Reflections on Transpersonal Psychology’s 40th Anniversary, Ecopsychology, Transpersonal Science, and Psychedelics: A Conversation Forum

A conversation traces the origins of humanistic and transpersonal psychology, weighing the advantages and drawbacks of developing APA-accredited clinical programs within these orientations. It considers whether the Association for Transpersonal Psychology might become an APA division and suggests an alternative career path as a spiritual coach. The discussion addresses psychedelic therapy and the Supreme Court's decision allowing ayahuasca as a sacrament by the Uniao Do Vegetal Church, highlighting the need for humanistic and transpersonal psychology to clearly map the territories of science and religion. It raises concern that Maslow's call for a "trans-human" psychology sought to encourage what is now called ecopsychology.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Recollections of humanistic and transpersonal psychology’s origin’s morph into the pros and cons of humanistic/transpersonal oriented schools developing APA accredited clinical programs. This discussion dovetails with the question will ATP ever become an APA division, raising an interesting alternative for those of us considering a career in counseling: becoming a spiritual coach. Enter the issue of psychedelic therapy and the Supreme Courts decision to allow ayahuasca as a sacrament by the Uniao Do Vegetal Church, and the importance of why humanistic and transpersonal psychology need to clearly map out the territories and sub-divisions of science and religion. Finally this conversation raises a concern, that Maslow’s call for a “trans-human” psychology sought to encourage creating what we now call ecopsychology.