What is Transpersonal Psychotherapy? A Brief Introduction to a Mind–Body–Spirit Approach for Transformation and Healing

Origins of transpersonal psychotherapy

Transpersonal psychotherapy emerged from Transpersonal Psychology, which developed from the Human Potential movement in the 1960s in the United States. It is considered a blend of Western psychology with Eastern spiritual traditions. The term ‘transpersonal’ was first introduced in a conference paper in 1905 by the psychologist and philosopher William James. James had a strong interest in spiritual matters as explored in his earlier work The Variety of Religious Experience (1902). However, interest in spirituality and mysticism has been prevalent since the dawn of human existence.

Definition of transpersonal

‘Transpersonal’ is a term unfamiliar to many, even within the world of psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy and is used as an umbrella term for psycho-spiritual approaches to psychotherapy. Derived from the prefix trans, meaning ‘beyond’ or ‘across’, it refers to what is beyond the personal self. Due to the subtle and ineffable nature of spiritual experiences, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of the transpersonal. Transpersonal therapists may differ in their approaches or techniques, shaped by their individual spiritual perspectives. Additionally, the way we understand and describe spiritual experiences may be influenced by our cultural and religious beliefs.

Stages of consciousness

The philosopher Wilber (1980) distinguished between the pre-personal (prior to ego formation), the personal (the ego as self) and the transpersonal stage of consciousness (transcendence of the ego), with the latter stage referring to that which is beyond personal identity and tapping into states of unity with a greater whole.

The true self

The transpersonal addresses our capacity to operate from a different level of consciousness beyond our everyday consciousness of mind and body. As such, it refers to a level of consciousness beyond our personality. Rather than seeing ourselves as humans having spiritual experiences, it can be said that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

This includes the principle of the existence of a ‘true self’, also referred to as a ‘higher self’ or soul and of a universal consciousness to which we are all connected. Accordingly, spiritual growth from a transpersonal perspective aims to remember our essence and to embody this connection in our everyday life.

Energy and matter

The idea of us consisting of more than dense matter is not new. Historical depictions of the human body complete with energy centres (also known as chakras) and an auric field have existed for millennia. More recently, the field of parapsychology has investigated psychic phenomena based on the premise of our energetic interconnectedness. Some contemporary theorists draw analogies between consciousness and developments in quantum physics where it has been postulated that not everything is reducible to physical matter.

Altered states of consciousness

Experiences of something beyond our ordinary consciousness are often felt energetically - through a felt sense.  Maslow (1964), one of the founders of transpersonal psychology, described these moments of profound joy, unity, and meaning as ‘peak experiences’. These altered states can give us access to a deeper knowing—beyond the rational mind—through feelings, symbols, insights, or intuitive awareness.

Tools and techniques

Transpersonal psychotherapy facilitates this expansion of awareness through various techniques, including breathwork, meditation, visualisation, creative expression, and body-based practices.

Longing to connect

Many people long to connect with their innermost selves. Yet, this longing is sometimes misdirected into the pursuit of material success, achievement, or addictive behaviours—all of which offer only fleeting satisfaction. Over time, such external pursuits can give way to a deeper search for lasting peace, contentment, and joy.

Recognising this innate longing can help to redirect it to the true source of fulfilment. As such, transpersonal psychotherapy can be a gateway for this. However, it is essential to note that it is a process of integration. Sometimes, people wish to solely connect to their spiritual nature whilst disregarding the psychological wounding that many of us carry. This is known as spiritual bypassing, a term coined by Welwood (1984), and can lead to a lack of integration across different parts of the self, where a person may oscillate between moments of spiritual clarity and periods of emotional instability.

An integrative transpersonal psychotherapist works with clients where they are. This may mean addressing unresolved trauma and strengthening the ego structure before moving toward ego transcendence. True spiritual growth includes—not bypasses—all parts of the self.

Transpersonal psychotherapy invites us to explore our inner world with depth, compassion, and spiritual awareness. Whether you're beginning your healing journey or deepening an existing one, this integrative approach offers a path toward greater wholeness.

References

James, W. (1902). The varieties of religious experience: A study in human nature. Longmans, Green, and Co.

Maslow, A. H. (1964). Religions, values, and peak experiences. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press.

Welwood, J. (1984). Principles of spiritual psychology. In J. Welwood (Ed.), Psychotherapy and spiritual awakening. New Directions Publishing. 

Wilber, K. (1980). The Atman project: A transpersonal view of human development. Theosophical Publishing House.