I work as a transpersonal coach, a role I often describe as an integrative, balanced, and embodied approach that unites psychological and spiritual perspectives. When I mention the word transpersonal, I’m frequently met with curiosity or confusion. Some take a guess, while others ask what it means and how transpersonal coaching can help them.
Understanding Transpersonal Psychology
The term transpersonal originates from Transpersonal Psychology, a field introduced by psychologists such as Abraham Maslow in the early 1960s. Considered the fourth wave of psychology, it extends beyond the individual mind and body, exploring dimensions that transcend the ego and embrace broader aspects of human experience.
This approach emphasises personal transformation and ego transcendence, integrating spiritual perspectives. It is sometimes called spiritual psychology, though the term spiritual is often misunderstood. Here, spirituality is not tied to religion or doctrine but refers to an inner experience of connection to something greater—something sacred and meaningful.
I was drawn to transpersonal psychology because it aligns with my passion for spirituality, meditation, psychology, and science. Unlike mainstream psychology, which can sometimes dismiss experiences that don’t fit within its framework, transpersonal psychology acknowledges and integrates these profound aspects of human existence.
What Makes Transpersonal Coaching Different?
As a transpersonal coach, I work with individuals facing a wide range of challenges. Some are struggling with anxiety, burnout, or a loss of meaning and direction. Others seek to achieve specific goals or navigate relationship difficulties. Many have had spiritual or transcendent experiences they are trying to understand and integrate into their lives.
What sets transpersonal coaching apart is not just the nature of the issues clients bring, but the perspective used to address them. This approach incorporates mindfulness techniques and expanded states of awareness to bring greater clarity and insight.
A key aspect of transpersonal coaching is the transformative power of the healing presence shared between coach and client. Intuition, connection, compassion, and mindful awareness are cultivated and valued in these sessions. Like most coaching styles, transpersonal coaching focuses on potential rather than pathology, distinguishing it from traditional therapy.
One of the core principles I share with my clients is that times of crisis, though challenging, can serve as profound opportunities for growth. Rather than viewing difficult experiences as something to be fixed or overcome, a transpersonal approach helps individuals find meaning in these moments, recognising their transformative potential.
Navigating Crisis as a Path to Growth
When our innate resilience is nourished, and we receive the right guidance and support, we can uncover deeper meaning behind life’s challenges. I believe that burnout, loss of meaning, anxiety, depression, and personal crises are often part of a transformative journey. With the right perspective, these experiences can be navigated with greater compassion, ease, and acceptance.
Beyond the Label of Coach
The word coach often carries connotations of rigid goal-setting and self-improvement, which can feel mechanical. Instead, I see a transpersonal coach as more of a guide—someone who helps individuals reconnect with their intuitive awareness and alternative ways of knowing.
My approach balances the masculine and feminine energies within us—the active pursuit of growth alongside deep acceptance and presence. It’s not just about setting goals, but also about cultivating wholeness and integration.
At the heart of transpersonal coaching is the understanding that we each have a core self—a soul that is already whole and complete. While past wounds may cause parts of us to become fragmented, disowned, or dysfunctional, we have the ability to reintegrate these parts and reclaim our wholeness.
Through this process, we can release limiting beliefs and narratives that keep us stuck in unhealthy cycles, ultimately moving forward with greater clarity, direction, and flow.
The Power of Transformation
My work as a transpersonal coach is not just about helping people build resilience through difficulty—it’s about discovering meaning and purpose within adversity. With the right support, a time of crisis can lead to profound spiritual and psychological transformation.
Rather than merely enduring hardship, we can embrace it as a catalyst for growth, emerging with a deeper understanding of ourselves and a renewed sense of purpose.
About the Author
Jules De Vitto has a BSc in Psychology, MA in Education and MSc in Transpersonal Psychology, Consciousness and Spirituality and is an accredited transpersonal coach, trainer and experienced educator. She is the founder of the Highly Sensitive Human Academy - a central hub that offers courses, coaching, articles and a podcast for Highly Sensitive People. She helps those who identify with the traits of high sensitivity to navigate emotional overwhelm, step into their authentic power and align with their true purpose in life.
She is a published author and wrote one of a series of books on Resilience, Navigating Loss in a time of Crisis. Her research has also been published in the Transpersonal Coaching Psychology Journal and Journal of Consciousness, Spirituality, and Transpersonal Psychology.
In addition to her academic and coaching pursuits, Jules has spent years engaging in deep transformative healing work. She is a Reiki Master and Teacher and has completed Michael Harner’s Shamanic Practitioner Training through the Foundation of Shamanic Studies and a Grief Ritual Leadership Training with Francis Weller.
Jules is passionate about creating community for Highly Sensitive People and embracing the full spectrum of our emotional and sensory capacities rather than trying to ‘fix’ ourselves. Deepening the connection to our sensitivity enables us to open our hearts and form better relationships with ourselves, others and the world.