Professor Oluwafemi Esan | Contributor on spirituality and mental health topics

The transpersonal ontology of personal change management refers to a framework for managing personal transformation that is based on the philosophical assumption (ontology) that the self or identity can extend “beyond the personal ego” to encompass wider aspects of humankind, life, or the cosmos.

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This ontology views personal change not merely as an adjustment of behaviours or thought patterns within the confines of the individual personality (as in traditional psychology), but as a process of spiritual or

transcendental development that leads to a more mature, authentic, and interconnected state of being. Personal change management is the process of successfully navigating personal transitions by understanding your own resistance, creating a clear strategy, and taking consistent, manageable steps to achieve desired goals.

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It involves identifying barriers, setting clear objectives, building a support system, and strategically prioritising actions to prevent burnout and ensure long-term success. The transpersonal approach is beneficial for individuals seeking more than just career or personal goal attainment; it serves those who feel something is missing in their lives and wish to explore existential or spiritual issues.

In a leadership context, it can help develop leaders who are deeply self-aware, emotionally and spiritually intelligent, and who lead with a broader vision for the well-being of their organisation, community, and the planet (Rothberg, 1986).

Key Transpersonal Ontological Principles of Personal Change Management

Beyond-Ego Self: The core ontological assumption is the existence of a “transpersonal self” or “higher self” that is more fundamental than the individual, ego-bound personality. Personal change, therefore, involves shifting identification from the limited ego to this broader self.

Interconnectedness (Holism): This ontology posits that individuals are not isolated entities but are embedded in a web of relationships with others, nature, and the universe. A change in one part of this system affects the whole, and a sense of connection to this “greater whole” is central to one’s well-being.

Inherent potential for Growth: It is assumed that individuals possess an innate capacity for self-transcendence, spiritual awareness, and profound transformation. The goal of personal change management is to facilitate the actualisation of this potential.

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Multi-dimensional Reality: The framework acknowledges multiple levels of consciousness and reality, including pre-personal (instinctual), personal (egomediated), and transpersonal (spiritual/transcendental) dimensions. (Ferrer,  2011).

Implications for Personal Change Management

Based on this ontology, managing personal change involves practices and perspectives that help individuals:

Integrate Spirituality: Incorporate spiritual beliefs and experiences into the change process by utilising practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation to gain deeper insights and cultivate inner peace.

Utilise Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs): Employ techniques such as guided imagery, breathwork, or other intentional practices to access non-ordinary states of consciousness, which can catalyse significant, lasting shifts in perspective and behaviour.

Shift Intentions: Focus on developing virtues such as humility, compassion, and altruism, moving beyond self-centeredness and self-interest in the pursuit of change.

Embrace a Holistic Approach: Address the mind, body, and spirit as an interconnected whole, recognising that change must be holistic to be truly effective and lead to a sense of “wholeness”.

Reframe Crises as Opportunities: View personal crises or suffering not merely as pathologies, but as potential “turning points” or catalysts for spiritual development and the emergence of new skills and levels of awareness. ( Ferrer,  2014).

The transpersonal ontology of personal change management offers a framework in which the individual is viewed as a being capable of profound, ego-transcendent experiences that can lead to profound personal transformation and an enhanced sense of purpose and interconnectedness.

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The transpersonal approach to personal change management is a holistic method that integrates psychological healing with spiritual and transcendent aspects of the human experience. It goes beyond traditional egofocused change models to explore an individual’s highest potential, fostering profound self-discovery and transformation by connecting them to a deeper sense of self and purpose. ( Zissis, 1999).

The Core Principles of the Transpersonal Approach to Personal Change Management.

Beyond the Ego: The term “transpersonal” means “beyond the personal”. The approach aims to help individuals transcend the limitations of their ego and personality, enabling them to access a broader perspective of their identity.

Holistic View: It addresses the whole person—mind, body, emotions, and spirit— recognising their interconnectedness. Imbalances in one area are seen to affect the entire being, so healing and growth must occur on multiple levels.

Spiritual and Existential Dimension: It incorporates an explicit focus on spirituality, purpose, and meaning in life, without necessarily requiring a religious affiliation. It explores existential questions and self-transcendent experiences as part of the developmental journey.

Innate Potential for Growth: Rooted in humanistic psychology (pioneered by figures like Abraham Maslow and Carl Jung), it is based on the belief that individuals have an intrinsic drive toward wholeness, self-actualisation, and higher levels of consciousness.

Consciousness as a Tool for Change: It utilises consciousness as both the instrument and the object of change, encouraging the development of awareness itself, rather than merely changing behaviours or thoughts. ( Vaughan, 1985).

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Key Techniques Used in Personal Change

Transpersonal practitioners use various techniques, many of which are drawn from world spiritual traditions, to facilitate personal change:  

Meditation and Mindfulness: Used to quiet the mind, increase self-awareness, and become more attuned to one’s inner self.

Guided Imagery and Visualisation: Help clients access deeper layers of the psyche and explore their potential and inner wisdom.

Breathwork: Techniques like holotropic breathwork are used to induce altered or expanded states of consciousness, leading to profound insights and healing.

Creative Practices: Art, music, drumming, and chanting can serve as avenues for selfdiscovery and the expression of unconscious material.

Shadow Work: Exploring and integrating unconscious or disowned aspects of the personality to achieve a more grounded and coherent sense of self.

Application to Personal Change Management

In a personal change context, the transpersonal approach helps individuals:

Gain Deep Insight: By looking beyond immediate issues, clients gain a deeper understanding of their true nature, purpose, and values.

Integrate Experiences: It provides a framework for understanding and integrating significant life transitions, spiritual experiences, or trauma into daily life, fostering resilience and direction.

Align with Purpose: Change is managed by aligning personal goals and actions with a deeper, often altruistic, mission or purpose, which can be highly motivating.

Develop Inner Resources: It encourages the development of internal resources, such as intuition and self-compassion, for long-lasting and effective change management.

Enhance Connection: It helps individuals combat feelings of isolation by fostering a sense of interconnectedness with others, the world, and a greater whole. (Sutich, 1973).

The transpersonal coaching approach to personal change management is a holistic method rooted in transpersonal psychology that goes beyond traditional goal setting and behaviour modification. It focuses on the whole person—integrating mind, body, emotions, and spirit—to facilitate deep, sustainable, and transformative change by exploring a client’s core purpose, values, and a sense of interconnectedness with something greater than themselves.

Transpersonal coaching views the individual as a complete system (mind-body-spirit) and addresses issues from this comprehensive perspective, rather than focusing solely on isolated problems. It aims to help clients transcend ego-bound mindsets and behaviours that inhibit growth, supporting them in connecting with a deeper, “higher” self or inner wisdom.

A key driver for change in this approach is the client’s search for meaning and purpose in all aspects of their life. The coach helps the client identify and align with their core values and life mission, which provides powerful motivation for change.

Unlike methods focused purely on conscious processing (e.g., the GROW model), transpersonal coaching works with the unconscious roots of problems, such as limiting beliefs, emotional responses, and ingrained behavioural patterns.  (Rodrigues and Friedman, 2013).

Coaches employ techniques such as mindfulness and guided introspection to help clients access expanded states of consciousness and gain deeper personal insights. This broadened perspective enables clients to view issues in a new light and tap into inner resources they were previously unaware of.

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This approach views personal crises or challenges not just as problems to be solved, but as opportunities for healing, growth, and spiritual awakening. The coach holds a supportive, non-judgmental “liminal space” for the client’s self-discovery.

While the coach guides the process, the client provides their own answers, fostering self-responsibility and internal change.

Impact on Personal Change Management

Sustainable Outcomes: By addressing the root causes of issues and aligning changes with a client’s core identity and purpose, the resulting transformation is often more profound and lasting than surface-level behavioural changes.

Increased Self-Awareness: Clients develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, enabling them to understand and manage their internal dynamics more effectively.

Empowerment: This process enables individuals to take personal responsibility for their growth and live a more authentic life that aligns with their true selves.

Integration of Life Areas: This approach helps clients achieve a better work-life balance and overall well-being by ensuring that their personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions are in harmony.

The transpersonal approach manages personal change by facilitating an inner journey of self-discovery and transformation, enabling individuals to unlock their full potential and live a life of greater meaning and purpose.  

Reference Lists

Rothberg, D., 1986. Philosophical foundations of transpersonal psychology: An introduction to some fundamental issues. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 18(1), pp.1-34.

Ferrer, J.N., 2011. Participatory spirituality and transpersonal theory: A ten-year retrospective. The Journal, 43(1), p.0.

Ferrer, J.N., 2014. Transpersonal psychology, science, and the supernatural. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 46(2).

Zissis, C., 1999. Ontological vs. developmental aspects of transpersonal theory: A comparative study. California Institute of Integral Studies.

Vaughan, F., 1985. Discovering transpersonal identity. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 25(3), pp.13-38.

Sutich, A.J., 1973. Transpersonal therapy. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 5(1), p.1.

Rodrigues, V. and Friedman, H.L., 2013. Transpersonal psychotherapies. The WileyBlackwell Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology, pp.580-594.

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