Transpersonal psychology, also known as spiritual psychology, is an essential part of my work with clients who value the importance of including this perspective in their journey of healing. This is especially true when the definition of spirituality is highly expansive, and not necessarily tethered to traditional notions or viewpoints. Historically, the field of psychology has been reluctant to include this perspective in the clinical setting which has left many clients feeling that their diverse spiritual journeys and perspectives were being omitted from the therapeutic process. A growing number of therapists, myself included, are now working from approaches that are inclusive and welcoming of this perspective as an integral part of the whole person. Central to these models is the idea that transpersonal experiences and/or spiritual beliefs can have a profoundly positive impact on a person’s health and well-being.

Some of the people who seem to most appreciate my openness to spiritual psychology are those who might otherwise define themselves as atheist or agnostic. There is often an intentional and thoughtful process that has led many of them to define themselves in this way, and affirming that process is very important in coming to understand who that person is. Of course, people who are a part of minority or oppressed religious perspectives also appreciate this openness as do people who have had different types of mystical experiences or spiritual awakenings. Finally, as you might expect, many people that have faith or spiritual beliefs that are central to their lives appreciate that this important aspect is welcomed in their clinical work, should they want to include it. Wherever a person may land on that vast continuum, what is most important is that their perspective is welcomed in the therapy experience as an integral part of who they are.