History and Clinical Applications of Moreno’s Contribution to Transpersonal Psychology
Rebecca M. Ridge, Karen Drucker
The Journal of Psychodrama Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy January 22, 2026 DOI: 10.12926/ak72gs05 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Transpersonal psychology Humanistic psychology Psychodrama Humanism Psychotherapist Perspective graphical Psychoanalysis |
| Key findings | Moreno's work was foundational to both humanistic and transpersonal psychology, and a four-step model using transpersonal roles and resources can aid healing in psychodrama. |
Abstract
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.