Psychedelics and the Founding of Transpersonal Psychology with James Fadiman

Re-blogged from The Psychology Podcast by Scott Barry Kaufman, January 10, 2018

James Fadiman is a Harvard-trained psychologist and writer, who is known for his extensive work in the field of psychedelic research. He co-founded, along with Robert Frager, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, which later became Sofia University, where he was a lecturer in psychedelic studies. Fadiman is author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys.

In this episode, we discuss:

– Why he decided to scientifically study the positive effects of LSD

– Why the psychedelic experience is so transformative for so many people

– How the psychedelic experience evaporates boundaries

– The limitations of science

– Fadiman’s experience with Abraham Maslow on an airplane

– The founding of transpersonal psychology

– The potential benefits of “psychedelic therapy”

– How one can have enlightenment without compassion (“false enlightenment”)

– The importance of the Bodhisattva Path

– How accepting our multiple selves can increase understanding and compassion

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About The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University

Since 1975, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University has continued to be an international leader and pioneer, moving humanity forward in the areas of transpersonal research and transpersonal education. training clinicians, spiritual guides, wellness caregivers, and consultants who apply transpersonal principles and values in a variety of settings.  The Sofia educational model offers students not only a solid intellectual foundation, but an extraordinary opportunity for deep transformational growth and personal experience of the subject matter. How does Sofia University accomplish this? The university builds upon its strong, whole-person psychological foundation to give students a greater understanding of the human condition.

Learn more about our programs.