Transpersonal Perspective Research Articles

Engaging transcendent actualisation through occupational intelligence

This article builds on a previous publication where I developed the concept of occupational intelligence in accord with the humanistic theory of self‐actualisation. In this article I explore how developments within humanistic psychology eventually led to the emergence of transpersonal psychology, which created a renewed impetus for exploring the parameters of human potential from self‐actualisation to self‐transcendence. I argue that the underlying humanistic roots of occupational science could be developed to include a transpersonal perspective, thereby providing a more expansive view of occupational potential. To illustrate the value of that perspective, a case vignette of occupation leading to transformation in a young man's ways of knowing, being, and doing is provided. I propose that a greater connection between people's transpersonal experiences and their engagement in human occupations could be facilitated through the use of occupational intelligence, which could make a significant contribution to the process known as transcendent actualisation.

Re-hacer la educación: los mapas del desarrollo humano

In this article we present the base of a criticism to actual education, a proposal of reconstruction of the education conception, extending its meaning about the activity which makes the people grow, it improves the society life and the relation with the ecologic environment. From a concept of education like human development, and therefore, as a learning process throughout the whole life, the human development maps are the education maps. We need to walk the itinerary that are represented by these maps and enrich them from the human and transpersonal perspective, wishing to remove, as far as possible, the existing discomfort in education. The hopes that, decades ago, were put on it have become today disenchantments, disappointments, even distrusts and resentments. The education reforms continue without finding, apparently, any solutions to our problems.

Identity and Spirituality: Conventional and Transpersonal Perspectives

s International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 68(4-B), 2647. Friedman, H. L. (1983). The Self-Expansiveness Level Form: A conceptualization and measurement of a transpersonal construct. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 15(1), 37- 50. Friedman, H. L. (1984). A humanistic-transpersonal theory of personality. Paper presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Toronto, Canada. Friedman, H. L., & MacDonald, D. A. (1997). Toward a working definition of transpersonal assessment. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 29(2), 105-122. Friedman, H., MacDonald, D. A., & Kumar, S. K. (2004). Validation of the Self-Expansiveness Level Form with an Indian sample. Journal of Indian Psychology, 22(Special Issue), 44-56. Fukuyama, M. A., & Sevig, T. (2002). Spirituality in counseling across cultures. In P. Pedersen, J. Draguns, W. Lonner, & J. Trimble (Eds.), Counseling across cultures (5th ed., pp. 273-295). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. George, L. K., Larson, D. B., Koenig, H. G., & McCullough, M. E. (2000). Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 102-116. Gilbert, P. D. (2007). Spirituality and mental health: A very preliminary overview. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 20(6), 594-598. Goldstein, S. N. (2006). The exploration of spirituality and identity status in adolescence. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 67(6-B), 3481. Grof, S. (1985). Beyond the brain: Birth, death, and transcendence in psychotherapy. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Grof, S. (1988). The adventure of self-discovery: Dimensions of consciousness and new perspectives in psychotherapy and inner exploration. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Grof, C., & Grof, S. (1990). The stormy search for the self. Los Angeles, CA: Jeremy Tarcher Press. Haber, J. R., Jacob, T., & Spangler, D. J. C. (2007). Dimensions of religion/spirituality and relevance to health research. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 17(4), 265-288.

Homeopathy as a Transpersonal and Transformative Practice

The practice of homeopathy is considered from a transpersonal perspective, and homeopathy's clinical practice is conceptualized as a transformative practice. Under this conceptualization, homeopathy is discussed as a tried and tested model that integral medicine can build from, and the phenomenalistic practice of homeopathy is seen as potentially transformative to the consciousness of the homeopath serving as an example the integral health practitioner can learn from. The beneficial and global implications of these considerations reveal homeopathy's important contemporary role.

Spiritual emergency: transpersonal, personal, and political dimensions

According to a transpersonal perspective a spiritual/transcendent reality exists beyond the ego, which includes experiences that transcend a person's temporal and spatial boundaries. From this ‘trans’ perspective human beings are viewed in a wider context of life. However, it is recognized that people can experience a transformational crisis through engaging in psycho-spiritual development, otherwise termed ‘spiritual emergency’. Spiritual emergency can cause a de-adaptation, affecting a person's ability to function in daily life, which could result in a person being misdiagnosed and treated for a mental health condition. The dichotomy of such experiences being indicative of either a spiritual problem or a mental health problem continues to be a contentious issue. However, from a transpersonal point of view spiritual emergency presents a person with opportunities to engage in a process of ‘self-renewal’. This article discusses spiritual emergency as a numinous event, highlighting the need for more social-political-spiritual awareness of transformations in consciousness. An autobiographical account of a spiritual emergency is provided to illustrate a long-term trajectory of a spiritual emergency, outlining four propositions for engaging conscious experience through and beyond a transformational crisis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Spiritual Emergency and Occupational Identity: A Transpersonal Perspective

The subject of spirituality has been developing over recent years in occupational therapy journals internationally and this article contributes to the ongoing exploration of spiritual issues in therapeutic practice. People can experience a transformational crisis through engaging in spiritual growth and development, a phenomenon that has been termed a ‘spiritual emergency’. A spiritual emergency manifests itself as a crisis within ego-identity and can include experiences of disorientation and de-adaptation, which affect a person's ability to function in daily life. Consequently, a person may be diagnosed and treated for a mental health problem; however, a spiritual emergency may present a person with opportunities to engage in a process of self-renewal rather than being considered ill. The dichotomy of a spiritual emergency as reflecting human potential or a mental health problem is a complex issue, which underpins many of the discussions concerning health professional involvement. This article argues that there are clear therapeutic needs for people experiencing a transformational crisis, which are well suited to the skills of occupational therapists. Engaging in occupation could play an important role in the process of re-adaptation during a spiritual emergency through enabling occupational identity, which could support the process of self-renewal. A case vignette is provided to illustrate the theoretical position outlined.

Reply to Commentaries by Neil Altman and Thomas Menaker

Both commentaries address, from different perspectives, the controversies inherent in the idea of a transpersonal field. In response to Menaker, I examine the ways in which this territory cannot be adequately conceptualized from within the framework of existing theory and therefore is experienced as disruptive and destabilizing. I also focus on the gradual movement within contemporary psychoanalytic approaches toward realites that invite such a paradiamatic shift. In response to Altman, I agree that the intersubjective is not superseded by the transpersonal and emphasize that use of a transpersonal perspective to avoid intersubjective disruption is a form of perversion. I underscore Altman's use of contemporary scientific discoveries to substantiate the idea of a transcendent field yet emphasize that a transpersonal orientation also involves a willingness to encounter and tolerate the inexplicable.

Power, double binds, and transcendence in the mentoring relationship: a transpersonal perspective

This paper describes some of the problems that can arise in a mentoring relationship - a relationship that is both power dependent and helping. It draws on Bateson's theory of double binds to consider ways by which mentors sometimes try to maintain a power imbalance in the mentoring relationship and how proteges try to resist that imbalance. It draws upon the spiritual insights from various wisdom traditions to offer ways to avoid and transcend those binds. The paper concludes with a short case to illustrate the key ideas from the paper. It calls for more research on the micro-dynamics mentoring relationships using clinical research methods.

Spirituality and Gestalt: A Gestalt-Transpersonal Perspective

AbstractMany people who have participated in Gestalt therapy and training often label their experiences as having been profound and spiritual in nature. Aspects of Gestalt therapy have been connected to a variety of religious and spiritual traditions. Literature and personal experience in Gestalt circles have provided testimony to connections between a Gestalt approach and spirituality. Integrating transpersonal perspectives may provide a comprehensive and clear outline of the connections between a Gestalt approach and spirituality, a definition of spirituality, and implications for spiritual development. This article explores Gestalt theory and transpersonal perspectives and principles, such as Ken Wilber's model of spirituality and spiritual development, Wilber's Big Three model; dialogical approach to relationship; and Jorge Ferrer's “participatory knowing,” to begin to outline a relational and interactive model of spirituality and spiritual experience. This Gestalt-transpersonal framework can illustrate more clearly how spirituality manifests itself in Gestalt therapy and in the therapeutic relationship. This approach also emphasizes using the relational field as the basis for higher spiritual development in both the client and the therapist.

Spirituality and Gestalt: A Gestalt–Transpersonal Perspective: A Commentary

Research Article| January 01 2006 Spirituality and Gestalt: A Gestalt–Transpersonal Perspective: A Commentary Nigel Copsey Nigel Copsey n.copsey@btopenworld.comNigel Copsey is team leader of a multi-faith team in the mental health services of inner London, UK. He also teaches spirituality and mental health at a number of London universities. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Gestalt Review (2006) 10 (1): 33–35. https://doi.org/10.5325/gestaltreview.10.1.0033 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Twitter Permissions Search Site Citation Nigel Copsey; Spirituality and Gestalt: A Gestalt–Transpersonal Perspective: A Commentary. Gestalt Review 1 January 2006; 10 (1): 33–35. doi: https://doi.org/10.5325/gestaltreview.10.1.0033 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All Scholarly Publishing CollectivePenn State University PressGestalt Review Search Advanced Search The text of this article is only available as a PDF. Copyright © 2006 The Pennsylvania State University2006The Pennsylvania State University Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Living Stories: Modern Storytelling as a Call for Connection.

Abstract This article presents an intuitive inquiry into storytelling using creative arts and media within the context of modern culture. Taken from a relational and transpersonal perspective, the Living Stories style of personal storytelling is explored and developed in response to the need for connection expressed in the culture‐at‐large and to create opportunities for transformation. The research question asks, What makes storytelling elicit compassionate connection? The researcher engages in a creative and collaborative storytelling process with 1 storyteller who shares her breast cancer experience over the course of several years. The resulting story is presented to 95 participants via an interactive mixed media gallery exhibition featuring photography, poetry, and music, and stations where feedback is invited. Data includes questionnaire and creative expression responses from participants and researcher observation. Key findings include (a) participant reports of participatory knowing and transperso...

Beyond Coping and Adaptation: Promoting a Holistic Perspective on Dying

The prevalent frameworks for terminal care in social work practice have been developed from concepts of ego psychology and focus on coping and adaptation. This approach provides only a partial understanding of the dying experience as it overlooks the inherent growth potential that can be harnessed within the crisis of dying. Drawing from postmodern epistemology, the author deconstructs the historical background of terminal care in social work to analyze why concepts of ego psychology have come to prevail in this area. A more holistic view is suggested through the exploration of alternative and more integral views of dying that encompass the potential for emotional healing and spiritual growth. Buddhist philosophy, tribal worldviews, and transpersonal perspectives are examined for this purpose.

Strengths-Based Recovery Practice in Chemical Dependency: A Transpersonal Perspective

Given the tremendous damage chemical dependency can inflict on the human spirit, a transpersonal perspective is relevant to the recovery process because it assigns importance to the development of personal meaning and life purpose. The use of a transpersonal perspective can foster hope for both providers and consumers of services, particularly during periods of recovery when people are struggling with relapse and despair, and when it appears almost impossible to surmount barriers to recovery. During these challenging times people may look to a higher power for strength and fortification however they may conceive of this power (Frankl, 1997).

IDENTITY, COGNITIVE STRUCTURE, AND LONG-TERM TRANQUILLIZER USE: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH

The article discusses different theoretical perspectives that are relevant in analysing long-term tranquillizer use. The theories mentioned are, e.g., behavioral theory models, cognitive models, humanistic and existential models, transpersonal identity models, psychodynamic reasoning, sociological and anthropological perspectives. A multidimensional model focusing on the connection between identity structure and long-term tranquillizer use is presented. The article argues for the use of mixed methodological strategies, e.g., quantitative and qualitative methods. The implications of the “actor–spectator paradox” for the analysis of data are also discussed in some detail. [Translations are provided in the International s Section of this issue.]

From Spiritual Emergency to Spiritual Problem: the Transpersonal Roots of the New DSM-IV Category

Religious or Spiritual Problem is a new diagnostic category (Code V62.89) in the 1994 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Although the acceptance of this new category was based on a proposal documenting the extensive literature on the frequent occurrence of religious and spiritual issues in clinical practice, the impetus for the proposal came from transpersonal clinicians whose initial focus was on spiritual emergencies-forms of distress associated with spiritual practices and experiences. The proposal grew out of the work of the Spiritual Emergence Network to increase the competence of mental health professionals in sensitivity to such spiritual issues. This article describes the rationale for this new category, the history of the proposal, transpersonal perspectives on spiritual emergency, types of religious and spiritual problems, differential diagnostic issues, psychotherapeutic approaches, and the likely increase in number of persons seeking therapy for spiritual problems. It also presents the preliminary findings from a database of religious and spiritual problems.

On the Nature of Consciousness: Cognitive, Phenomenological, and Transpersonal Perspectives.

On the Nature of Consciousness: Cognitive, Phenomenological, and Transpersonal Perspectives.

On the Nature of Consciousness: Cognitive, Phenomenological, and Transpersonal Perspectives. Harry T. Hunt

<i>On the Nature of Consciousness: Cognitive, Phenomenological, and Transpersonal Perspectives</i>. Harry T. Hunt

On the Nature of Consciousness: Cognitive, Phenomenological, and Transpersonal Perspectives

This text examines consciousness, ranging from ancient Greece to empirical neuro-psychology to the experiential traditions of introspection and meditation. It includes a review of the renewed interest in ordinary consciousness and in altered and transpersonal states of consciousness.

The problem of suffering: Existential and transpersonal perspectives.

Abstract The philosophical foundations of existential and transpersonal psychologies are compared and contrasted. This examination focuses in particular on these approaches to the theme of human suffering. Suffering is here seen as being pervasive, and the sources of this pervasiveness are explicated. Then inauthentic and authentic responses to suffering are noted and analyzed, from both existential and transpersonal perspectives.

Paths beyond Ego: The Transpersonal Vision

This book is a clarion call for an expanded vision of human possibilities. In it, many of the best thinkers of our day ask us to renew the perennial search for self-knowledge and to discover the deeper meaning of our lives. For this, they offer the transpersonal perspective -- which extends beyond consciousness in its myriad forms, including altered states, yoga, dreams, and contemplation. This marriage of psychology and science with the spiritual traditions has borne ripe fruit- the transpersonal vision, which offers a uniquely generous and encompassing view of human nature. The fifty essays that make up Paths Beyond Ego apply transpersonal thinking to individual growth, psychotherapy, meditation, dreams, psychedelics, science, ethics, philosophy, ecology, and service. The result is an integrated and comprehensive overview of the many dimensions of human experience. In clear, accessible writing, the contributors suggest that our potential for enhancing human abilities is much greater than previously suspected and that our tools for this grand undertaking are widely available today. The transpersonal vision offers great hope for the future -- and links us to the timeless wisdom of the ages.