Also known as the 4th force of psychology, it is the branch that includes in the therapeutic process the study of spiritual experience and the highest dimensions of human consciousness.. Taking this approach seeks to understand the human experience from an integrative perspective by taking into account an aspect that previously had no place within psychology, from basic psychological needs to personal fulfillment and connection with a transcendental purpose. Its main objective is to integrate life experiences, psychological processes and the spiritual dimension in the full development of the human being (Wilber, 2000).
Origins and development
Transpersonal psychology emerged in the 1960s as an extension of the main psychological schools, such as psychoanalysis, behaviorism and humanistic psychology.. Researchers such as Abraham Maslow and Stanislav Grof began to explore a type of exceptional human experiences, which were reached through practices such as meditation, certain types of breathing, use of entheogens and near-death experiences, which could not be explained. completely by existing psychological models (Grof, 1975). These pioneers proposed an approach that addressed the entire human experience, including spiritual and transcendent aspects.
Fundamental principles
Transpersonal psychology is based on several key principles that distinguish it from other branches:
How does transpersonal psychology work in therapy?
In the therapeutic context, transpersonal psychology combines modern psychological tools with ancestral practices that facilitate the exploration of the person and allow for in-depth work in the therapy process. Some common approaches include:
Application areas
Transpersonal psychology has practical applications in various areas:
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PsychologyFor. (2025). Transpersonal Psychology: What is it and How Does it Work?. https://psychologyfor.com/transpersonal-psychology-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/