Spiritual Guidance - Course Listing & Descriptions

The purpose of this course is to give the student an understanding of entrepreneurship, business and an understanding of how their business will have a local as well as a global effect. Through these understandings, the student will be able to define how the business process works, how to use the knowledge gained to start their own enterprise, how to be an effective leader, and how to start a socially conscious and responsible business. Through the definition and creation of their concept, the student will begin to build a plan for the launch of their new endeavor.

This course engages the student in developing and enhancing their scholarly writing skills in tandem with transpersonal studies. Blending both theoretical and practical, this course will introduce students to the field of transpersonal studies through psychology, spirituality, shamanism, philosophy, science, social activism and human development.

Throughout the ages, individuals who have had intense religious experiences have also frequently exhibited unusual behaviors ranging from eccentric to fanatical, from saintly to insane. This course will assist students in defining such key concepts as mysticism, mental health, and mental illness, among others. Course work will focus on the neurobiological, psychosocial, and transpersonal aspects of various forms of mystical experience and mental illness. Students will be encouraged to examine their own experiences and develop a strategy for maintaining balance on the spiritual path. Those who take the class will be provided with guidelines and suggestions for assisting others who may be undergoing a "spiritual emergency" or "transformational crisis."

The purpose of this course is to teach certain skills associated with the introverted side of life as it relates to transpersonal themes of personal development found in mythology. Included is a study of the practice of dream interpretation, meditation, and imagination and their use in personal growth as expressed in the development of a personal mythology. A personal mythology is a uniquely personal version of a universal story regarding the meaningful events typically found in a person's life span. The student will engage in a variety of experiential and research projects that will personalize the material and lead toward the creation of the student's personal mythology. Note: This course includes a proctored exam.

In this course, we will cover several major mainstream and minority psychological theories covering the first 130 years of the field that form the underlying basis for transpersonal theories and practices. We will discuss and critique these theories, informed by what we know about transpersonal psychology and the recent Cultural Competencies requirement that was added to the field's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5. The course will foster a better understanding of why the array of transpersonal psychological tools and ideas that have contributed to the transformation and well-being of ourselves, clients and society work in the way they do. Practices of contemplation, meditation and mindfulness will be applied and considered in relationship to these theories. Students will be able to use the knowledge gained in this course professionally and in their personal lives. 

The purpose of this required research methods course is to give students a foundation from which they can understand the readings and research they will come into contact with throughout their studies in the MA in Mindful Leadership and Transpersonal Psychology. The course challenges students to expand their understanding of the importance, meaning, purpose, and application of scientific research in the field of transpersonal psychology and leadership studies. They learn how to differentiate between different research methodologies and how to apply them rigorously, constructively and creatively in service of transformation. Students are walked through an experiential and didactic process of developing their own research project proposal, which could be used for their Capstone or Culminating Project. In this way, they personally experience how research can contribute to personal growth and enhance human consciousness and lifestyles.

The purpose of this course is to introduce transpersonal psychology and situate it in the fields of study to which it is related. The texts for the course provide an introduction to the evolution of transpersonal psychology as a distinct field in psychology and modern Western culture from its cross-cultural origins in ancient times. They also provide an overview of the phenomena most associated with transpersonal psychology or best considered through its lens, including the following: Shamanism and other indigenous traditions; contemplative spiritual practices; paranormal or psi phenomena; mind-body development practices; involuntary, spontaneous openings to altered states; psychotropic drugs and sacred medicine traditions; and other deliberate practices for the cultivation of non-ordinary states. Transpersonal psychology involves many areas of scholarly controversy within the field and vis-à-vis other areas of scientific exploration. Sciences based on classical, materialist worldviews tend to oppose transpersonal phenomena (and subjective experience or phenomenology generally), but those based on quantum physics can accommodate transpersonal experience. Transpersonal psychology remains at the forefront of the paradigmatic struggle between classic science and a new worldview that would more adequately account for "anomalous" experiences and observations. This course provides an overview of the range of transpersonal psychology and a critical framework from which to consider it, including examining your own experience of and beliefs.

*Prerequisite TP5012 Introduction to Psychological Theories

After completing TP5000, Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology students will complete TP5005, TP5010, TP5015, and TP5020 before enrolling in specialization or elective courses.

This course examines six major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Taoism) and Indigenous Spirituality from two distinct perspectives. Students will first study an overview of the tradition, which may include its origin, history, underlying mythology, rituals, and the life and spiritual practices of its adherents. This perspective will encompass what you might call the orthodox or exoteric aspects, as well as touching on esoteric (or mystical) aspects, of each tradition. The second perspective will be a journey into the more mystical (esoteric) aspects of each tradition via exposure to some of its original (formative) mystical texts and writings. As an experiential adjunct to this perspective, students will be asked to try a contemplative practice from each tradition. In addition, they will read about the first-hand experiences of saints and sages who arrived at realization or enlightenment through that religion. Students ought to be aware of three possible approaches (perspectives) that can be taken when looking at religious traditions or beliefs other than one's own: the exclusivist perspective is one in which one's own religion is the one true tradition, and all others are false or deluded in some way; an inclusivist view asserts that one's own religion is true and that others are partially true and the truth in them can be understood by reference or comparison with one's own tradition; finally a pluralist view accepts all traditions as the truth in themselves. In this view one is willing to be changed by one's exposure to that tradition.

This course is designed to help you understand your role as a spiritual mentor and the qualities that you need to nurture in yourself to enhance your effectiveness. It also will explore the nature of the mentoring relationship and what a mentor does and does not do in the role of spiritual guide. It examines the function of spiritual experiences and ways by which we can evaluate their validity and direction. It also will clarify how mentoring compares to counseling and psychotherapy, and it teaches fundamental tools that are crucial to the development of skills and success at being a spiritual guidance mentor.

The purpose of the course is to enhance the skill set of students with an interest in holistic mentoring or the creative application of intuitive arts in varying types of personal relationships. It has been designed to engage the mind, open the heart, and provide opportunities to connect deeply with others. On a cognitive level, it presents humanistic, transpersonal, and spiritual perspectives that address humanity's desire for and movement toward wholeness. On an experiential level, a great variety of holistic helping tools are explored, collected into a Cohort's Collective Practitioners' Toolbox, and experimented with - both individually and in partnership with fellow classmates. Additionally, students are introduced to the concept of a Divine-Human in relation to expanded sensory perception, synesthesia, intuition, mindfulness, and more. Because holistic mentors can guide others only to depths that they themselves have explored, emphasis is placed on the parallel development of personhood and mentoring skills.

This course introduces the student to various theories regarding the origins and development of consciousness, as well as historical and contemporary models for the structure of consciousness, and possible directions for the further evolution of consciousness. The course emphasizes the contributions of metaphysics, religion, and transpersonal psychology, but also considers traditional viewpoints. The views of such thinkers as Wilber, Cayce, Eisler, Schneider, and others are included. Students will also consider their own development of consciousness.

For more than 2000 years, starting with the Ancient Greeks at least, humanity has pondered questions about what is real and true. This questioning has focused throughout history on an apparent rift or contrast between what we might call the outer and inner worlds; between the material and non-material, between matter on the one hand and mind or soul on the other, and between what we now call the objective and subjective realms of human experience. This ancient issue has become, in its modern expression, a divide between science and religion or at a more fundamental level between science and spirit.

As our collective worldview evolved our perception of reality (a reality that presumably encompasses outer and inner worlds) has clearly changed. The purpose of this course is to examine the age-old question about, and our changing view of, reality. The historical perspective allows us to see where our modern scientific worldview came from, and what underlying assumptions it has. We study what it is that science tells us about reality and who we are. We also study what mystical traditions tell us about who we are. It is a contrast in worldviews and hence a contrast in perceptions about reality. Is the apparent rift between science and spirituality real? Are there possible worldviews, towards which we are changing, that could integrate these two realms?

Creativity is an inherent primal drive that is at the core of human existence. It is most obviously demonstrated in the arts and sciences, but we all engage in that creative drive, consciously or unconsciously, in every aspect of life - in dealing with the trials and tribulations of life, as well as the positive aspects - in conscious evolution and soul development. It is the fundamental drive that we draw on as we pursue our unique sense of soul purpose. The study of creativity is a complex affair requiring an integrated multidimensional approach. This course presents such an approach through a didactic and experiential process of investigation.

This required course in the Creativity specialization explores some of the most current research, understandings, and applications in the field of transpersonal consciousness and creativity, exceptional human potential, and personal and planetary change. We study, discuss, and experience transformational shift through understanding how the brain and body; the unconscious, subconscious, conscious mind and transpersonal consciousness work; and the potentials of conscious change and neuroplasticity. The work of this course ultimately creates a synergy within that will enlarge our perceptions, deepen our awareness and insight, and enhance the quality of our lives.

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to basic two-dimensional art skills that will provide you with the confidence to express yourself more fully in a visual manner. This course also will provide you with a foundation in the spiritual dimension of the creative process. The work covered in this course is appropriate to individuals of all skill levels in two-dimensional art from beginner to advanced. Included is instruction in basic representational and abstract drawing and painting skills.

This course is designed to deepen your appreciation for the role played by dreams in personal growth and transformation. It provides you with the skills you need to understand your dreams better and, more significantly, prepares you to help others understand their own dreams. It examines the important role waking life plays in the dream world and the role of personal responsibility and ethics in working with the dreams of others. Course requirements include a practicum. This course will not provide the student with the background to offer psychotherapy or other therapeutic counseling, which requires special training and state licensure.

The purpose of this course is to help you develop skills and methods that will allow you to clarify your own mission in life so you can help others find theirs. The strategies for creating a personal mission statement are drawn largely from the material found in Edgar Cayce's nearly 2,000 life readings - clairvoyant, spiritual counseling discourses given to individuals between 1923 and 1944 - material that provides a framework that is easily adaptable to contemporary seekers. Course requirements include a practicum. This course will not provide the student with the background to offer psychotherapy or other therapeutic counseling, which requires special training and state licensure.

This course is designed to deepen your appreciation for methods for connecting with your inner spiritual resources. The approach to this study and practice will be eclectic - drawing upon sources from Eastern and Western traditions. As you deepen your own inner life, you will be better prepared to act as a guide, teacher, or mentor to others. The course culminates in a practical demonstration of your growing capacity to serve as a helper to other seekers. Course requirements include a practicum, in which you will have the opportunity to teach and share your own personal version of meditation instruction. This course will not provide the student with the background to offer psychotherapy or other therapeutic counseling, which requires special training and state licensure.

Click here for a detailed description of the course, including weekly breakdown.

This course is a survey of the field of parapsychology, including spontaneous psychic experiences, studies of mediums and psychics, experimental studies, and the relationship of psychic phenomena to religious experiences. It approaches psychic phenomena from the perspective of integrating them with other aspects of human consciousness. The course combines intellectual and experiential approaches. The course compares the methods used to study and experience various types of psychic phenomena and explores the implications of these phenomena for other fields of human endeavor. There are also opportunities for you to explore your own psychic ability and to conduct a study of the psychic abilities of others. Learn more. 

Shamanism is a term that has been used since the 1950s to describe an engagement by healers or medicine people with the spirit world. In truth, this is a very limited understanding of the varied, rich, ancient and complex practices across cultures and time that can include work with plant medicines, village and community leadership, spiritual mentoring, priestly ceremonial oversight, and healing of both individuals and groups, among other "medicine".

In this class, students will be challenged to learn the history and background of shamanism across cultures, from indigenous to western. They will understand the difference between indigenous perspectives about their own healing and ceremonial traditions versus western shamanism as a new spiritual and therapeutic movement. They will learn how it fits into the transpersonal movement in the West. 

In addition they will engage with levels of consciousness that must commonly be mastered by a novice "shaman" or medicine person seeking to master engagement with the spirit world and its potential for healing and transformation. This course will not teach students the art and craft of shamanism--such study can take years of intensive effort and self-discipline--but it will expose them to the beauty and power of the path. 

This course explores the nature of symbols and mythology, the reasons for their importance, and their effect on the way in which we experience life. It explores how our belief systems and the resulting behaviors reflect our family and culture, and how, during our passage from one stage of life to another, symbols and images arise from our biological, emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturation. The purpose of this course is to increase the student's deep understanding of myths and symbols for the transformations in life.

In this elective writing course in the Creativity Specialization, students will define a reason for wishing to write nonfiction and then create a vision statement and career plan or book proposal for actualizing their vision. They will also practice the techniques for writing different types of nonfiction and give one another feedback on their ideas and writing. The purpose of this course is to outfit transpersonal thinkers with the tools necessary to share their ideas with various audiences in various genres or media. As a result of this course, the students will be able to actualize and shape transpersonal theories into interesting and readable prose. In so doing, they will educate the world and help to actualize their own purpose within it.