Transpersonal Psychology


Celebrating spirit and inspiring lives

Transpersonal psychology aims to develop and to integrate the psychological, physiological, and spiritual dimensions of our human nature. In other words; it concerns itself with the relationship of our mind, body, and spirit. Of the many issues which clients may present, transpersonal counseling addresses those concerns related to the development and integration of these aspects of self in a deeply holistic sense.

Transpersonal psychotherapy derives from transpersonal psychology, differing significantly from traditional therapy in its assumptions about human nature. Some of the assumptions of transpersonal psychology are:

  • Our life expands when we experience connectedness through the appreciation of our mind, body and spirit, and those of others
  • 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 therapy 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, the transpersonal 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 clients share with me in session. Notice that these issues concern the spiritual life and development, making them appropriate to transpersonal therapy.

Like the world's diverse spiritual practices, a transpersonal approach 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 therapy session?

A transpersonal therapy session does not differ in format from other types of therapy. 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.

Psychotherapy 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.




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When we understand spiritual practice as simply the cultivation of certain mental qualities, we can understand a wide range of seemingly diverse traditions.
~ Jack Kornfield









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







Transpersonal Counseling San Jose, Transpersonal Therapist San Jose

Randi Fredricks, LMFT     ♦     1711 Hamilton Ave Suite A, San Jose, California, 95125     ♦     408-315-0645

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This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is intended for informational purposes only.
No therapeutic relationship is established by the use of this site. Randi Fredricks is a Licensed Marriage Family
Therapist MFC 47803. Randi Fredricks is not licensed with the California Medical Board or the Bureau of
Naturopathic Medicine. © 2001-2010 Randi Fredricks All rights reserved.
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