transpersonal approach to Medicine, in order to get not only the cure of symptoms but also the Self – Realization, and development of the creative potential of individuals.

Integrating the Transpersonal Approach Into Counselling: A Semi-Structured Phenomenological Inquiry

This study investigated the benefits of integrating the transpersonal approach in counselling practice. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to examine the data gained through semi-structured interviews with four social worker-counsellors. Results suggested that the transpersonal approach may provide counsellors with the benefit of using spiritual variables to enrich their practice. Results further suggested authenticity was an essential factor towards spiritual competence, was a priority of spiritually informed counsellors, and was a significant nurturing element towards the therapeutic alliance. How counsellors’ regular self-reflection can contribute to an improved level of awareness and encourage cultivation of spiritual beliefs and values is also discussed. Further research regarding the benefits of transpersonal education, as well as more accommodating research methods in supporting development of spiritual competency, are suggested.

The Contribution of Integral Transpersonal Psychology Approach to Religion and Spirituality

"We will explore the different conceptions of religion and spirituality from both secular and religious, confessional and philosophical perspectives. We will compare the new visions of post-modernity with the psychological view before investigating the contribution that the different currents of the transpersonal and integral approach can provide in a dialogical perspective of transcendence and inclusion of the different positions."

Integral Transpersonal Inquiry

The human experience appears as an integral participatory dialogue between the individual and his environment. This article will outline the essential lines for an Integral Transpersonal Inquiry (ITIq) a method of research able to study the Circuit of Experience by framing the individual feeling-thinkingacting within an integral dynamic process that includes the subject of experience, the object of investigation and the field. I’ll present the ontology, the epistemology and the methodology of an integral transpersonal approach to research in the psychological field, focusing on inner experiences, its contents and vehicles.

Virginia Satir’s Transformational Systemic Therapy: A Transpersonal Approach to Family Therapy

The work of Virginia Satir, a pioneer family therapist, is examined as a transpersonal approach to family therapy. Ways in which transpersonal perspectives may be applied in family therapy are explored in Satir’s notions of grounding and centering, the evolving and transcending concept of congruence using the Self/I AM concept in the Satir iceberg model, as well as the Satir conceptualization of the therapist’s use of self. Aspects of transpersonal psychotherapy relevant to the practice of family therapy are examined, including the creation of a transpersonal space of trust in order to strengthen the therapeutic alliance, going beyond meaning in working with the family system to apply transpersonal (e.g. nondual psychotherapeutic) approaches to the therapist’s use of self in therapy. A discussion of intersubjectivity and the role of the beingness of the family therapist in promoting transcendence, awareness, and healing for the family is included. Satir family therapy is consistent with transpersonal psychotherapeutic perspectives and is therefore recommended as a prospective family therapy modality for the transpersonally-oriented psychotherapist. KEYWORDS Satir, Family Therapy, Transpersonal Psychology, Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Transcendence, Consciousness, Transformation, Intersubjectivity, Nondual Psychotherapy.

The Effectivity Of Empathic Love Therapy To Increase Subjective Well-Being And Teacher Readiness In Inclusive School

Inclusive education has been done in Indonesia since Law on the National Education System Number 20 the year 2003 is declared. Implementation evaluation of this inclusive education shows that teacher’s readiness in conducting inclusive classroom is still in a low level, whereas the teacher is one of the four pillars in education. The teacher feels hard to facilitate special educational needs children, so influence his/her subjective wellbeing. The education ministry has organized some technical training about inclusive education. Some research shows that the training is only focused on the theory, regulation, and technical implementation, so no session facilitates the teacher’s affection domain. Empathic Love Therapy is a therapy series with a transpersonal approach to recognize self. This research aims to know the effectiveness of Empathic Love Therapy in increasing teacher subjective wellbeing and readiness in inclusive school settings. Research instrument to collecting data uses subjective wellbeing scale and teacher readiness scale. The subjects in this research are ten shadow teachers from Yogyakarta Inclusive School Forum. The result of this research shows that Empathic Love Therapy is useful in increasing teacher subjective wellbeing, but it is not sufficient to increase teacher’s readiness to conduct inclusive classrooms. The description of this result is explained in the discussion chapter.

Spiritualities in jungian and transpersonal psychotherapists: a brief phenomenological study

Spirituality as a human phenomenon presents itself as a significant aspect in the understanding and promotion of health, yet its study was neglected by psychological theories, with the exception of Jung's pioneering studies and the transpersonal approach. In this sense, we aim to present the vision of spirituality among psychologists from the city of Recife (in Brazil) who are guided by these theoretical lines, indicating how this phenomenon is experienced in their professional practices. We performed a phenomenological qualitative research that had as instrument the semi-structured interview with eight psychologists. The data were analyzed according to Bicudo's phenomenological approach and are in agreement with the scientific literature in this field, which indicates that there is no hegemonic definition of spirituality. There are visions of spiritualities, sometimes singular, sometimes common. Spirituality sometimes appears as synonymous with unconditional love, sometimes as access to the transcendent, without denying immanence. It also arises as internal energy and access to the Higher Self or just the Self. In the clinic it is considered as health promoter and approached from the demand in the Jungian perspective and seen as contextual in the transpersonal. We raised reflections on the importance of spirituality to the understanding of human being in its complexity.

Creative visualisations, creative counsellors: Inner journeys

This research assesses what may be contributed to counselling through developing practice which is centred on a feminist psychospiritual model. This is a qualitative study which analyses a series of in depth, semi-structured interviews, as I discuss transpersonal and psychospiritual forms of practice with each of the research participants. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is selected to analyse the data collected. After conducting the IPA study, the findings and discussion address the potential for transpersonal approaches within a new approach which is provided as a stepped model of guidelines for relevant cases. The study concludes that Collaborative Pluralistic counselling could include a focus on spirituality for relevant clients and within this approach, a psychospiritual model may be offered within collaborative pluralistic therapy.

The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.

Transpersonal approach in psychotherapy is a controversial field, and there is a lack in scientific information. A search of Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO and SciELO databases using: ["Altered states of consciousness" AND "Psychotherapy"] and ["Transpersonal" AND "Psychotherapy"] in December 2017 was conducted. From 629 articles found, 14 empirical studies were analyzed. Studies were conducted with adults, most of them women. The benefits were improvement in the treatment of substance use disorder; increased sensation of relaxation, relief of physical pain. Future studies should have rigorous experimental designs; define concepts clearly; detail the method used; present clear guidelines for the ethical boundaries.

Integration of Spirituality into the Strengths-Based Social Work Practice: A Transpersonal Approach to the Strengths Perspective

Integration of Spirituality into the Strengths-Based Social Work Practice: A Transpersonal Approach to the Strengths Perspective

SEARCHING FOR THE TRUE SELF: THE WAY OF NONDUAL WISDOM

Purpose. This paper attempts at analyzing the phenomenon of the human self in the Western and Eastern traditions, its dissociation and alienation in the contemporary world, and meditation as a way to the True Self. Methodology. The author used anthropological integrative approach, philosophical hermeneutics, along with transpersonal approach. Theoretical basis and results. To overcome the feelings of loneliness, isolation, and alienation, modern individuals need to break through to the spiritual pole that provides them with ever new and deeper meanings; to go beyond the limits of dual thinking to perceive the true nature of their mind. The representatives of the Eastern religious and philosophical schools paid considerable attention to the problem of alienation, loneliness, and the ways of overcoming it. Trying to achieve the state of absolute unity, the Eastern traditions use meditation techniques, which have been developed over the centuries. Meditation contributes to the experience of the unity of existence - the state, in which the very idea of the own self disappears and the «subject – object» unity arises. Reaching the state of nonduality, meditators experience their deep involvement in all that exists. Their mind is filled with absolute peace and harmony; everything has deep meaning and value. They feel freedom. People become existentially absorbed in the world - the changeful world of artists and children, the world where everyone and everything undergo transformations. Meditation leads to the new horizons, to the awareness of infinity and diversity of life. Originality. Human integration into the cosmic body of the universe transforms their perception of the world. Returning to the world of space, time, and causation, being unable to escape the world of differentiation, individuals face a new dilemma. This entails internal conflict. To overcome it, they learn to cultivate the unbounded mind. Incorporation of mindfulness into our daily life brings many benefits. However, the molecular mechanisms of these processes are still insufficiently studied. Nowadays, scientists actively explore the effects of meditative, mind-expanding practices on the physical and mental health. Conclusions. Since the modern life becomes more tough and complex, people seek the way to a harmonious, balanced, and happy existence. It is therefore no coincidence that the spiritual heritage of the East has attracted vivid attention and considerable interest. The Eastern spiritual practices can be used as a guide to a happy human life.

Human Consciousness, Beyond Or Through The Biological?

According to Alfonso Santarpia’s book Introduction to Humanistic Therapies, body could be seen as an interface between inner and external realities, that influences our identity and our worldview. Broadening our perspective to science – especially physicist Fritjof Capra’s Tao of Physics – and jungian and transpersonal approaches of psychoanalysis, we will observe how this could occur, what it could mean and what would be the consequences for academic psychopathology, through the clinical case of two women on their last days. KEYWORDS Humanistic therapies, Transpersonal approach, Jungian approach, Embodied cognition, Clinical report on palliative care, Sciences and therapy, Psychopathology.

Novices’ Transition from Separation into Non-Dual Being: A Transpersonal, Existential, Phenomenological Analysis

Cultivating non-dual awareness involves transcendent movement through specific stages of psyche development. This transition allows for freedom from the constraints of the ego self or the illusory self and the mind, and a new focus on the collapse of dualism into oneness and acceptance of life as it presents itself. Such non-dual awareness was thought to be a rare occurrence, but new research is pointing to its increasing availability and accessibility. This transcendence, however, is not without its plights, crises, fluctuations, and breakthroughs. Using a transpersonal, existential, and phenomenological approach the authors investigated consciousness as it manifested in the journeys of nine novice’s awakening and transitioning from duality and separation into non-dual being. This article focuses on the themes that manifested in the initial transition from duality to non-duality. Existential issues, as well as resistances to them, played an important role in serving as openings into such non-dual states of being. Themes in duality included: Seeking to the fill the void, frustration, and despair; reinforcement of the ego through the other and assumed roles; a lack of sense of belonging resulting in alienation and loneliness; patterns of childhood trauma and resultant wounding; and experiences of betrayal, fear, and adopted coping mechanisms. Themes during the transition into non-duality included: Disillusionment with seeking, failurehood, and the seeker’s hell; ego deconstruction and questioning of reality; experiences of intuitive knowing and gnosis; direct experiences of non-duality; recollection of childhood experiences of no-self and oneness; reassertion of the mind and ego, as well as fluctuations in and out of non-duality; avoidance of spiritual bypass by working through wounds and personal issues; and fueling of the non-dual journey by reconnecting to one’s authentic energy. These themes are explored in the context of transcendence through the stages of psyche development and the implications of the first part of the novice’s journeys of awakening into non-duality are discussed.