Altered states of consciousness have long been used in transpersonal psychotherapy. While traditional techniques like holotropic breathwork exist, neurotechnology offers an alternative method both for inducing such states and for measuring the level of a state of consciousness. This chapter reviews fundamental concepts of neurotechnology and the technologies that can induce and measure altered states for transpersonal psychotherapy.
Transpersonal psychology assumes humans have potentials beyond ego limits and integrates spiritual experience into the understanding of the psyche and consciousness. Altered states of consciousness have long been used in transpersonal psychotherapy, with techniques such as holotropic breathwork. Neurotechnology offers an alternative way to induce these states for therapy and other purposes, and biofeedback may assess the level of consciousness. This article reviews key concepts in neurotechnology and the technologies that can induce and measure altered states of consciousness for transpersonal psychotherapy.