ABSTRACT
The transpersonal represents a very wide-ranging area and one that can sometimes conjure up something rather mystical that is not the domain of serious research or `evidence-based practice'. Our own view is that clients generally come to see us with a sense of disconnection that is re¯ected in some form of fragmentation between mind, body and spirit. Being involved in this kind of fragmentation means that we should rightfully include some concern for the spiritual domain of experience. In a society that is dominated by the ego and related narcissistic pursuits, it is tempting to leave this aspect to personal pursuits or perceived `cult' activities. However, a large number of important writers have made signi®cant contributions to this area of theory and practice. They challenge us to see beyond the isolated individual and ego-driven pursuits and to consider our involvement in something potentially bigger than ourselves. Hycner (1993) is critical of the overemphasis in our society on the rational and on the development of separateness. He highlights the fragile nature of this emphasis, pointing out that this fragility requires individuals to be constantly on their guard to maintain these illusions. He holds that:
The repression of spirituality also creates an extremely anxious society, and anxious individuals. When people are cut off from a sense of relationship to others and to a larger sense of reality, they experience anxiety and emptiness. Such psychological isolation creates a void that yearns to be ®lled. Since it cannot be ®lled by that which it desires, it must ®nd a substitute. But that substitute ± money, drugs, sex, even television ± can only create further longing.
