History and Clinical Applications of Moreno’s Contribution to Transpersonal Psychology

J. L. Moreno's ideas and philosophy, beginning in 1918, led to the development of psychodrama and profoundly influenced humanistic and transpersonal psychology. His intuitive understanding of human nature, investigation of group social structures, and spiritual beliefs shaped a new paradigm for psychotherapy in the 20th century, though few early trailblazers credited him. This article reviews Moreno's contributions to these schools, as described by Abraham Maslow and collaborating psychotherapists. A literature review of transpersonal psychology applications is followed by a four-step model focusing on transpersonal roles and resources for healing, with clinical examples for psychodramatists.

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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.