Transpersonal Psychotherapy

Abstract

Transpersonal Psychology, on which Transpersonal Psychotherapy is based, emerged in the 1960s as an answer to a growingly recognized need to include a spiritual dimension into the explorations and consequent understanding of the human psyche. It acknowledges the role position of a spiritual centre or Self as the main motivating and co-ordinating principle in each individual. Transpersonal Psychotherapy is inclusive, incorporating both insights from ancient Eastern spiritual systems with modern science of psychology. It is strongly based on the work of C. G. Jung, but also includes other psychoanalytic work on the unconscious and its containment of repressed material, which is central to our understanding of human woundedness. In his work the transpersonal psychotherapist acknowledges the pain of these wounds, but also recognizes the healing potential in bringing them into consciousness and on his path to wholeness. Central to the work is the therapeutic relationship, which is based on trust and is a main factor in transforming wounds into life enhancing potential.