The transpersonal direction in psychology describes altered states of consciousness when it transcends a particular person or soul. Many of the information pertaining to this topic has a direct link to the interpretation of dreams, to feelings that arise after the use of light drugs, with sensations that describe during meditation and with other conditions related to short-term changes in brain activity.
Transpersonal psychology as a new direction in psychology
Representatives of this direction assume that there are Higher Forces, but they exclude any existing religions. The main direction in the study is a set of states of consciousness that can be subject to unknown laws. The human psyche is not limited, for example, to the brain, biography, upbringing, and therefore the mind can "travel". This allows you to relax, activate the recovery process, gain new knowledge, inspiration, etc. The model of the psyche in transpersonal psychology relies heavily on oriental practices, therefore representatives often organize seminars on how to properly meditate and practice breathing techniques. This direction studies different versions of consciousness and experiences that can radically change existing values and help to acquire the integrity of the individual.
Today, transpersonal therapy is very popular. Many during the sessions experience unpleasant sensations, which can be accompanied by problems with breathing, a feeling of nausea and suffocation. That's why only such a specialist should be able to conduct such exercises, who can control such conditions.
Books on transpersonal psychology
For the first time we began to talk about this direction in detail in 1902, and William James did it. Many specialists worked on the development of transpersonal psychology, among them the following: A. Maslow, S. Grof, M. Murphy and many others. Today there is a lot of literature on transpersonal psychology, here are some popular publications:
- "Outside the brain. Birth, death and transcendence in psychotherapy. " The author is S. Grof . The book presents important observations on the human psyche relating to spheres that can not be explained by existing sciences and theories.
- "There are no boundaries. Eastern and Western ways of personal growth. " The author is K. Wilber. The author offers a simple concept of human consciousness, on the basis of which several forms of therapy have been proposed. Each chapter is accompanied by specific exercises, thanks to which you can more easily and quickly understand the information described.
- "A frantic search for oneself. Guidelines for personal growth through a crisis of transformation. " Authors - S. Grof and K.Grof . This book on transpersonal psychology is intended for people who have survived or for a given
the moment is experiencing a spiritual crisis. This information in this publication will help not only a person with problems, but also his close people. - "Modified states of consciousness." Author - C. Tart . Many people at least once in their lives thought about what they are now finding in reality or in a dream. The book explains that a person can not always truthfully explain this, because there is a huge unexplored area of mental activity. The author also tried to illustrate ways how one can evoke an altered consciousness.
This is only a small list of books on transpersonal psychology. Most of the publications are written by the famous American psychologist Stanislav Grof.