Transpersonal Theory

An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach for applications to social work clients and settings, with differential applications The use of the Transpersonal theory is used as a lens for social workers, it presents a broad, non religious understanding of spirituality, establishing it as the core for reaching optimal human functioning. (Barker, 2007, p.155) This statement presents the strongest strength thus far. The theory also poses some weaknesses. The first is that spiritual practices, concepts, and theories can become unhealthy to clients if they are not ready to fully accept the role. Then there are people who desire any form of relief and prey on the spiritually hungry and seek to induce dependence on a cult-like, external

Jane is forty-six years old, her oldest daughter is twenty-two years old, and the youngest daughter is fourteen years old. The family has been dealing with high stressors in their lives. The oldest daughter has been away at college for the past three years. Jane and the youngest daughter have been living together, and dealing with fact that their father was killed one year ago. The youngest daughter was extremely close with her father. Not having her father around and being bullied at school for the past yea, she decided to take her own life. Jane is now not only grieving the loss of her husband but now her youngest daughter. Jane finds herself overwhelmed with sadness and guilt. A friend of Jane’s has suggested that she partake in therapy. While Jane is in therapy the practitioner utilizes the Transpersonal theory by helping helping Jane find peace in her life. The practitioner has reviewed each of the eight dimension as followed, Physical, Affective, Cognitive, Psychosocial social, Moral, Values and Worldviews, Spiritual, and Religions Maturation. The therapist has decided to focus on the Spiritual dimension with Jane. “If a seeker is able to access the subtle level of consciousness, and beginning capacity for self transcendence evolves” (Tuner, 2011, p.565). “Self transcendence is the capacity to reach out beyond oneself beyond personal concerns and to take on broader life perspectives, activities, and purposes” (Kalischuk,

I personally choose not to relate my spiritual beliefs to my professional career. Researching the theory, I’m now at a place of understanding that it is not about implementing my on spiritual view, but yet guiding my client on their own personally spiritual journey. With being on a personally spiritual journey I can attest contest to the wonderful works of the practice. This theory will take and practice to be able to utilize it in the correct way. I can see myself utilizing this theory with clients in the future.

Conclusion The Transpersonal theory is a very dynamic theory that explores they way’s a person can find their high self. The theory was created for the three forces of psychology. Transpersonal evolved into the fourth and final forces of psychology exploring the way people connect to higher beings. There is risk when utilizing the Transpersonal theory that should be avoided when working with clients. This theory has been proven to help in very drastic