This research recognized that being other was an experience we all endure at varying times. Rooting itself within post-colonial theories, this research sought to expand the understanding of this experience into the worlds of relational psychotherapy and the transpersonal. With a phenomenological epistemology, this research therefore utilized creative techniques such as visualizations, drawing, and sand tray work, to understand the unconscious experience of being other, and what the other is. It also explored the unconscious impact of othering, and why the other is drawn to the subject. This research also undertook a heuristic study recognizing that a connection to our own sense of otherness was a route towards psychological wholeness.

M.Tech. (Fine Art) / This research examines selected visual manifestations of Transhumanism. Transhumanism is an ideology that envisions humankind taking control of its evolution in an attempt to enhance the human body, intellectually, physically and emotionally. Transhumanists envision three areas of enhancement namely, genetic engineering, the merging of the human body with technology and the quest for super-longevity or immortality. The above mentioned visual manifestations of Trans humanism are explored with reference to selected Cyberpunk and Science Fiction films, selected contemporary advertisements aired on South African television, and the conceptual underpinnings expressed in the artworks and writings of the Australian artist Stelarc and French artist Orlan. Orlan's use of cosmetic surgery dislocated within a context that positions current cosmetic surgical practices as precursors to Transhumanism. Reference is made to my art making processes as well as the conceptual motivation for the creation of my life-size bodies that simulate Transhuman propositions as well as the 'fantastic'. Many Postmodern cultural critics view Postmodern identity as unstable in nature and subject to endless change. Postmodern identity therefore provides a context for my practical production and intoxication with change is argued as a cultural product of Post-Modernity. This positions the Transhuman body as the ultimate vehicle for self-expression and consumer choice.

M.A. / The general aim of this study was to explore the literature on transpersonal correlates in traditional African healing. The main aim was to create an understanding of transpersonal experiences from the stance of Transpersonal psychology and incorporate it to what is known with regard to illnesses and diseases in African belief systems. The existing literature indicates that there are differences and similarities between traditional African healing systems and Western modes of healing. Despite their differences, however it seems possible that they could operate in a complementary manner within the broader health care system.

This thesis is grounded in the theoretical discourses of art therapy and transpersonal psychology. The focus is on a single session of claywork, where a sculpture was made and discussed, leading to an understanding of some of the sculptor's central psychological issues. The overall aim of the research was to examine different hermeneutic perspectives on art therapy with clay sculpture in terms of how well they open up and do justice to the experience of the sculptor and the nature of the overall process. Within this there are two particular goals: Firstly, to examine the extent to which the holographic paradigm in comparison to other perspectives, allows a deeper access to, and deeper understanding of, transpersonal themes and processes; and secondly, to examine the extent to which processes within claywork can be understood as ritual activities. The research was a phenomenological-hermeneutic case study. The session was reduced to a narrative synopsis, and then a hermeneutically grounded thematic analysis was carried out using the theory of Transpersonal Feminism (Knight, 1997) and Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy (young, 1990, 1994). The principal conclusions reached were that the holographic paradigm does add to our understanding of the experiences (personal and transpersonal) of the claywork, often beyond the scope of other art therapy perspectives. The image of the shaman is used as a metaphor for understanding the process of healing described within the holographic paradigm. Within the healing process, ritual plays an important role in the meaningful therapeutic activity of art therapy. The claywork expresses that the transpersonal struggle with archetypal forces within the collective unconscious is reflected on a personal level through individual conflicts and dilemmas within the personal unconscious. Indeed, these difficulties are viewed on both levels as 'stepping stones' on the path of spiritual development described by Engler (1984) and Welwood (1986).

D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology) / It is with the conclusion of the last century and the advent of this current one, that we see the previously private matters of spirituality brought out into open social life. The world, particularly the Western world, seems to be hungry for spirituality. The causes of this hunger for spirituality are numerous and beyond the scope of this study. Particular mention, however, needs to he made of the role played by the principles of modernism and patriarch in twentieth century western society in precipitating a spiritual deprivation.

D.Litt. et Phil. / Philosophies of health care in South Africa tend to be based on either the medical approach or traditional healing. Psychology and psychotherapy, which occupy a niche within the greater health care system, are similarly predisposed. Focusing mainly on psychotherapy / healing, this research sets out to make some sense of the converging and diverging elements of these two broad systems. The research covers Western healing by exploring the roots of psychotherapy from the earliest written records until the late nineteenth century. A similar exercise is undertaken as regards traditional healing, whose origins are examined by speculating on shamanic healing practices which date back to the furthest reaches of human history. Next contemporary traditional healing in Africa is explored in regard to the cosmology and methodologies of healers. The African anthropological worldview in relation to health and mental health are reviewed, giving special emphasis to the elements of spirituality intrinsic to the approach. The spiritual component is then reviewed in regard to Western psychotherapy in the form of Transpersonal psychotherapy, which has become increasingly prevalent in the last decade. In tying them together, it is noted that most ancient forms of healing are directly linked to the most recent contemporary forms. In order to better understand the processes of modern practitioners, several healers and therapists across the ethnic spectrum were interviewed. Using semi-structured interview techniques followed by a phenomenological analysis, the data was divided into 50 meaning clusters and then rationalised into 10 themes most pertinent to the direction of this project. The ten extracted themes were: Western Models: The effectiveness, use, limitations, and suggestions regarding amendments to Western therapeutic approaches. Therapist Ethnicity: The experiences of Black and White therapists in practice, in regard to ethnic issues. Knowledge of Traditional Healers: The knowledge that Black and White therapists had about the worldview and methodologies of traditional healers. Traditional Healing Scope: The types of problems addressed by traditional healing. Traditional Healing Methods: The techniques and methods employed by traditional healers. Ancestors : The relationship, powers and beliefs about ancestors held by traditional healers and Black therapists. Cosmology: The South African worldview as expressed by traditional healers and Black therapists. Traditional Healing: Miscellaneous Aspects of traditional healing which were relevant but did not fall into other themes. Client Relationship: The nature of the relationship required for effective traditional healing and therapy. Therapist training: The effectiveness, use, limitations, and suggestions regarding amendments to therapy training. Each of the above themes are discussed in detail and the participants’ views on aspects such as training and the approaches to therapy and healing are extracted. The research ends by attempting to draw all the previous information together and give tentative answers to the research question. It is argued that the most fundamental link between psychotherapy and healing takes place in regard to the ‘common factors’ or contextual elements in therapy and healing. In order to make psychotherapy more relevant to Black South Africans, several recommendations are suggested, among them the Africanisation of therapeutic approaches that take into account the practical circumstances of most prospective clients. In addition it is argued that therapy can be more synergistic with healing by drawing on its intrinsic features of spirituality and reconnection. It is also suggested that additional research impetus be given to the development of African models of psychology and therapy. It is not envisaged that Western models will need to be rewritten from scratch, but rather that the particular circumstances of Africa are taken into account.

Sufism is a living mystical tradition with tools and a theoretical framework geared to facilitate the realization of one’s full potential. This thesis examines the nature of such a realization, which culminates in an experience of nondual Self-realization. Transpersonal psychology provided the conceptual framework for this study, as it attempts to document the role that altered states of consciousness play in facilitating health and wellbeing. This research also drew heavily from the methodology of phenomenological hermeneutics and transpersonal phenomenology, which supported the investigation into the lived experience of five Sufi practitioners. The guiding research question of this exploratory inquiry asks, What has been the lived experience of Sufi practitioners on their journey towards nondual Self-realization? The research findings consist of eight themes that emerged during the analysis of the textual data. The implications of these findings impact the health and counseling fields, as well as the environmental crisis. / viii, 253 leaves ; 29 cm

A phenomenological-hermeneutic method of research was employed to determine the nature of the lived experiences of adults as they transformed past-life trauma into wholeness in this life and the associated meanings attached to these experiences. Upon completion of the analysis, five distinct parts and 16 themes emerged. The themes illuminate the significance of childhood developmental trauma on the developing ego; the resulting splits of self; and the impact and manifestations of rejection, neglect, isolation, and abandonment within all life stages. Also illustrated is the journey through the healing of past-life and current-life trauma and the embracement of the non-dual path. The findings of this study appear to indicate that past-life regression and the non-dual perspective are beneficial healing paradigms for individuals who have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional trauma during childhood development. Keywords: healing, past-life, past life, regression, non-duality, nonduality / x, 217 leaves ; 29 cm

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 269-282).

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 90-92). Also available via Humboldt Digital Scholar.