Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA

Transpersonal therapy focuses on a patient’s spirituality and meaning in life. Transpersonal therapists might borrow from Eastern traditions as well as Western psychology. They may incorporate techniques including meditation, visualization, hypnotherapy, dream analysis, and or breathwork to produce altered states of consciousness. The therapist helps the patient to access their consciousness and spirituality to work through difficult mental states.

Because the goal is to understand a person as a whole, including their spirituality, treatment can range from months to a year or beyond. While patients learn the philosophy behind transpersonal therapy during treatment, they can also practice its principles throughout life after therapy sessions have ended.

Patients have found success with transpersonal therapy; this method is useful in improving anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity, fears, relationship problems, and other concerns. Improvements in problem areas can continue even after transpersonal therapy ends, as individuals can utilize the tools they’ve learned during treatment sessions.

There is some research on the effectiveness of transpersonal therapy, but empirical support for this therapy approach is sparse. It does not have the robust evidence base of other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy.