Transpersonal Psychology is a new field of psychology that integrates the mystical and spiritual aspects of a person. It is an interdisciplinary approach to psychology since it acknowledges that philosophy, the paranormal, culture, art and spiritual traditions make up the human mind and is integral in its development and treatment. Eastern, Native American traditions and many other spiritual practices are incorporated and explored. It studies how spirituality motivates people into action, as well as the importance of the mind and body connection.
To practice, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree and a doctorate or PsyD in Transpersonal Psychology. You can begin on this career path by obtaining your psychology degree online from an accredited online university.
If you’re interested in becoming a psychologist, check out some of these unique jobs in psychology. All of these careers require a large amount of psychology training and education. Here are some transpersonal psychology careers.
- Clinical Psychologist: This is traditional couch therapy where you can set up practice to help those with abnormal behavioral problems. However, the difference in your therapy is in your approach to the treatment of your patients. You may apply your knowledge of transpersonal psychology in the treatment of your patients, acknowledging the mind-body connection, as well as the spiritual dimension of their personality. You will need a specific number of clinical hours during your psychology training program and internship to be able to put up your clinical practice.
- Hospice Counselor: Transpersonal psychology is much needed in this environment, since it provides hope and a feeling of peace and understanding to those who are sick and dying. You can teach patients meditation techniques, as well as provide counseling to those in fear of their impending death so you can help them view it as a transition to another level of existence instead of an end. Just like a clinical psychologist, hands-on supervised hours during your internship are needed before you can practice any type of counseling on your own.
- Researcher: There is a growing interest in a holistic mental approach to the behavioral study of human beings. People are now more interested in their spirituality, the paranormal and the existence of things that are part of our consciousness and yet not explained by science. Funding may be limited for research programs so it will be competitive to find a grant.
- Teacher: Since this branch of psychology is relatively new, there are few teachers, although there are a growing number of students, mostly women. Teach in a university’s psychology department and offer classes in Transpersonal Psychology. You may also become part of a parapsychology program of a university.
- Life Coach: This is a personalized counseling approach wherein a client is assisted so he may reach his full potential. You will act as a personalized counselor, to help an individual get through his personal issues, teach meditation techniques, and at the same time help him direct his life so that he may become his best self, and approach living life consciously.
You may join the Association for Transpersonal Psychology or become a member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences for further resources. Keep in mind that this is a new field in psychology so you may find some resistance from other psychology graduates as to the legitimacy of your field. If you are trained and educated in this field, however, you’re sure to find psychology job opportunities. Be a pioneer and find fulfillment in doing what you love!