The Induction and Measurement of the Altered States of Consciousness by using Neurotechnology and Biofeedback in Transpersonal Therapy

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Transpersonal psychology is the study of human nature that begins with theassumption that humans have potentials that go beyond the limits of their ego andintegrate spiritual experience into a broader understanding of the human psyche andconsciousness. For decades, altered states of consciousness have been used as a form ofpsychotherapy in transpersonal psychology. Although there are well-known techniquesfor inducing altered states of consciousness, such as holotropic breathwork,neurotechnology provides an alternative way to not only induce these states fortranspersonal therapy but also for other purposes. Biofeedback may also be used toassess the level of consciousness. The goal of this article is to provide a review of thekey concepts in neurotechnology, as well as the key technologies that can be used toinduce and measure altered states of consciousness for transpersonal psychotherapy.