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

A recollection of the origins of humanistic and transpersonal psychology leads into a discussion of the pros and cons of these orientations developing APA-accredited clinical programs. The conversation questions whether the Association for Transpersonal Psychology (ATP) will ever become an APA division, and raises the alternative of becoming a spiritual coach for those considering a counseling career. The issue of psychedelic therapy and the Supreme Court's decision allowing ayahuasca as a sacrament by the União do Vegetal Church is introduced, highlighting the need for humanistic and transpersonal psychology to map out the territories of science and religion. The conversation raises a concern that Maslow's call for a 'trans-human' psychology sought to encourage what is now called ecopsychology.

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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.