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Toward a New Interior. The Psychological Matrix and the Future of the Self: A Structured Vision of Identity Beyond Humanistic Idealism

Georgy Sivkov

Journal of Humanistic Psychology December 22, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/00221678251399050 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Key points Proposes the Theory of the Psychological Matrix, a transpersonal structural model in which consciousness (rational mind, individual unconscious, global unconscious) and identity (I, Self, Higher Self) form a layered, non-deterministic architecture that permits partial reconfiguration through symbolic insight and spiritual integration, culminating in "noetic awareness." Argues that cognitive and stage-based models of personality are limited and require greater integration of existential and transpersonal psychology, with therapeutic implications discussed through the method "Alternative Personal Biography."

Abstract

This article introduces the Theory of the Psychological Matrix, a transpersonal and structural model of personality that integrates psychoanalytic, humanistic, and spiritual dimensions of the self. The theory proposes a tripartite structure of consciousness (rational mind, individual unconscious, and global unconscious) and identity (I, Self, Higher Self), each serving a role in psychological development and transformation. It further outlines a hierarchical process of self-discovery and symbolic reprogramming, culminating in the activation of noetic awareness. The proposed framework is not a deterministic system, but a layered architecture that allows partial reconfiguration through symbolic insight and spiritual integration. Therapeutic implications are discussed in relation to Alternative Personal Biography, a clinical method embedded within the matrix structure. The theory challenges the limits of cognitive and stage-based models, calling for a deeper integration of existential and transpersonal psychology.