Where are you searching for me, friend?
Look! Here I am right within you.
~Kabir~

What is Transpersonal Counseling?

Transpersonal counseling builds on other psychological disciplines by embracing our spirituality. Ken Wilbur, a leading transpersonal theorist, believes it to be a more comprehensive approach, and to that extent, more truthful. What is meant here by spirituality is the interconnectedness of all beings and creatures, without judgment, duality or doctrine. It is a spiritual quest when we search for meaning, purpose and value in life, when we question who we are and where we are going. Spirituality is about 'going within', connecting with the essence or core of our being. Transpersonal counseling goes beyond the personal, not by negating our personal history but by preserving and transcending it. Ken Wilbur explains transpersonal to mean 'personal plus' not 'personal minus'. We are not getting rid of our personal history, but going beyond - beyond to include the spiritual realm of development and experiences.

 

What can I expect from a transpersonal counseling session?

Many of the approaches that are used support the human potential for wholeness, utilizing modern psychotherapy methods that are designed to address human suffering while awakening the wisdom of the body and mind. A transpersonal counseling session doesn't look much different from other types of counseling. Together we explore your path; we work with your psychological and spiritual unfolding by bringing awareness to your thoughts, feelings, passions, insights and limitations. In the process of seeking your spiritual self, you learn to embrace your humanity. Some important aspects of this work is to guide an individual to find what is really going on within and to help that person choose the right attitude to take. We will focus on experiential learning with a strong focus on being in the present moment or what Eckhardt Tolle calls the 'now' through the practice of body awareness and mindfulness techniques. A nonviolent or compassionate approach to communication is part of the counseling's fundamental approach.

 

What are some transpersonal issues that have been addressed in a session?

•	A client may sense that there is more to life and finds him/herself struggling with what seems to be an empty and meaningless life.
•	A client has a powerful, unusual and frightening experience that may seem like craziness but instead could be a spiritual awakening. She/he seeks guidance to help make sense of it.
•	Another client may seek guidance and instruction in mindfulness techniques or meditation to ease mood swings.
•	A client may have addictions or substance abuse issues and seeks treatment based on mindfulness and cognitive therapy.
•	Someone else may have confusing modes of thinking and feeling.
•	Another person may experience changes in behavior. This may lead to the person being more introverted or extroverted.
•	Some may experience panic like feelings that somehow their surroundings had changed and they experience a loss of identity.