Understanding Transpersonal Psychology

Before we plunge into its merits and demerits, it’s imperative to establish a solid foundation regarding the essence of transpersonal psychology. This branch of psychology ventures beyond conventional boundaries, delving into the spiritual and transcendent aspects of human existence. It encapsulates experiences of profound awe, peak moments, and the quest for meaning and purpose in life.

Advantages of Transpersonal Psychology

Holistic Understanding

Transpersonal psychology adopts a holistic approach to comprehend the human essence. It recognizes that individuals transcend the confines of mere physical and psychological entities. This holistic perspective affords a more profound comprehension of human nature in its entirety.

Spiritual Growth

A significant strength of transpersonal psychology lies in its emphasis on spiritual development. It equips individuals with an array of tools and techniques to embark on an exploration of their spirituality, resulting in a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose in their life journey.

Healing Trauma

Transpersonal therapy techniques wield notable efficacy in addressing trauma. By delving into the depths of the psyche, individuals can confront and ultimately resolve past traumas, fostering emotional healing and facilitating personal growth.

Enhanced Well-being

The incorporation of transpersonal techniques, including mindfulness and meditation, into one’s daily life can lead to an overall enhancement in well-being. These practices promote stress reduction, heightened mental clarity, and increased life satisfaction on a holistic level.

Disadvantages of Transpersonal Psychology

Lack of Empirical Evidence

One salient critique leveled against transpersonal psychology pertains to the scarcity of empirical evidence substantiating its claims. Critics argue that it heavily relies on subjective experiences, which poses a challenge in establishing its scientific validity.

Cultural Variability

Transpersonal experiences and practices exhibit substantial variability across cultures. What might be considered a profoundly spiritual experience in one culture may not hold the same significance in another. This cultural diversity can complicate efforts to universalize concepts within transpersonal psychology.

Ethical Concerns

In certain instances, transpersonal practices have been misused, giving rise to ethical concerns. There have been reported cases where individuals were manipulated or harmed under the guise of spiritual growth. Ethical guidelines within the realm of transpersonal psychology are still evolving to address these concerns adequately.

Limited Mainstream Acceptance

Transpersonal psychology has yet to garner widespread acceptance within the mainstream psychological community. This limited acknowledgment may restrict accessibility for individuals seeking alternative approaches to mental health and personal development.

In Conclusion

Transpersonal psychology presents distinct advantages, encompassing holistic understanding, spiritual growth, and trauma healing. However, it also grapples with challenges tied to empirical evidence, cultural diversity, ethical considerations, and mainstream recognition. Those intrigued by transpersonal psychology should approach it with due caution and seek guidance from reputable practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is transpersonal psychology considered a legitimate field of psychology?

While some acknowledge transpersonal psychology as a legitimate field, it has not gained universal acceptance within the mainstream psychological community.

How can transpersonal psychology benefit individuals seeking personal growth?

Transpersonal psychology offers valuable tools and techniques for spiritual growth, trauma healing, and overall well-being, making it particularly beneficial for individuals on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

Are there any potential risks associated with transpersonal practices?

Yes, potential risks exist, including ethical concerns and cultural variations. It is essential to approach transpersonal practices cautiously and seek guidance from qualified practitioners.

Can transpersonal psychology be integrated with traditional psychotherapy?

Indeed, transpersonal psychology can be integrated with traditional psychotherapeutic approaches, contingent upon the individual’s needs and preferences.

The post Advantages and disadvantages of transpersonal psychology appeared first on EuroPsychology.

Understanding Transpersonal Psychology

Before starting the search for a psychologist, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of transpersonal psychology. This field emphasizes the study of human growth and development, moving beyond the individual to include the interconnectedness of all things. It explores higher states of consciousness, mystical experiences, spiritual emergencies, and other transcendent experiences. Like obtaining a winning combination in an online casino game, successfully navigating these experiences can yield significant personal growth.

Identify Your Needs

Determining what you hope to gain from transpersonal psychology is the first step in finding the right psychologist. Some people may be seeking a greater understanding of themselves and their place in the universe, while others might want to explore spiritual phenomena they’ve experienced or resolve deep-seated emotional issues. Identifying your needs can help you clarify the kind of professional you’re looking for and guide your search.

Research and Referrals

Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, start by seeking referrals from trusted sources. You could ask general psychologists, therapists, or psychiatrists if they know of any reputable transpersonal psychologists. Online directories of professional bodies such as the Association for Transpersonal Psychology (ATP) can also be useful resources. Remember, even with referrals, always cross-check and verify the psychologist’s credentials and reputation.

In the digital world, reviews and opinions matter immensely. Just like you’d consider reviews and ratings on LegjobbKaszino.hu before choosing an online casino, you should research patient reviews and testimonials for potential psychologists. Patient reviews often provide valuable insights into the psychologist’s method of practice, demeanour, and efficacy.

Experience and Specialization

Just as some online casinos might offer bonus codes for specific games, some transpersonal psychologists may specialize in certain areas of the field. For instance, some may focus on spiritual crises, while others might deal more with consciousness studies. Choose a psychologist whose experience and specialization align with your needs and expectations.

Comfort and Compatibility

Finding a psychologist who you feel comfortable with is crucial, as the nature of transpersonal psychology often requires exploring deeply personal and sensitive topics. During your initial consultation, assess how comfortable you feel opening up to them. Do they create a safe, non-judgmental space? Are they attentive and empathetic? Much like choosing a casino game where you understand the rules and have the best chance of success, you should choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and understood.

Financial Considerations

Last but not least, consider the cost of the sessions. Transpersonal psychology can be a lengthy process, and you’ll need to ensure it’s financially feasible for you. Some psychologists may offer sliding scale fees based on income, so don’t hesitate to discuss this during your initial consultation.

Methods and Techniques

Transpersonal psychology, like other psychological disciplines, utilizes various techniques and methodologies to help individuals process their experiences and achieve personal growth. These techniques can include traditional talk therapy, meditation and mindfulness training, hypnotherapy, dream work, and even the use of psychedelic substances in a controlled and safe environment. In many ways, the techniques employed can be as diverse as the game offerings on a site like LegjobbKaszino.hu, with the effectiveness of each varying based on individual preferences and circumstances.

When selecting a transpersonal psychologist, it’s important to consider what methodologies resonate most with you. During your initial consultations, don’t hesitate to ask potential psychologists about their preferred techniques and how they might apply them in your case. Remember, your comfort and understanding of these methods is essential to the therapeutic process.

Session Logistics

Practical considerations also play a significant role in your choice of a transpersonal psychologist. Things like the location of the psychologist’s office, the frequency of the sessions, and their availability can impact your ability to commit to the process fully. For example, if you work full time, a psychologist who offers evening or weekend appointments may be more suitable. Just as you might look for a convenient time to use a bonus code on LegjobbKaszino.hu, finding a psychologist whose schedule aligns with yours is important for maintaining consistency and maximizing the benefits of therapy.

Continued Professional Development

The field of transpersonal psychology, like all scientific fields, is continually evolving. New research, techniques, and theories are regularly emerging, much like new games and bonus offerings on online casino sites. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a psychologist who is committed to continuing education and stays updated with the latest advancements in the field.

During your initial consultation, consider asking about their professional development practices. Do they attend conferences or seminars? Do they partake in peer review groups? Their dedication to their professional growth can be a strong indicator of their commitment to their patients.

Navigating the journey of self-discovery and personal growth is a deeply personal endeavor, and the right guide can make all the difference. Just like finding the right online casino on LegjobbKaszino.hu with the best bonus code can elevate your gaming experience, finding the right transpersonal psychologist can enrich your therapeutic journey. By considering your needs, doing thorough research, assessing compatibility, and taking into account practical considerations, you can find a transpersonal psychologist who will facilitate your journey towards greater self-understanding and personal growth. It might take time and effort, but remember, it’s your journey and your wellbeing at stake, so it’s worth every bit of the effort.

The post Finding the Right Transpersonal Psychologist for Your Journey appeared first on EuroPsychology.

Transpersonal psychology, a transformative force in Western psychology, surpasses earlier waves like psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanistic psychology. It explores human consciousness beyond the self, revealing profound interconnectedness with creation. Uncovering extraordinary states profoundly impacts personal growth and well-being. Emphasizing interconnectedness and expanded awareness, it offers holistic understanding and spiritual evolution. A milestone in psychology, it invites self-discovery and human flourishing.

The Emergence of Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology has its roots in the turbulent and transformational 1960s and 1970s, when the human potential movement and advancements in humanistic psychology gave rise to it. Transpersonal psychology, which drew inspiration from visionaries like William James, Carl G. Jung, Roberto Assagioli, and Abraham Maslow, aimed to broaden the scope of psychological science and accept spiritual and mystical experiences as essential to human growth.

Defining the Transpersonal Experience

Transpersonal encounters dive into profound realms of consciousness that go beyond the ego’s limitations, giving people the chance to engage with phenomena that transcend conventional limits and their limited sense of self. These rare encounters have the capacity to exhibit generosity, creativity, and intuitive wisdom, enhancing the existence of the individual and elevating human qualities.

Transcending Ego: Self-Discovery Beyond the Personal

The concept of ego transcends its limitations as transpersonal psychology embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, delving into the depths beyond the confines of the personal. It ardently encourages individuals to embark on an introspective exploration of their inner selves, fostering a profound connection with the greater whole, and wholeheartedly embracing the interconnectedness that binds us to the world and all living beings. This transformative approach opens up new avenues of understanding and invites individuals to experience the vastness of their consciousness, leading to a profound sense of oneness with the universe.

The Role of Spirituality and Religion

Transpersonal science places a strong emphasis on spirituality and religion because it fully accepts their deep molding influence on connection and transcending experiences. The spiritual dimension is given the biggest importance in this transforming area of psychology, which sees it as a crucial component of human existence. Transpersonal psychology therefore cordially urges people to go out on a personal path of inquiry into the depths of their spirituality. People can unlock the potential for personal development, self-discovery, and transforming experiences that go beyond the confines of the ordinary world by immersing themselves in this profound domain.

Peak Experiences and the Human Potential Movement

The human potential movement places a specific emphasis on peak experiences, those amazing times of heightened consciousness and profound connection with the world around us. These moments of ecstasy, astonishment, and wonder are crucial to promoting one’s own development and self-discovery, opening the door to even deeper levels of psychological change and inward growth. People can embark on a transformational journey that unlocks their true human potential and enriches their lives with tremendous meaning and fulfillment by accepting and cherishing these transcendent encounters.

Psychological Transformation and Healing

Transpersonal psychology, a fascinating field of exploration, delves into the boundless potential for psychological transformation and healing that lies within non-ordinary states of consciousness. It aims to unlock the mysteries of techniques like meditation, psychedelic use, and reaching flow states during peak performance as they open doors to profound healing and increased self-awareness. These potent tools open up hitherto undiscovered facets of the human mind, paving the way for people to go on a magnificent journey of psychological and spiritual growth that results in a life that is richer and more fulfilling. Adopting these transformative practices enables us to rise above the commonplace and uncover the remarkable within ourselves, ultimately resulting in a deeper comprehension of the complex web of human awareness and its ability for development and healing.

Integration of Eastern Wisdom and Western Psychology

With its broad outlook, transpersonal psychology bridges cultural divides by deftly fusing ancient Eastern wisdom with contemporary Western psychological findings. The field is able to draw from the eternal teachings of antiquated techniques like shamanic psychology, Sri Lankan Buddhist Tovils, and traditional Chinese medicine thanks to this harmonious integration, which gives it a tapestry of different viewpoints to infuse its interdisciplinary orientation. Accepting the knowledge of these age-old traditions enhances the study of transpersonal psychology and opens doors to new levels of comprehension and change. Transpersonal psychology serves as a dynamic catalyst for examining the mysteries of human consciousness and the limitless possibility for inner growth and healing by bridging the gap between various cultural perspectives. In addition to honoring the diversity of cultural heritages, this integration enables people to travel a profound path of spiritual awakening that transcends the boundaries of culture and cultivates a strong sense of connectivity with all of mankind.

The Contemporary Relevance of Transpersonal Psychology

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, Transpersonal psychology remains highly relevant as it tackles the intricacies of modern life and provides valuable perspectives on human potential and well-being. With its spiritual, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary approach, it serves as a guiding light, promoting harmony and tranquility in an ever-changing world.

Conclusion

Transpersonal psychology embarks on a profound journey into the realms of consciousness, stretching the boundaries of human potential and understanding. With roots in humanistic and spiritual traditions, this transformative branch of psychology enriches lives and paves the path for global transformation. By embracing the interconnectedness of all beings and exploring the depths of human experience, transpersonal psychology holds the promise of a more harmonious and enlightened future.

The post appeared first on EuroPsychology.

Understanding Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology is a transformative branch that explores human potential, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness. It bridges the material and spiritual realms, offering profound insights into the human psyche and interconnectedness. Mystical experiences play a vital role, evoking a sense of oneness with the universe and humanity. Transpersonal psychology empowers individuals to embrace personal growth and self-discovery, unlocking hidden capabilities and inviting transformative journeys. Ultimately, it illuminates the profound depths of human experience, paving the way for spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of life’s interconnected tapestry.

The Power of Mind Over Matter

The critical role of the mind-body connection in sports success is well recognized. Transpersonal psychology takes it further by emphasizing the influence of consciousness on shaping physical outcomes.

Visualizing Success: The Inner Game

A major tool provided by transpersonal psychology is visualization, which allows athletes to vividly see their athletic accomplishments while involving all of their senses. Cultivating increased mental awareness improves self-assurance and general well-being, which eventually improves performance on the field.

Athletes can see their movements in great detail, which helps them perform better during competition and pick up new movements during practice. I wonder if their fans — users of online sports betting Singapore — use this method? Athletes that use this technique experience improvements in their motor abilities, self-confidence, focus, and anxiety levels, which helps them succeed in both training and competition.

Flow States: Merging with the Game

In a state of flow, athletes undergo complete immersion in their actions, a phenomenon well-known in sports psychology. Transpersonal psychology recognizes this as a spiritual experience where the boundaries of the ego dissolve, enabling athletes to achieve peak performance effortlessly. During this profound state of oneness with their activity, athletes tap into their hidden potentials and experience a heightened sense of connection with the task at hand, resulting in exceptional athletic achievements and a deep sense of fulfillment. The flow state transcends ordinary consciousness, and athletes feel a profound alignment with their true selves, unlocking unparalleled levels of skill and creativity. By understanding and harnessing this spiritual aspect of peak performance, athletes can consistently access their optimal abilities and embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and athletic excellence.

Embracing Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

Facing challenges is inherent in sports, and transpersonal psychology equips athletes with the mental tools to confront them head-on.

• The Hero’s Journey: Drawing from the hero’s journey concept, athletes view challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, turning them into personal narratives of triumph;
• Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Transpersonal psychology emphasizes emotional intelligence, helping athletes effectively navigate emotions, reduce stress, and stay focused under pressure.

Finding Purpose and Meaning in Sports

Transpersonal psychology goes beyond the surface of sports, revealing a deeper significance beyond mere competition. By connecting with their core values, athletes discover a sense of purpose that transcends winning, motivating them to excel for a greater cause.

Moreover, transpersonal psychology plays a vital role in fostering team bonding through shared values, promoting unity and a collective sense of purpose among athletes. This deeper connection empowers teams to perform cohesively and achieve not only individual success but also a higher level of team synergy and achievement.

Transcending Ego and Achieving Self-Actualization

In the world of sports, peak performance goes beyond the ego, tapping into higher levels of consciousness. Transpersonal psychology guides athletes to shed ego limitations and embrace a profound sense of self.

During moments of peak performance, athletes experience a state of flow, where their actions seamlessly align with the universe’s rhythm, leading to extraordinary achievements. This integration of mind, body, and spirit allows athletes to unlock their full potential and achieve unparalleled success in their endeavors.

Real-Life Examples of Transpersonal Triumphs

Numerous athletes have applied transpersonal principles to achieve remarkable success. Some inspiring stories include Novak Djokovic’s mindfulness dedication and Michael Phelps’ resilience and emotional intelligence.

The Future of Transpersonal Sports Psychology

The growing recognition of transpersonal psychology is significantly influencing the future of sports performance. As researchers and coaches join forces, they merge scientific insights with spiritual wisdom to foster holistic athlete development.

Furthermore, mental training techniques are becoming accessible to athletes of all levels, empowering them to tap into their inner strength and unlock their full potential. This democratization of mental training has the potential to revolutionize sports performance and lead athletes to new heights of excellence. With the integration of transpersonal psychology, athletes can explore the depths of their consciousness, achieve optimal mental states, and embark on transformative journeys that elevate their athletic prowess.

Conclusion: Unleashing the Transpersonal Athlete Within

Transpersonal psychology emerges as a transformative force in sports. By exploring realms beyond the ego, athletes tap into their inner strength, leading to extraordinary success on the field. Visualization, resilience, purpose, and transcending the ego form the foundation of the transpersonal athlete.

The journey towards becoming a transpersonal athlete starts with understanding and harnessing the power of the mind. Embrace team spirit, connect with core values, and let go of limitations. This journey not only leads to sports triumph but also to profound self-discovery.

The post Inner Strength, Outer Success: How Transpersonal Psychology Shapes Sports Triumphs appeared first on EuroPsychology.

Understanding Transpersonal Psychology

Think of it as exploring the ‘beyond’ in our minds. It’s all about those moments where we feel super connected to everything, like we’re part of a larger universe. Born in the 60s, this field is saying we’re not just individuals but part of a cosmic consciousness. Pretty wild, right? It’s not just self-discovery, it’s universe-discovery!

Origins and Key Theorists

This psychological perspective emerged in the 1960s, spearheaded by renowned theorists like Abraham Maslow and Stanislav Grof. They pioneered the idea that human beings are capable of transcendent experiences that extend beyond ordinary consciousness.

Principles of Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology operates on the idea that our identities are not isolated. We are part of a broader, interconnected consciousness that binds us all.

Live Casinos: An Interesting Comparison

Live casinos, huh? They’re like being in two places at once. On your sofa, yet smack in the middle of that buzzing casino floor. Real dealers, real players, real thrills. It’s not just about the wins or losses, it’s the whole ride – the socializing, the suspense, and a taste of the unknown. It’s almost like transpersonal psychology, diving into uncharted mind spaces. All about the rush and twists, surrendering to the game. That’s the charm of live casinos.

The Appeal of Live Casinos

Just as transpersonal psychology delves into the unknown elements of the human mind, live casinos are spaces where people explore unpredictability and chance. Live casinos offer a unique combination of human interaction, suspense, and the thrilling uncertainty of gambling.

The Excitement of Plinko Gambling Game

In this realm of chance and excitement, the Plinko gambling game stands out. It’s a game of luck, anticipation, and the thrill of the unknown, much like exploring the subconscious mind in transpersonal psychology.

The Role of Transpersonal Psychology in Gambling

You know, there’s an interesting link between transpersonal psychology and gambling. They’re both about diving into the unknown and getting a thrill from it. But gambling can get risky, right? That’s where transpersonal psychology could help. It can provide insights into why we chase that high from gambling and how to find healthier alternatives. Pretty cool, right?

The Transpersonal Experience in Gambling

In a way, you could liken the experience of gambling to a transpersonal journey. Both involve surrendering to an experience greater than oneself, be it the unpredictable bounce of the Plinko chip or the plunge into the subconscious mind.

Gambling Addiction and Transpersonal Psychology

However, it’s important to acknowledge the darker side of gambling. Addiction is a significant issue, and here too, transpersonal psychology can offer insights, helping individuals find healthier ways to seek transcendent experiences.

Practical Applications of Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology is more than just theory. It’s a tool that helps us grow as individuals. By seeing ourselves as part of a bigger picture, we become more understanding and compassionate. Plus, it’s super useful in therapy, helping folks navigate through life’s big questions. So, it’s not just mind stuff, it’s life-changing. Pretty cool, huh?

In Personal Growth and Self-Development

Transpersonal psychology is a powerful tool for personal growth. By recognizing our connection to a larger whole, we can develop empathy, compassion, and a broader perspective on life.

In Clinical Therapy

In therapy, transpersonal approaches can help individuals explore spiritual experiences and existential questions, promoting healing and self-understanding.

Challenges and Critiques of Transpersonal Psychology

Despite its potential benefits, transpersonal psychology is not without its critics. Skeptics question its scientific validity and its reliance on spiritual concepts.

The Future of Transpersonal Psychology

As we move forward, the role of transpersonal psychology may become even more critical. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding our place within the larger whole could be the key to addressing global challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transpersonal psychology offers a unique perspective on human consciousness, encouraging us to explore beyond our individual identities. Whether it’s navigating the suspense of a live casino or embarking on a journey into the subconscious, there is much to learn from this fascinating field.

The post Transpersonal Psychology: Journey Beyond the Self appeared first on EuroPsychology.

History of emergence

The beginning of the formation of this current of psychology refers to the late 60s of the XX century. Transpersonal psychology originates from the psychoanalytical direction (C. Jung) and humanistic psychology (A. Maslow). The works of these researchers on the existence of the collective unconscious, on the fact that people unconsciously (unconsciously) influence each other, on the role of “peak experiences” in the formation of personality were the impetus for the discovery of this new psychology trend.

Researchers of that time became increasingly aware that psychology had not yet considered the spiritual layers of the human personality. The founder of humanistic psychology, A. Maslow, was not satisfied with their categorical apparatus. From his point of view, it was necessary to study the transpersonal, which goes beyond the ordinary consciousness of man, “suprahuman”, cosmic consciousness and psychedelic experiences. So in 1967 a group of psychologists was organised in the USA, which created a new psychology studying unusual special states of consciousness, considering the whole breadth of human experiences. The new trend of psychology was called “transpersonal psychology” from the word “transpersonal” – going beyond the boundaries of the habitual self, beyond time and space. The representatives of this trend were A. Maslow, E. Sutich, S. Grof, J. Feidiman, M. Vich, S. Margulis.

These representatives created the “Association of transpersonal psychology” and published the “Journal of transpersonal psychology”. Later (in 1975) Robert Freijer created the Institute of transpersonal psychology in California. However, transpersonal psychology did not gain recognition in scientific circles for long. This direction of psychology was considered parascientific. In 1996, a department of transpersonal psychology was opened in the British Psychological Society. Thanks to this, transpersonal psychology still gained limited recognition in scientific circles.

Basic ideas of transpersonal psychology

There is an unconscious component to the structure of the human psyche. The unconscious influences a person’s behaviour, thoughts and the whole of life. Like the psychoanalytical direction, transpersonal psychology assumes that the unconscious layer of the human psyche includes various life events that were displaced from consciousness for various reasons. In addition, this structure of the psyche also carries memories that are not related to the life of a particular person: these can be memories of various incarnations of the self, the collective unconscious, and so on.

Non-duality (integrity): transpersonal psychology calls attention to the inseparability of a person’s spiritual and psychological views. But the primary importance of this psychological direction gives spirituality.

Transpersonal psychology believes that it studies consciousness, which is able in certain states to go beyond the boundaries of its usual state, beyond the boundaries of the Ego. This expansion of the Ego’s boundaries, allegedly occurring at the moment of a person’s immersion in altered states of consciousness, leads to a person’s liberation, recovery and acquisition of wholeness.

The use of various techniques and practices to draw a person’s attention to their inner world. Experiencing certain transpersonal experiences, a person undergoes changes that help him to find himself, to feel wholeness with the world, to solve his existential problems.

Transpersonal psychology of S. Grof (method of Holotropic Breathing)

The scientist was engaged in the study of penetration into the unconscious part of the human psyche in an altered state of consciousness. This immersion was carried out with the help of psychedelic means. Later, when psychedelics turned out to be forbidden, the author developed a new method of entering an altered state of consciousness – holotropic breathing.

S. Grof discovered that there are several barriers that a person faces before reaching the level of unconsciousness (with the help of LSD or with the help of the method of holotropic breathing):

• sensory barrier : when entering the unconscious, the senses are activated first;
• individual unconscious: memories from the past, things that have been pushed out of consciousness (e.g. unresolved conflict, psychotraumas);
• “perinatal matrices”: the experience of death and rebirth;
• transpersonal area of the psyche: the interconnection of the human being with the cosmos, at which point the consciousness of the human being transcends space and time.

Grof argued that most problems in human life (interpersonal, intrapersonal and psychosomatic) are related to and rooted in one of the levels presented. Therefore, to solve their problems, a person needs to meet and experience them on one of these levels. For this purpose the method of holotropic breathing was developed. The essence of the method consists in frequent deep breathing, as a result of which a person enters an altered state of consciousness and sees hallucinations. Gradually, the internal flow of “energy” is supposedly activated, and the person’s task is to follow this flow. The person succumbs to everything that comes: makes sounds, assumes various involuntary poses, experiences various emotions. Thus, all the material allegedly accumulated in the subconsciousness, which prevents a person from living, is released and the person is freed (relaxed).

Psychosynthesis of R. Assagioli

From the point of view of Assagioli, a supporter of psychoanalysis, all human problems are connected with the fact that he loses internal integrity, harmony. Some sides of the human psyche begin to contradict each other and their disconnection occurs. Such a process (lack of integrity, synthesis) leads to various diseases.

To unite the disparate parts of the psyche, Assagioli developed the method of psychosynthesis.

Assagioli distinguishes two stages of psychosynthesis:

• Personality psychosynthesis (the unification of all the disparate elements of the personality into a whole). At this stage, a healthy personality is formed;
• Spiritual psychosynthesis (working with different levels of the psyche – transpersonal area). At this stage a person gets a sense of the energy previously unavailable to him and learns to use it in life;
• Changes in one’s life due to the practical method of psychosynthesis are not experienced immediately. From Assagioli’s point of view, a person needs time to accept the new experience, “the ripening of the psychic foetus must take place”.

Thus, from the point of view of the transpersonal direction, a person has access to all the information of the Universe and is connected with all mankind. Representatives of this direction emphasise the release of new “energy”, eliminating various problems through altered states of consciousness. With the help of various techniques developed by this direction of psychological science, a person supposedly heals and acquires integrity in relations with the world.

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It’s just a mirage…

One study conducted in Boston found that many gamblers had no idea about the patterns of roulette, card games and slot machines. However, this did not stop them from inventing their own – necessarily putting a lucky ring on a certain finger, taking a certain place at the table. Later, during gambling addiction treatment, doctors would talk about the rules and laws of gambling, which turned out to be an absolute revelation for patients.

The gambling space becomes a kind of psychological battle arena. The gambler is easy to lure and every casino owner knows how to manipulate his mind. The most common ones are described below:

• Hours;

Or rather, their complete absence from the room and the dealers. After all, the casino knows very well that when a person is passionate about something – time flies by inexorably. That is why they do not stop visitors from throwing themselves into events. There is never a casino where players are asked to stop playing or go to bed.

• Windows;

Will only distract the player, which does not help the owners. Day and night should cease to exist for him.

• Sound effects;

Who wouldn’t melt at the cheerful melodies, the sound of falling coins, the winning trills of machines? This immediately tips visitors onto the “right” path, motivating them to pursue happiness. Imaginary, of course. Practically 80% of players walk away with a loss.

• Light;

Soft, subdued lighting will envelop your visitors and make them feel relaxed, while the carpets’ right wall colors and patterns will have an equally subconscious effect.

• The likelihood of winning;

Few gamblers know that machines are set up to make you win for as long as possible. Even when playing keno or Gretzky, it seems as if the control of the game is actually in the player’s hands, but this is only a subconscious game.

You will come back here again

Free spins or in Portuguese Giros Grátis, like the physical premises, skilfully attracts visitors repeatedly with free lunch vouchers, shows, prize draws and discounts on services. Of course, the date will be different to encourage punters to come again and enter the nets set up.

• Liqueur;

Another brilliant trick in the gambling arena is free drinks. They relax the guest and keep the mood upbeat. The game becomes more fun and the attitude towards money becomes light-hearted and easy.

• Royal attitude;

When a player wins, the whole world and all the employees start to revolve around this lucky player. He is immediately offered a hotel room. The best, of course. For free, of course… Anything to ensure that the customer doesn’t leave with the full amount of his winnings and revisit the casino.

• Leaving the casino;

Every detail of the casino is carefully thought out to keep visitors for as long as possible: the layout of the rooms is very confusing, the machines are arranged in such a way that they will constantly be in sight, the specially marked signs are not easy to find either.

• Casino map;

A casino will not back down from anything in pursuing profit. It’s like unsavory candy wrapped in colourful, pretty packaging. My point is that this visual deception is a sham. Everything is calculated so that the man stops belonging to himself and gradually loses his sanity – he takes his valuables to make another bet; he starts drinking; if he loses, he gets depressed and goes for a long drink. His family suffers with him.

Psychology of the gambler

And what about the gambler? Here, too, there are peculiarities.

A player who has entered a casino once and won will come back repeatedly, regardless of his or her financial situation or gambling predisposition, because it only takes playing a slot once to fall in love. In addition, once you have won a prize and feel like a winner and a strong player, you will want to experience this feeling again and again, drawing you back to the pond or the website with renewed vigour.

Loneliness is also another reason for addiction, because if you come home after a hard day at work, you want to relax, but your wife and children are waiting for you at home and won’t let you rest in peace, and when you have the opportunity to go to a place where you can relax and be alone with yourself, then a person without thinking starts obediently fulfilling the desire to visit such a place.

Another component is endorphins, adrenaline and others. All substances released in the body during play stimulate the nervous system, give a surge of energy and vigour and incredibly invigorate the whole body. With each visit you will want to get it again and again, leading to addiction.

The post Psychology in casino gambling appeared first on EuroPsychology.

In order to unify the disparate parts of the psyche, Assagioli developed a method of psychosynthesis.

Assoggioli distinguishes two stages of psychosynthesis:

Personality psychosynthesis (the unification of all the disparate elements of personality into a single whole). At this stage, a healthy personality is formed.
Spiritual psychosynthesis (work with different levels of the psyche – transpersonal area). At this stage, a person gets a sense of the energy that was previously inaccessible to him and learns to use it in life.
The practical method of psychosynthesis does not immediately bring about changes in one’s life. From Assagioli’s point of view the person needs time to accept the new experience, “the psychic fetus must mature”

The post R. Assagioli’s Psychosynthesis appeared first on EuroPsychology.

С. Grof discovered that there are several barriers which one encounters prior to entering the unconscious level (with LSD or using the holotropic breathing method) [2]:

Sensory barrier : when entering the unconscious, the senses are activated first;
The individual unconscious: memories from the past, things that have been pushed out of consciousness (e.g., unresolved conflicts, traumas);
“perinatal matrices”: experience of death and new birth;
The transpersonal domain of the psyche: a person’s connection with the cosmos, at which point a person’s consciousness transcends space and time.
Grof argued that most of the problems in a person’s life (interpersonal, intrapersonal and psychosomatic) are related to one of these levels and are rooted in one of them. Therefore, in order to solve one’s problems, one must meet and experience them at one of these levels. The Holotropic breathing method was developed for this. The essence of the method consists of frequent deep breathing, in which a person goes into an altered state of consciousness and sees hallucinations. Gradually the internal flow of “energy” is allegedly activated, and the task of the person is to follow this flow. The person succumbs to everything that comes: he makes sounds, assumes various involuntary postures, and experiences various emotions. In this way, all the supposedly accumulated material in the subconsciousness, which interferes with one’s life, is released and one is freed (relaxed).

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Non-duality (integrity): transpersonal psychology calls for attention to the inseparability of the spiritual and psychological view of the person. But spirituality is of paramount importance to this psychological trend.

Transpersonal psychology believes that it studies consciousness, which is capable in certain states of transcending its normal state, beyond the boundaries of its Ego. This expansion of the boundaries of the Ego, supposedly occurring at the moment of a person’s immersion in altered states of consciousness, leads to the release of the person, his recovery and acquisition of wholeness.

The use of various techniques and practices to bring one’s attention to one’s inner world. Experiencing certain transpersonal experiences, a person undergoes changes that help him to find himself, to feel integrity with the world, to resolve his existential problems.

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