History and Clinical Applications of Moreno’s Contribution to Transpersonal Psychology
Keywords:
psychodrama, transpersonal psychology, humanistic psychology, daimon, godhead, here and now, future projectionsAbstract
J. L. Moreno had an enormous influence on the development of both humanistic
psychology and transpersonal psychology. As early as 1918, he was led to the
development of psychodrama by his ideas and philosophy, his intuitive, insightful
understanding of human nature, his investigation of the social structures of groups and
community, and his spiritual beliefs. Moreno’s creative ideas had a decided influence on
the emerging trailblazers in psychology as they struggled to compose a new paradigm for
psychotherapy in the 20th century. Only a few gave credit to Moreno for his formative,
groundbreaking work that inspired their collective minds. This article will pay tribute to
Moreno’s contributions to both the humanistic and transpersonal schools of psychology
as described by Abraham Maslow and a group of collaborating psychotherapists. A
literature review of the many innovative applications of transpersonal psychology will be
followed by a four-step model that will focus on the transpersonal roles and resources and
how they can be used for healing. Clinical examples are provided for psychodramatists
eager to incorporate more transpersonal processes into their work as clinicians or
educators.
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