The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.
Milena Nardini-Bubols, Daniele Silva Da Silva, Andrea Dos Santos-Silva, Olivia Kacey Stagnaro, Tatiana Quarti Irigaray, Letícia Oliveira Alminhana
Journal of religion and health December 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00855-1 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review of 14 empirical studies found that incorporating altered states of consciousness or transpersonal approaches into psychotherapy may benefit adults, mostly women, by improving treatment for substance use disorder, increasing relaxation, and relieving physical pain. The authors call for future research to use rigorous experimental designs, clearly define concepts, detail methods, and establish ethical boundaries.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 14 |
| Population | Adults, mostly women |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness |
| Keywords | Psychotherapy Transpersonal psychology |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key finding | Incorporating altered states of consciousness or transpersonal approaches into psychotherapy may improve treatment for substance use disorder, increase relaxation, and relieve physical pain. |
Abstract
Transpersonal approach in psychotherapy is a controversial field, and there is a lack in scientific information. A search of Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO and SciELO databases using: ["Altered states of consciousness" AND "Psychotherapy"] and ["Transpersonal" AND "Psychotherapy"] in December 2017 was conducted. From 629 articles found, 14 empirical studies were analyzed. Studies were conducted with adults, most of them women. The benefits were improvement in the treatment of substance use disorder; increased sensation of relaxation, relief of physical pain. Future studies should have rigorous experimental designs; define concepts clearly; detail the method used; present clear guidelines for the ethical boundaries.