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Ann Arbor, MI 48106 TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of the Ohio State University By Karen Ann Beal, B.S., M.S. ***** The Ohio State University 1993 Dissertation Committee: Approved by W.B. Walsh PS. Highlen Advisor R. K. Russell Department of Psychology ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study was made possible by the psychotherapists who graciously gave of their time to be interviewed. Their commitment to their work and their faith in the psychotherapeutic healing process were most remarkable. I am especially grateful to my advisor. Dr. Bruce Walsh, for his faith in me that I might pursue my heartfelt research interests. His support and guidance remained constant leading to an accomplishment wltich holds both personal and professional significance for me. Thanks also go to Dr. Richard Russell for his willingness, without hesitation, to be a member of my committee and to provide me with suggestions for proceeding with my study. 1 am also grateful for the enthusiasm and kindred interests of my committee member. Dr. Pamela Highlen. Her intrigue for the transpersonal coupled with the rigor of her expertise have been an inspiration to my continued efforts to complete this work. The mentorship of Dr. Ken Bradford, who has expertise in phenomenology and transpersonal psychology theory and practice, has been vital to my work. It was my experience that phenomenological research results best come to light through a dialectical exchange and I express my warmest gratitude for Dr. Bradford's eloquent participation in this exchange. The richness of my dissertation experience was embellished by the loving support and encouragement of Michael Hutton, Tanya Russell, David Goldberg, Sandy Centofanti, Liz Anderson, Stuart Sovatsky, Margaret Pavel, and especially my parents. Jack and Earlene Beal, who lovingly attend to my endeavors which even includes reading my raw data. A special thank you goes to my partner, David Green, for his willingness to vicariously take on this arduous project and for offering me his hope and discerning critique. And, during the entirety of this dissertation, I have felt blessed by the presence and guidance of my spiritual teacher, Paramahansa Yogananda. m VTTA May 3,1956 ............................................ Bom - Columbus, Ohio 1979 ......................................................... B.S., General Dietetics, The Ohio State University. 1981......................................................... M.S., Human Nutrition., The Ohio State University. 1982-198 3................................................ Clinical Dietitian, Northland Terrace Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Columbus, Ohio. 1983-198 5................................................. Management/Clinical Dietitian, Wesley Glen Methodist Retirement Center. Columbus, Ohio. 1985-1988.................................................. Graduate Administrative Associate, Office of Residence Life, The Ohio State University. 1988-198 9.................................................. Psychology Intern, Doctor's Hospital Family Medical Clinic, Psychological Services. Columbus, Ohio. 1989-199 0 .................................................. Psychology Intern, Student Counseling Center, The University of California. Berkeley, California. 1990-Presen t ............................................. Director (Assistant Director 1990-1991), The Center for Transpersonal and Holistic Counseling, John F. Kennedy University. Oakland, California. CURRENT FIELD OF STUDY Major Field: Psychology iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......................................................................... ü VITA........................................................................................................... iv CHAPTER PAGE I. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................. 1 RuuOîi^c. ................................. - D Purpose and Objectives ....................................................... 10 n. LITERATURE REVIEW: THE NATURE OF TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY Introduction.......................................................................... 13 Dimensions and Assumptions of Transpersonal Psychotherapy ...................................................................... 15 Comparison of Transpersonal Psychotherapy to Other Counseling Theories ............................................................. 26 Therapeutic Goals of Transpersonal Psychotherapy 37 The Profile of the Transpersonal Psychotherapist ............. 42 m. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: THE PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY Introduction............................................................................ 46 The Method of Phenomenological Psychology ................... 48 Selection of Subjects ............................................................... 52 Data Collection Procedures................................................... 53 Procedures of Data Analysis................................................. 57 Issues of Validity.................................................................... 63 Limitations of this Study ........................................................ 66 IV RESULTS: THE ESSENCE OF TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY Introduction............................................................................ 68 Characteristics of Subject Sample ......................................... 69 Descriptive Summary: Vocational Calling .......................... 71 Individual Psychological Structures (step 5) ......................... 72 General Critical Themes (step 6) ........................................... 78 General Psychological Structure (step 7) .............................. 79 Concise General Psychological Structure ........................ 80 Integrated General Psychological Structure ................... 80 V PAGE V. DISCUSSION: THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY Introduction............................................................................... 102 Assumptions and Theory of Transpersonal Psychotherapy.. 103 The Therapeutic Relationship as Mechanism for Change Ill Techniques of Transpersonal Psychotherapy ......................... 115 Implications for These Findings ............................................... 120 Suggestions for Further Research ............................................ 127 Concluding Remarks................................................................. 130 LIST OF REFERENCES..................................................................................... 132 APPENDICES A. Phenomenological Interview Guide ................................. 140 B. Questionnaire..................................................................... 142 C. Questionnaire Data............................................................ 145 D. Vocational Calling: Psychological Structures .................. 149 E Contents of Data Analysis Subject 1 Discriminated Meaning Units (step 2)......................... 153 Transformed Meaning Units (step 3).......................... 178 Clustered Transformed Meaning Units (step 4) ......... 191 Subject 2 Discriminated Meaning Units (step 2)......................... 196 Transformed Meaning Units (step 3).......................... 212 Clustered Transformed Meaning Units (step 4)......... 221 Subject 3 Discriminated Meaning Units (step 2)......................... 226 Transformed Meaning Units (step 3).......................... 246 Clustered Transformed Meaning Units (step 4)......... 257 Subject 4 Discriminated Meaning Units (step 2)......................... 263 Transformed Meaning Units (step 3).......................... 281 Clustered Transformed Meaning Units (step 4)......... 292 Subject 5 Discriminated Meaning Units (step 2)......................... 297 Transformed