What does 'transpersonal' mean?
The term ‘transpersonal’ literally means ‘beyond (or through) the personal’. It refers to experiences, processes and events in which our normal limiting sense of self is transcended and in which there is a feeling of connection to a larger, more meaningful reality.
What is transpersonal counselling and psychotherapy?
An approach aimed specifically at exploring the farther and higher reaches of human experience. Broadly speaking, transpersonal approaches to counselling and psychotherapy are those which recognise and address the spiritual aspects of human experience in conjunction to scientific, psycho- spiritual, cultural, social and human developmental themes.
Transpersonal psychotherapists and counsellors differ widely in their approach to practice, which may be based on Jungian, person-centred, psychosynthesis, Buddhist, existential, holotropic, integrative or other training and experience.
How does transpersonal counselling differ from art therapy?
Counselling doesn’t use art materials, for the most part, it is more talk-based, using meditations and guided visualisations to access and have a dialogue with parts of yourself that are usually hidden. Counselling brings attention to internal knowing and accesses body wisdom or intelligence to uncover or resolve issues at its source.
Do I need to be creative to do art therapy?
NO!!! Art Therapy is not about the end creative expression. There is no judgement and it is not about doing Art “right.” It is simply a doorway to the unconscious. Meaning that it allows insights to come from the most hidden part of ourself through a medium, be it drawing, painting, clay, collage etc to encourage symbols and images appear. The symbols are the language, the gateway to your psyche.
“According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than an hour of creative activity can reduce your stress and have a positive effect on your mental health, regardless of artistic experience or talent.” (verywellmind.com)
The focus is not on analysing or interpreting the art, but rather amplifying and enquiring into what’s on the paper, so you can make your own meaning.
Carl Jung wrote in The Man and His Symbols: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
We all have the ability to access this part of ourselves, but most of us have never been shown how. Art Therapy is a very gentle way to start this journey of self-realisation and help the integration of all parts of yourself.
Do I need to have spiritual beliefs to do this work?
No, it is a secular process. We all have a conscious and unconscious mind. Doing Art Therapy or guided processes with transpersonal counselling sessions, allows us to find and access the strengths and resources that we can bring into our daily lives.
Is it safe?
Yes, you are in control of the session. It is client-centred which means you are meet in your world. It is a non-directive approach to talk therapy where the therapist works as a guide or source of support that allows you to take the rains and work within your own beliefs and personal experience. It does not impose any beliefs or psychological or social frameworks on you, rather it works within your own cosmology to recognise and develop your strengths and abilities so you can live an independent and fulfilling life.
How will transpersonal work benefit me?
It provides an outlet for you to express your deepest wisdom, emotions and insights to assist with dealing with life difficulties and lead to positive change within. In addition, it helps to build your skill set. It is always highlighting your resources and paving the way to the answers that reside within.
What can transpersonal counselling and art therapy help with?
The transpersonal works with a wide variety of individual concerns of mental, emotional or spiritual origin. A transpersonal therapist might work with individuals coping with such things as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, learning difficulties, behavioural and social problems, phobias, self-esteem problems, relationship problems, medical conditions, loss/grief, stress, PTSD and life transitions.
What sort of activities would I be doing in art therapy?
You do only what you feel directed to explore and feel comfortable with. Activities are many and varied but may include mapping techniques, meditation, guided visualisation, dream work, free expression, therapeutic story-telling, writing, connection in nature, movement, dance, doodling, sculpturing, painting, and collage.
The encouragement is to let the conscious mind go and move into unconscious exploration to allow free self-expression. You are then guided to delve into feelings, theme and symbols that assist the discovery of emotions, develop self-awareness, help cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills.
