An introduction to my Portland Oregon transpersonal counseling focus

 

What is Transpersonal Counseling?

Transpersonal counseling aims to develop and to integrate the spiritual dimension of our human nature. Of the universe of issues which clients may present, transpersonal counseling addresses those concerns related to the development and integration of our spiritual psychology.

Transpersonal therapy derives from transpersonal psychology, differing significantly from traditional counseling in its assumptions about human nature. Some of the assumptions of transpersonal psychology are:

The existence of a spiritual nature – Within each of us there is a spiritual (transpersonal) nature.

Our spiritual nature is knowable – We can know, verify, experience, and develop this nature in this very life.

Human development includes spiritual development – Our development as persons is incomplete, until we integrate the transpersonal dimension into our daily life.

Conscious development is possible – As known to spiritual paths throughout time, techniques exist which enable you to consciously discover, develop, and integrate the transpersonal.

These assumptions are not beliefs; rather they are conclusions derived from thousands of Western scientific research projects conducted by transpersonal psychologists.

Transpersonal psychology also hypothesizes the existence of subtle biophysical energies (qi, chi, prana) and a subtle biophysical anatomy including meridians and chakra energy centers whose cultivation and development contributes to spiritual awakening.

How does transpersonal counseling differ from a spiritual path or practice?

Too often, we misunderstand what a “spiritual path” is. We think a path is a practice, a doctrine, a spiritual school, order, religion.

But, you are the Path. Your psychological and spiritual process unfolding instant by instant through time is the very path from which your life unfolds. Steps on your path include your joy and heartache, your love and anger, your thoughts, feelings, insight, inspiration, and more - in short, your humanity.

As ancient wisdom says, “before a man can tread the path he must become that Path himself.”

So, transpersonal counseling is not a spiritual path. However, it is an aid to your own path of becoming.

When working with a client in transpersonal counseling, I work to help the client illumine obstacles to her understanding and her progressing on the path to becoming her spiritual Self.

Let me share with you some examples of the kinds of issues my transpersonal clients present:

• A client experiences a new type of spiritual experience. Alarmed and confused, she seeks guidance about how to make sense of and integrate it.
• A client struggles with the apparent meaningless and emptiness of life, and wonders whether there is anything more to life than consumerism.
• Another client senses there is something more to spiritual life than conventional religion, and he wants to explore different spiritual options in a safe place.
• Another disillusioned client leaves her spiritual school, and she experiences a crisis of faith for all things “spiritual.”
• Still another client has discovers the importance of mindfully being present in everyday life, and he seeks guidance and instruction in mindfulness techniques.
• Another client has misunderstood the spiritual path to be a practice of realizing and idealized self-image, and now he yearns to rediscover his humanity.
• A client wants to learn a meditation or qigong (a Taoist method of cultivating biophysical energy) technique, whether by private session or in a class I teach.
• Another client struggles with her spiritual superego, and desperately seeks help with how to live free of her inner critic.

These are examples of just some of the many issues that my transpersonal counseling clients share with me in session. You’ll notice that these issues concern the spiritual life and development, and so they are appropriate to transpersonal counseling.

Like the world’s diverse spiritual practices, transpersonal counseling assists your unfolding towards becoming a knower, rather than a believer.

And unlike the world’s many formal spiritual paths, transpersonal counseling does not advocate a particular doctrine. All paths are honored for what they contribute to the understanding of our human nature.

My experience is that each spiritual doctrine, each “truth” is at best a metaphor for what ultimately is a Reality of indescribable magnificence. As the Taoists might remind us, “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.”

What happens in a transpersonal counseling session?

A transpersonal counseling session does not differ in format from other types of counseling. We sit together, and discuss your concerns, benefited by the broader understanding of human nature that transpersonal psychology provides.

Still the scope of transpersonal counseling allows also for our sessions to also take on a very practical orientation. As needed, I may teach you techniques for state management, managing the spiritual superego, meditation, qigong, etc.

Typically we’ll begin a session with you checking-in. We continue with work appropriate to your needs and direction. Finally, we’ll take time to close with some integrative work.

Often I will give you homework, so that you may continue your progress between sessions. Perhaps I’ll suggest a book from my client lending library for you to consider reading.

More about Michael's transpersonal counseling practice

As a scholar of transpersonal psychology, I have published papers in journals, and lectured at conferences on transpersonal psychology. Some of my articles are listed in my Selected Bibliography which is located in the "About Michael" section.

To augment my transpersonal counseling practice, I am certified to teach different qigong forms. I have been a student of transpersonal psychology and a practitioner of meditation for almost 40 years. I also teach meditation.

In addition to mentoring individuals in these practices, I also occasionally offers classes on qigong and meditation. See the Events section for current classes, groups, and workshops that I may now offer. Or if you wish, sign-up to be notified of workshops & classes.

Consider a free consultation

Counseling is a transformative relationship shared by two persons. So, it is important that you take the time to check out any counselor with whom you might work. Is the chemistry between you and the counselor right? Does the counselor’s background and abilities meet your needs? Would a referral be appropriate? Because it is important that you explore such questions before beginning work, I offer prospective clients the opportunity to meet with me for a free 50-minute consultation.

How do I arrange a session?

My counseling offices are located in Portland, Oregon. I welcome you to telephone (503.226.2771) or email me to arrange a consultation or answer any questions you might have.