Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology is a branch of modern psychology, emerging in the past forty years. The focus is on experiences beyond the personal level that traditional psychology attends to. Spirituality, altered states of consciousness and personal development are central to transpersonal psychology, which attempts to integrate Oriental knowledge tradition with Occidental science-based views. The aim of the course is to create interest in human psychological potential and development. The course provides an overview of the history and prominent figures of transpersonal psychology. Altered states of consciousness and their occurrence are then treated, historically and in a contemporary context. Positive as well as negative aspects of such states are described. The concept of spiritual emergency is explained. There is also a focus on Occidental and Oriental worldviews and on traditions in native cultures in relation to contemporary trends and phenomena. An overview of the application of transpersonal psychology in psychotherapy and clinical practice is provided. The course includes practical components.