International University
of Professional Studies

Transpersonal Psychology Course Descriptions

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(Please note: All Doctoral coursework (600 courses) involve more advanced research and in-depth study.)

 

REQUIRED CORE COURSES

 

TPY 500/600  Transpersonal Psychology
An overview of the history of psychology and its development into the current understanding of Transpersonal Psychology is offered. This course is designed for the study and experiential learning of psychological expansion of awareness into the study of extraordinary states of consciousness, exploration of spiritual gifts, body-mind wisdom, all of which lead into deeper transformational learning.
 
TPY 501/601  Counseling Theories, Strategies, and Skills Training
Traditional counseling theories are examined for their contributions to Transpersonal Psychology, and strategies are developed that incorporate relevant techniques into transpersonal perspectives. Students are encouraged to enter dimensions of consciousness that allow counseling theories to guide the strategies and skills required for effective transpersonal counseling. The development of skills that emerge from the incorporation of traditional knowledge with transpersonal pursuits are nurtured as a focus for this course.
 
TPY 502/602  Personality Theories
This course will assist the student in developing his/her ability to develop his/her own practical framework from which to practice, based on understanding of the theories of personality which have which are currently in the literature. Students will be taught how to take the most helpful aspects of the various personality theories and utilize those aspects in the creation of his/her own understanding of personality theory and how it works.
 
TPY 508/608  Contemporary Consciousness Teachings
This course examines the current general concepts of consciousness and its relationship to health and well-being, self-healing, and transformation, and awareness of the concept of oneness. The journey into higher consciousness is studied, as well as the many changes likely to occur during that journey. Energy dynamics and their relationship to higher consciousness are explored. A focus of this course is on the student’s increased responsibility for his or her own growth into higher consciousness. An overview of global consciousness is offered.
 
TPY 520/620  Theories and Practice of Meditation
Experiential learning defines this course as students are encouraged to integrate theories of meditation into the practice of meditation.  Methods of relaxation and breathing techniques are taught, as well as the different approaches offered by various schools of thought pertaining to meditation. The student is expected to develop his/her own ability to meditate, based on an organized system of practice. The focus of this course is to transform experiential learning into experiential knowledge. The student’s mentor provides ongoing supervision and direction during this process.
 
TPY 521/621  Transpersonal Therapies: Eastern and Western Strategies for Transformation
This course provides a balanced overview of the therapeutic strategies that invite and/or enhance transformation, utilizing both Eastern and Western principles.  Both Eastern and Western beliefs about transformation and the specific strategies followed to enhance transformation are explored.  Particular attention is given to the cultural values defining transformation. Cultural differences, such as awareness and familiarity with Kundalini, are introduced. The student will gain an understanding of the issues involved in treating a person involved in the process of transformation, and will demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics involved in attaining transformation, including misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
 
TPY 530/630  Cross-Cultural Counseling
This course includes a comprehensive comparison of pertinent counseling strategies in vastly different cultures. Specific instruction is given in the importance of honoring the values taught in each culture. Religious considerations from various cultures are presented. The student may choose one culture upon which he/she can focus attention, or choose a wider variety of cultures to study, based on his/her intent in working with the different cultures.
 
TPY 570/670  Legal and Ethical issues in Counseling
Navigating the legal and ethical landscape is essential for safe and effective counseling practice. This course examines the regulatory, professional, and moral frameworks that guide counselors, therapists, and holistic practitioners. Topics include confidentiality, informed consent, duty to warn, record-keeping, licensing requirements, and ethical decision-making models. Students analyze case studies, codes of ethics, and contemporary legal challenges, developing critical thinking skills to respond appropriately to complex dilemmas. The course emphasizes integrating ethical principles with client-centered, culturally sensitive, and holistic therapeutic practice.
 
TPY 580/680  Internship and Practical Application
The internship requirement for the attainment of a Master’s Degree in Transpersonal Psychology can be gained through residential retreats, programs specializing in the student’s area of interest, or employment that gives the student opportunities to practice different therapeutic techniques. The student is allowed to create his/her internship with his/her mentor, and will communicate regularly with the mentor during the process of internship. Practical application may be achieved during the internship, retreat, or the student may volunteer his/her time in a setting that provides the opportunity to apply the techniques in his/her particular area of interest.
 
TPY 590  Masters Thesis Project
The Master's Degree student is required to submit a thesis on an aspect of his/her chosen field of study. The thesis must cover an aspect of Transpersonal Psychology thoroughly, with a sufficient depth level and appropriate bibliography and number of references. The student is required to submit a proposal for the thesis to the mentor, and must gain approval for this project.

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TPY 690 Dissertation Research Project
A dissertation is required and a proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair. Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, formatting, and editing. The dissertation will be a substantial and original contribution to the literature in the field of Transpersonal Psychology.   

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ELECTIVE COURSES​

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TPY 640 Art & Spirituality

This course explores the intersection of creative expression and spiritual experience as pathways to self-discovery and transformation. Students examine how art can serve as a vehicle for transcendent awareness, healing, and connection to higher consciousness. Through experiential and reflective practice, participants engage with visual, literary, and symbolic forms to deepen their understanding of the sacred dimensions of creativity within transpersonal psychology.

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​TPY 641 Body-Centered Therapies

This course introduces the principles and practices of body-centered and energy-based therapies that promote holistic healing and integration of mind, body, and spirit. Students explore modalities such as Reiki, Hakomi, Bioenergetics, Chi Kung, and the Feldenkrais Method to understand how embodied awareness can release emotional blocks and restore natural balance. Students will learn to apply body-centered approaches within transpersonal psychology to support personal transformation, somatic awareness, and spiritual growth.

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​TPY 642 Conscious Living

This course examines what it means to live with awareness, authenticity, and spiritual presence in everyday life. Drawing from transpersonal psychology, mindfulness, and contemplative traditions, students explore practices that cultivate higher consciousness, compassion, and purpose. Emphasis is placed on integrating spiritual principles into relationships, work, and personal well-being to support holistic and conscious living.

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​TPY 643 Conscious Parenting

​Rooted in mindful awareness, this course explores parenting as a path of personal and spiritual growth. Students examine how conscious presence, emotional attunement, and compassion foster healthy development in children and deeper connection within families. Participants learn to integrate mindfulness, empathy, and holistic values into parenting and family dynamics.

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TPY 644 Conscious Relationships​

​Exploring relationships as mirrors for personal and spiritual growth, this course examines how conscious awareness transforms the way we connect with others (and ourselves). Drawing from transpersonal psychology, mindfulness, and depth psychology, students study patterns of attachment, communication, and projection to cultivate authenticity and compassion in relationships. Emphasis is placed on developing emotional intelligence and spiritual presence as foundations for meaningful, balanced connections.

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​TPY 645 Death and Dying, Grief and Loss

This course is an exploration of death, dying, and bereavement through the lens of transpersonal psychology and spiritual transformation. Students examine cultural, psychological, and mystical perspectives on mortality, as well as the healing potential found within the grieving process. Students engage with contemplative practices, case studies, and personal reflection to deepen their understanding of loss, impermanence, and consideration of the continuity of consciousness beyond physical death.

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TPY 647 Ecopsychology

This course explores the dynamic relationship between human consciousness and the natural world. Students examine how ecological awareness, environmental ethics, and spiritual ecology inform psychological well-being and collective transformation. Emphasis is placed on integrating ecological consciousness into personal growth, therapeutic practice, and community engagement. Through reflection, experiential exercises, and research, learners develop an expanded sense of self that includes the more-than-human world.

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​TPY 648 Enneagram

​This course offers an in-depth exploration of the Enneagram as a framework for understanding personality, motivation, and spiritual development. Students examine the psychological and transpersonal dimensions of the nine Enneagram types, including patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior. The course integrates traditional teachings with contemporary psychological perspectives to foster self-awareness and transformation. Practical applications include personal growth, counseling, coaching, and spiritual guidance within a transpersonal context.

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TPY 649 Gestalt Therapy

This course examines the principles and practices of Gestalt Therapy as a humanistic and experiential approach to personal and transpersonal growth. Students explore concepts such as presence, wholeness, authenticity, and the integration of mind, body, and emotion. Emphasis is placed on the therapeutic relationship, creative experimentation, and the process of here-and-now experience. Learners apply Gestalt methods to deepen self-understanding, enhance counseling skills, and support transformation at both the individual and collective levels.

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TPY 650 Human Sexuality
An exploration of human sexuality from psychological, developmental, cultural, and transpersonal perspectives. Students examine the interplay between sexuality, identity, intimacy, and spiritual growth, recognizing sexuality as an essential dimension of the whole person. Topics include psychosexual development, gender diversity, relational dynamics, erotic expression, and the integration of sexual energy in transpersonal experience. Through study and reflection, learners cultivate awareness and respect for the sacred and transformative aspects of human sexuality.

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TPY 651 Hypnotherapy

This course focuses on the theory and practice of hypnotherapy as a tool for psychological healing, behavior change, and spiritual exploration. Students learn foundational techniques of induction, deepening, and suggestion, while examining the nature of trance states and their relationship to consciousness. The course integrates clinical applications with transpersonal approaches, emphasizing ethical practice and client-centered use of hypnosis. Participants gain experiential understanding of how altered states can facilitate insight, transformation, and expanded awareness.

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TPY 652 Jung & Archetypes

This course explores Carl Jung’s depth psychological framework with a focus on archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the process of individuation. Students study key Jungian concepts such as the shadow, anima/animus, and the Self, relating them to myth, dreams, and symbolic experience. Emphasis is placed on the transpersonal dimensions of Jung’s work and its relevance to spiritual development and psychotherapy. Through reflection and applied analysis, learners deepen their understanding of the archetypal patterns shaping both personal and collective consciousness.

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TPY 653 Theories, Therapies, and Issues in Chemical Dependency

​An examination of psychological, physiological, social, and spiritual dimensions of chemical dependency and recovery. Students explore major theories of addiction, evidence-based and transpersonal therapeutic approaches, and the impact of substance use on the self and relationships. Emphasis is placed on holistic healing, and integrating body, mind, and spirit in the recovery process. Learners develop insight into the transformative potential of addiction recovery as a path toward greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.

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TPY 654 Transformational Life Coaching

This course centers on the principles and practices of life coaching from a transpersonal perspective, emphasizing personal transformation, purpose, and conscious living. Students learn coaching models, communication skills, and goal-setting techniques that support holistic growth and self-actualization. The course highlights the integration of intuition, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness in the coaching relationship. Through experiential learning and applied practice, participants cultivate the capacity to facilitate meaningful change in themselves and others.

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TPY 655 Wellness Coaching: Body, Mind and Spirit

​Integrating principles of transpersonal psychology, mindfulness, and holistic health, this course provides a foundation for wellness coaching that honors the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit. Students explore strategies for fostering self-awareness, motivation, and lifestyle balance in themselves and others. Practical applications emphasize compassionate presence, intuitive listening, and the development of personalized approaches to support transformational well-being.