The Dissolving Self in the Therapeutic Encounter: Mysticism, Ego Dissolution, and Clinical Transforma tion
Ungar-Sargon MD PhD Julian
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) December 17, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18227227 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ego dissolution Mysticism |
| Key points | Argues that therapeutic transformation frequently requires a disciplined, ethically contained dissolution of rigid egoic structures in both clinician and patient, and proposes an integrated model of therapeutic tzimtzum that bridges Jewish mystical theology, psychodynamic theory, and neuroscience, while addressing clinical applications, risks, and ethical boundaries. |
Abstract
Abstract This article presents a comprehensive academic exposition of the dissolving self within the therapeutic encounter, integrating Jewish mystical theology, psychodynamic theory, and contemporary neuroscience. Drawing upon the foundational work of Katzman, Bernstein, and Ponak on the authentic mystical self; Ungar-Sargon's theology of tzimtzum, Or HaGanuz, and sacred clinical space; and neuroscientific research on ego dissolution conducted by Letheby, Gerrans, and Stoliker, this paper argues that therapeutic transformation frequently requires a disciplined, ethically-contained dissolution of rigid egoic structures in both clinician and patient. The analysis systematically develops theoretical foundations, mystical parallels, clinical applications, phenomenological considerations, risks, and ethical boundaries. The exposition culminates in an integrated model of therapeutic tzimtzum that bridges theology, psychology, and clinical practice, offering practitioners a theoretically grounded framework for understanding and facilitating transformative therapeutic encounters.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on ego dissolution, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Ethics and ego dissolution: the case of psilocybin | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mystical and Other Alterations in Sense of Self: An Expanded Framework for Studying Nonordinary Experiences | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psychedelic medicalization, public discourse, and the morality of ego dissolution | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |