What is Transpersonal Counseling? Transpersonal counseling aims to develop and to integrate the spiritual dimension of our human nature. Of the many
issues which clients may present, transpersonal counseling addresses those concerns related to the development and
integration of our spiritual psychology.
Transpersonal counseling derives from transpersonal psychology, differing significantly from traditional counseling
in its assumptions about human nature. Some of the assumptions of transpersonal psychology are:
The existence of a spiritual nature. Within each of us there is a spiritual (transpersonal) nature.
Our spiritual nature is knowable. We can know, verify, experience, and develop this nature in this very life.
Human development includes spiritual development. Our development as persons is incomplete, until we integrate the
transpersonal dimension into our daily life.
Conscious development is possible. As known to spiritual paths throughout time, techniques exist which enable you to
consciously discover, develop, and integrate the transpersonal.
These assumptions are not beliefs; rather they are conclusions derived from thousands of Western scientific research
projects conducted by transpersonal psychologists.
Transpersonal psychology also hypothesizes the existence of subtle biophysical energies (qi, chi, prana) and a subtle
biophysical anatomy including meridians and chakra energy centers whose cultivation and development contributes
to spiritual awakening.
How does transpersonal counseling differ from a spiritual path or practice?
Too often, we misunderstand what a "spiritual path" is. We think a path is a practice, a doctrine, a spiritual school,
order, religion. In your busy everyday world, you may lose sight of the fact that we are on a path. Your psychological
and spiritual process is unfolding instant by instant. This is the path through which your life unfolds.
Steps on your path include your joy and heartache, your love and anger, your thoughts,
feelings, insight, inspiration, and more - in short, your humanity.
As ancient wisdom says, "before a man can tread the path he must become that Path himself."
In this manner, transpersonal counseling is not a spiritual path - it is an aid to your own path of becoming.
When working with a client in transpersonal counseling, the therapist helps the client illumine obstacles to his or her
understanding and her progression on the path to becoming a spiritual Self.
Let me share with you some examples of the kinds of transpersonal issues people discuss in therapy:
A young woman experiences a type of spiritual experience she has not previously had.
Alarmed and confused, she feels anxiety over the experience and seeks guidance about how to make sense of it.
Someone struggles with feelings of depression over the apparent meaningless and emptiness of life,
and wonders whether there is anything more to life than work and acquiring material wealth.
Another person senses there is something more to spiritual life than conventional religion, and wants to
explore different spiritual options in a safe and nonjudgmental place.
A man is isillusioned and leaves his place of worship and experiences a crisis of faith for all things
"spiritual."
Still another person discovers the importance of being present in everyday life and seeks
guidance and instruction in mindfulness techniques.
A successful entrepreneur is disillusioned by the concept of idealized self-image and yearns to rediscover his humanity.
These are examples of just some of the many issues that my transpersonal counseling clients share with me in session.
Notice that these issues concern the spiritual life and development, making them appropriate to transpersonal
counseling.
Like the world's diverse spiritual practices, transpersonal counseling assists your unfolding towards becoming a knower,
rather than a believer. Unlike the world's many formal spiritual paths, transpersonal counseling does not advocate a
particular doctrine. All paths are honored for what they contribute to the understanding of our human nature.
What happens in a transpersonal counseling session?
A transpersonal counseling session does not differ in format from other types of counseling. We sit together, and
discuss your concerns, benefited by the broader understanding of human nature that transpersonal psychology provides.
Still the scope of transpersonal counseling allows also for our sessions to also take on a very practical orientation.
As needed, I may teach you techniques for state management, managing the spiritual superego, meditation, etc.
Typically we'll begin a session with you checking-in. We continue with work appropriate to your needs and direction.
Finally, we'll take time to close with some integrative work.
Often I will give you homework, so that you may continue your progress between sessions. Perhaps I'll suggest a book
from my client lending library for you to consider reading.
Counseling is a transformative relationship shared by two persons. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.
Call me at (408)315-0645 or contact me online.
"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing."
"People only see what they are prepared to see."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious."
Brendan Gill
"Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to
avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes."
Ramana Maharshi
"We can never obtain peace in the world if we neglect the inner world and don't make peace with ourselves."
The Dalai Lama
"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."
Richard Bach
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time we are given."
Gandalf to Frodo
"A donkey with a load of holy books is still a donkey."
Sufi Quote
Transpersonal Counseling San Jose, Transpersonal Therapist San Jose
Randi Fredricks ::: 1723 Hamilton Ave Suite D, San Jose, California, 95125 ::: 800-957-5655
