Transpersonal therapy is a form of talk therapy. It’s an umbrella term for approaches that prioritize spiritual well-being.
Though distinct concepts, religion and spirituality can help people find meaning and purpose when they’re introduced into therapy. They can also help combat isolation and help people feel more connected to the cosmos and each other.
This approach can be especially helpful for people who see religion or spirituality as an important part of their lives.
Most forms of talk therapy share some common goals. They help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life through discussions of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therapy can focus on the past, present, or future — whatever is most helpful to the client. It can also revolve around our relationships with ourselves, other people, and our environment.
Some people prefer to use therapy to focus on the “here and now.” They like to brainstorm actionable solutions to their challenges. However, others prefer therapy that encourages broad, existential questions like, “What’s the meaning of life?” They’re interested in examining the role of spirituality and consciousness in their lives.
If that sounds like you, you might be a good fit for transpersonal therapy. This lesser-known approach emphasizes spiritual well-being as key to mental and emotional well-being. Learning more about this form of care can help you decide if it’s right for you.
How transpersonal therapy works
Broadly speaking, the goals of transpersonal therapy are to help you see beyond yourself and find meaning and purpose. It invites us to seek a version of ourselves beyond the limitations of the ego. In other words, transpersonal therapy invites us to explore our relationship to the spiritual realm or the cosmos.
For some people, that might mean deepening their faith or religious practices. But for others, it might mean engaging with themes like:
Humanity's highest potential
Transcendence
Spirituality
Different forms of consciousness*
*In the past, transpersonal therapy was associated with the use of psychedelics. These substances were used as a way to enhance the therapeutic experience. Psychedelics are known to alter consciousness, but their legal status continues to evolve. As more research is conducted, we may see an expanded use of transpersonal and psychedelic-assisted therapy in the future.
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Techniques used in spiritual therapy
Transpersonal therapy (also known as spiritual therapy) is a broad category. It encompasses a variety of interventions, and providers can practice it in many different ways. The techniques a therapist uses to increase spiritual well-being can vary.
A therapist might use these techniques:
Mindfulness exercises (i.e. journaling) to increase awareness
Breathing techniques to calm the body and quiet the mind
Art (i.e. drawing or painting) to foster creative expression
Guided meditation to achieve a desired feeling state or seek wisdom
Spirituality questionnaires to help you better understand your relationship with spirituality
When transpersonal therapy is used
You might be a good fit for spiritual therapy if:
You like wrestling with big questions and looking beyond the “here and now.”
You’re looking to expand your consciousness.
You want to feel more connected to the cosmos or the spiritual realm.
You want to find more meaning and purpose in your life.
Your spirituality or religion is an important part of your identity.
While there’s limited outcome data on transpersonal therapy, some evidence suggests it may be most effective for people who already hold spiritual or religious beliefs. Research shows that spirituality can be a source of support, especially in the aftermath of trauma.
Starting your spiritual therapy journey
A recent poll found that over 70% of Americans say that religion is an important part of their lives. So if you’re interested in therapy that invites conversations about spirituality, you’re not alone.
These tips can help you find a transpersonal therapist who can help you on your spiritual journey:
Look for a provider who seems comfortable talking about spirituality. For example, do they ask questions about faith or spiritual beliefs during the intake session?
Let prospective providers know the role that spirituality plays in your identity and what you hope to achieve from therapy. Ask them if or how they invite discussions of spirituality into sessions.
Know that it’s OK to want to work with a therapist who shares similar spiritual beliefs. It’s also OK if you want to avoid providers who use a certain faith-based approach. If you’re not sure about your provider’s perspective, you can always ask.
Some providers may advertise additional training in spirituality competency. This is usually a good sign that they practice transpersonal therapy.
If you’re curious about bringing spirituality into therapy, start by simply naming that interest with your therapist. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just being open about what spirituality means to you is often the first step toward deeper understanding and emotional balance.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Transpersonal therapy is an umbrella term for forms of talk therapy that center on spiritual well-being. It encourages people to explore human interconnectedness and expand their consciousness. Research on this approach is limited. But bringing spirituality into therapy may help people find their purpose and feel supported during challenging times.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
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Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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