an introduction the work of the transpersonal therapist and how transpersonal therapy can work for you
The Transpersonal Therapist and transpersonal therapy
The basis for transpersonal therapy says that all of life is made up of 4 general areas: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Touch one part and you affect all the other parts.
the bowl of water
Imagine a bowl of water. Now, imagine the water is divided into 4 parts. Now imagine trying to drop a marble into one part without the other parts being affected. Even if you had actually placed dividers in the bowl of water, there would still be an affect on the other parts — just not as pronounced.
the basis for transpersonal therapy
The transpersonal view is that life is about trying to bring a balance with all four parts so that no part rules over the others — all work together for a balanced life to come into being.
In one sense this will be a life-long journey; in another sense we are always trying to get into balance so that one part of our lives does not take over the other parts.
When one part takes over, or when one or more parts are neglected, then it is said that we are out of balance. We can then be in a state of ill health in any of the areas.
Many of you have noticed this happen in yourself and/or others. A diabetic who does not pay attention to diet, insulin needs, or exercise is out-of-balance physically and then gets sluggish mentally, develops mood swings, and often neglects to participate in their faith community or individual spiritual practices.
The same goes for those who are mental health consumers. If the medications are not taken, the proper nutrition and sleep patterns are usually not present, the emotions often get either heightened or flattened, and the desire to participate in spiritual practices diminished greatly.
However, add to this mix the problems of lack of proper medication, nutrition, and sleep patterns plus misdiagnosis, improper or lack of teaching about aspects of life beyond the diagnosis and medication and the result is often very confusing. Now, there are viable alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, chiropractor involvement, nutritional supplements, herbal therapies, color therapies, and earth-based therapies. Gets complicated doesn’t it?
The Transpersonal Therapist
The transpersonal therapist helps the person to unravel areas of life, establish priorities, and offers support. In other words, the transpersonal therapist looks at the whole of the person/of life and not just one area.
The transpersonal therapist also attempts to empower you — to walk with you as you walk the path that’s healthy for you. NO ONE can walk for you but a good therapist is walking with you as the two of you develop awareness of your path. This path is one that is your path — not what someone else’s thinks should be your path.
Transpersonal therapy is a cooperative path. This means that you will be actively participating in the therapy to the extent that you are able to do so. The focus is on you.
You can also participate in this type of therapy for yourself. Attending mind-body workshops, our events, reading various materials on the alternative therapies, trying different ideas, exploring where you seem to be out of balance, listening to your peers about their successes, can all be a part of your path. You can do much on your own. Keep exploring your path. Keep walking your path.