FAQ - General Questions
What is transpersonal psychology? And what is the difference between transpersonal psychology & traditional psychology?
The field of Transpersonal Psychology is concerned with expanding the frontiers of psychology and spirituality for the betterment of humanity and the sustainability of the planet.
Traditional psychology is interested in a continuum of human experience and behavior ranging from severe dysfunction, mental and emotional illness at one end, to what is generally considered "normal", healthy behavior at the other end and various degrees of normal and maladjustment in between. Transpersonal Psychology is a full spectrum psychology that encompasses all of this and then goes beyond it by adding a serious scholarly interest in the immanent and transcendent dimensions of human experience: exceptional human functioning, experiences, performances and achievements, true genius, the nature and meaning of deep religious and mystical experiences, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and how we might foster the fulfillment of our highest potentials as human beings.
Transpersonal psychologists work across disciplines and draw on insights from not only the various areas of psychology, but also the sciences of cognition, consciousness, and the paranormal; philosophy; social and cultural theory; integral health theories and practices; poetry, literature, and the arts; and, the world's spiritual and wisdom traditions.
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How, when, and why was ITP founded?
The Institute was founded in 1975 by Dr. Robert Frager in response to the growing need for a shift in the pedagogy of higher learning, and it has remained at the cutting edge of psychological research and education for over twenty years. A Harvard graduate himself, Frager had experienced first-hand the conventional approach to the study of psychology and found it inadequate and often fragmented. Dr. Frager's educational ideal harkened back to the ancient Greek system which held the belief that education should take into account all aspects of the human experience. With this ideal in mind, he set out to create a school of psychology that would fully prepare psychologists to understand human nature from an approach that transcends the pathological and encompasses the whole human being in the context of culture, physical health, and mental health.
The unique curriculum developed by Frager, faculty, and students together focused on six core areas of inquiry: the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and creative. This educational model incorporates the tenets of transpersonal psychology and offers the student not only a solid intellectual foundation, but an extraordinary opportunity for deep growth and personal experience of the subject matter as well.
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What distinguishes ITP from other schools?
ITP's curriculum is based on an educational paradigm emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates coursework with a view toward body, mind, and spirit connections. The classroom environment honors dialogue and creative expression, and our students’ personal development is seen as an integral part of their professional development. In keeping with the high value ITP places on community, the school makes every attempt to accommodate the needs of most populations. The Master's in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program offers evening classes for working people as well as a full-time daytime program for those who want to complete the program sooner; the Global program offers dynamic distance-learning and on-line opportunities; and all three doctoral program offer cutting-edge research opportunities with leaders in the field.
For our clinical programs (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and M.A. in Counseling Psychology (MFT), ITP has created a unique “practice incubator” where students are trained not only in various therapeutic techniques but also learn the practical aspects of starting and maintaining a private practice.
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Yes, ITP is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
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What does accreditation mean for students and graduates?
Accreditation means that the school is recognized as a place of higher learning by the U.S. Department of Education. It is the stamp of approval that is recognized by institutions across the U.S. A degree from an accredited institution is also recognized by educational institutions looking to hire faculty. Generally, courses taken from an accredited institution may be transferred into other accredited institutions.
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ITP is located in Palo Alto, California, on the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay; south of San Francisco, north of San Jose, northeast of Santa Cruz, across the Bay from Berkeley and about three miles from Stanford University. Palo Alto enjoys the benefits of a dynamic residential community in a prominent intellectual center and is noted for its access to a diverse mix of cultural, educational, and recreational resources. The southern peninsula offers easy access to the Santa Cruz mountains and foothills--including a protected state park habitat for coastal redwoods, miles of public beaches and lush wine country. The sunny and temperate climate permits a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
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