TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY
by Jacquelyn Small, Eupsychia Institute
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I pulled away from mainstream addiction work and dropped my identity as an addiction therapist. I needed fresh air and a broader perspective. I couldn't find validation for some of my experiences through the disease lens of addiction: I was in need of a philosophy large enough to explain the newly expanding me. And I found this broader context and support in the field of transpersonal psychology, a field that incorporates both Western and Eastern thought and spiritual traditions from throughout the world. I brought with me my knowledge of addiction, and when I eventually returned to the field of addiction, I brought back the concepts and perspective I had gained while studying(and living!)transpersonal psychology. This new-paradigm psychology focuses on the inner life and the psycho-spiritual realities that reside deep within us: the mystical life. The transpersonal definition of the self includes both the ego and the soul or spirit. It sees as legitimate both the ancient spiritual healing traditions and more contemporary psychological methods. The scientists of this new psychology, also known as "human consciousness researchers," work with nonordinary states such as meditation, dreamwork, and the active imagination of Jungian psychology, as well as with myths, archetypes, and the psychic realms of human consciousness. They make use of guided imagery, psychosynthesis processes, and deep cathartic methods such as rebirthing, breathwork, and integrative body work. Some also incorporate Christian contemplative prayer, shamanic work, and Yoga into their practices. They are learning to communicate with our potent and all-inclusive unconscious mind, carrying forward the insightful work of Freud, Jung, behaviorism, and humanistic psychology. [excerpt from AWAKENING IN TIME, pg. 8-9] ŠThe teacher or therapist with a psycho-spiritual orientation is sometimes accused of embracing ideas that are too abstract or esoteric to be relevant to everyday life. ŠPsychology has historically taken the personality, or ego, as its unit of study, neglecting the deeper aspects of our nature. Consequently, most of our psychological methods have not reached deeply enough into the psyche to disturb her slumber and divulge her secrets. She hears no calling to awake. For without the influence of our Higher Selfincluding the vast collective unconscious mind where we meditate, dream, imagine, intuit, and envisionwe are cut off from the spirituality that is our essence. Transpersonal Psychology is attempting to bring back a respect for the wholeness of the Self. Its goal is to move forward along the trajectory of our unfolding lives, to help us manifest the theme "from fragmentation to wholeness" so that we actualize our full potential. It is the first psychology (because it includes the work of Carl Jung) that explains the client's process as being a hero's or heroine's journey, an inner awakening or pilgrimage back to our spiritual source. This journey has been known throughout history by many names: the Tao, the Way of the Christ, enlightenment, the shamanic journey, kundalini awakening, the middle path, the Royal Road, the path of initiation, the hero's journey, or simply "going Home," to name only a few. ŠTranspersonal Psychology says the ego and Higher Self must form a congenial pact and choose to work in harmony; otherwise, we cannot evolve. [excerpts from AWAKENING IN TIME, pgs. 29-31]
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