Mystical experience of a counsellor: An autobiographical journey
Women & Therapy May 19, 1997 DOI: 10.1300/j015v20n01_10 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mystical experience |
| Key points | Argues that mystical experiences are being reported by significant numbers of clients and are described by developing theory as positive and transforming, yet therapists' voices on the topic are notably absent. Proposes that addressing this absence is necessary for accountability to clients, peers, and oneself. |
Abstract
Summary The recent emergence of mystical experience in psychological literature and the burgeoning of spirituality within mainstream counselling are beginning to challenge many assumptions on which the field of counselling psychology is precariously perched. Mystical experience itself is being reported by significant numbers of clients, and a developing theory describes it as a positive and transforming phenomenon. However, there is a notable absence of therapists' voices regarding mystical experience which needs to be addressed if we are to be accountable to our clients, our peers, and ourselves. Using my own voice and a personal anecdote from my thesis on mystical experience, I examine this contentious and enigmatic experience to illuminate some significant issues it has raised for me.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis | 1983 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Psychedelic Mystical Experience in the Human Encounter with Death | 1969 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Vectorial Cerebral Hemisphericity as Differential Sources for the Sensed Presence, Mystical Experiences and Religious Conversions | 1993 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The epistemic innocence of psychedelic states. | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mystical Experience and Religious Doctrine | 1982 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- Psychological Strength and the Report of Intense Religious Experience Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion March 1, 1974
- Personality Correlates of the Report of Mystical Experience June 1, 1979
- Mystical Experience as Related to Present and Anticipated Future Church Participation Psychological Reports December 1, 1976