Do you have any personal goals you are interested in meeting, but are not certain which type of theoretical approach or therapy would be the most for you meaningful for you? One personal goal that I would like to work towards realizing relates to learning how to meditate as a form of self-care and relaxation. Another personal goal has to do with being more active in my local community through volunteering. In order to reach these two goals, I need to work on managing my time so as to fit these activities into my busy schedule. I’m finding it challenging to accommodate these two passions into my life at the present time.
I’ve chosen transpersonal theory to address these goals. Carrier & Mitchell (2011) explained the transpersonal approach is holistic in nature and takes a look at the whole person while linking the psychological with the spiritual and this means the therapist will focus both on my psychological and spiritual wellness at the same time.
Carrier & Mitchell (2011) observed, “the goal of transpersonal counseling is to assist the individual in achieving his or her highest potential.” (p. 347.). Some of the interventions such as meditation and visualization can be helpful in my gaining clarity about the type of volunteer work I would be best suited for, and visualization exercises can be instrumental in motivating me to envision the type of meditation that would be most nurturing for my spirit, and also inspiring me to visualize myself learning this new skill successfully. Since my goal is to learn to meditate, being engaged in transpersonal counseling would enable me to practice meditation and gain more knowledge about it through working with the counselor. The researchers pointed out that meditation takes center stage as a transpersonal intervention and is helpful for “self-exploration.” (p. 341). In order for me to find a volunteer position suitable for me and my skills level, engaging in an exploration of my talents would be key in my realizing my personal goal of volunteering in my community. Further, I would need to explore any obstacles within that may be present and acting to impede my ability to carve out the time for the volunteer activity. The researchers also noted that transpersonal counseling includes working with the therapist to rid the client of any limiting or negative belief systems that stand in the way of reaching one’s potential. As I continue to work with a transpersonal counselor on time management to realize my goals, and overcome any hurdles, the inner space for spiritual development would become manifest to bring about, as the researchers noted, “ the process of unification and deepening, the experience of connection to engender the highest human qualities of creativity, compassion, selflessness, and wisdom.” (p. 347.). These qualities would serve me well in reaching my goals.
(Lukoff, Turner, & Lu (1992) (as cited in Carrier & Mitchell, 2011) clarified, “It is transpersonal theory’s practical, yet existential approach to human experience that makes it an effective practice in both short and long-term counseling situations.” ( p. 343.). For clients of different cultures struggling with a variety of issues, Carrier & Mitchell (2011) noted transpersonal theory has positive cross-cultural applications, so the theory would be effective for clients across cultures. The researchers noted, “It’s perhaps safe to say that transpersonal theory is one of the most multicultural and aware of all major counseling theories.” ( p. 344.). For clients who feel a sense of isolation, or for those who want to grow spiritually, the researchers noted, transpersonal theory is helpful as it is focused on helping clients reach transcendence. The researchers pointed out, “Transpersonal counselors seek to bring a client beyond a healthy level of mental health and into the realm of transcendence, unity, and extraordinary mental health.” (p. 346.). In a video, Lukoff, (lecturesbeyondbeyond, 2013) (17: 50) explained that transpersonal theory works toward deepening one’s connection to a sense of a higher power. For clients on a quest for meaning and purpose in their lives, Puhakka (lecturesbeyondbeyond, 2013) in a video, explained individuals can gain insight into the meaning of their lives through transpersonal theory and those individuals who seek deeper meaning are often drawn to transpersonal theory.(35:07). For clients seeking inner peace, Vaughan (lecturesbeyondbeyond, 2013) pointed out in a video, the use of meditation as an intervention helps individuals focus on the present and gain clarity. In a video, Vaughan (lecturesbeyondbeyond, 2013) noted, “ All of the past and future exist in our mind and takes away from our capacity to live in the present.” (44:08).
I felt relaxed and confident as I listened to transpersonal counselor I interviewed over the phone. The counselor mentioned in addition to helping clients address any difficulties, spiritual development is also a focus in therapy. In my case, I would need to overcome obstacles I have about carving out time learn to meditate and volunteering in my community. I felt inspired knowing the transpersonal approach would play a role in my reaching my full human potential via a variety of interventions such as meditation and mindfulness which I believe would help relax my mind as I start working on managing my time in realizing my personal goals. Understanding that the approach provides so much variation in the sense that it taps into Eastern and Western traditions and disciplines helps me to feel confident as I feel that the transpersonal theory approach can meet my needs to grow personally and spiritually through learning to meditate and volunteering.
References
Carrier, J.W. and Mitchell, N.G. . (2011).Transpersonal theory. In D. Capuzzi and D. Gross (Eds.). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions. (pp.193- 213). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Postmodern theories [Interactive Media]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_5102940_1%26url%3D
lecturesbeyondbeyond (2013, September, 26) The story of transpersonal psychology. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-263I0J5eA&list=PLfnhCadhDTfdOoOY37E4C6Z_TYF35rhao