Transpersonal Psychotherapy - Conversation with Judith Ayre

This is an edited version of the original interview. The full interview can be accessed from http://www.transformasia.com.au/soulular.

Good morning, Judith!

Thank you for talking today. We're delighted to have you as one of our founding Web Associates. You have a very interesting background. You've researched and taught conflict resolution and mediation skills, you've done some fascinating work with children using symbols and imagery, and you very successfully combine Reiki and hands-on energy work with your one-on-one therapy counselling sessions.

Can you tell us something about your work as a transpersonal psychotherapist?

Hi Justus, I'm glad to have the opportunity to talk with you about my work. Although it may sound esoteric, transpersonal psychotherapy is actually firmly practical in that it focuses on creating meaning and happiness in life, on releasing limitations and on developing goals and the means to achieve these goals and ultimately achieve one's life's purpose.

Transpersonal psychotherapy has a foundational belief in the sacredness and innate goodness of people, people's inherent desire for wholeness and desire to connect with other human beings. There is a trust in each person's innate will and capacity to grow to self-actualization and further to self-transcendence and realize their true self.

Also, the transpersonal tradition emphasises the centrality of the therapist's consciousness in determining the outcome of therapy. It is important that therapeutic practice embodies compassion, empathic connection, congruence, unconditional positive regard, non-judgement, reverence for life, mindfulness and balance, belief in the sacredness of each individual and in the I-Thou relationship (Martin Buber). This can be summed up as the 'space' that is created between therapist and client.

I've been working in the public, mental health sector, as well as the private sector and people's needs have been diverse. Over the last few years I've had a children's and adolescents' practice starting with children from three years old upwards using sand and symbol work, puppets, storytelling and play therapy. I like to help parents understand their child's needs.

Justus - Do people come to you as a transpersonal psychotherapist with any particular kind of issue?

In recent years I have seen women suffering from grief, guilt and internal conflict when they find themselves infertile because they have postponed childbirth in favour of a career. Some of my clients have suffered middle management retrenchment. And as I said earlier, I have been working with children and adolescents over the last few years, particularly those experiencing trauma as a result of divorce or separation.

I use many varied techniques but it is not a matter of pulling out a technique that might fit. The art is in attending to numerous cues simultaneously, and in using a process and creating a context which allows people to create and experience self transcendence and transformation.

People who see me have an intention to grow, to experience the world differently, to create a future based on their dreams and to hold that intention dear even if it feels difficult.

Justus - Personally, I have found help from other professionals to be very useful, particularly if the person who provides the input has a solid background in whatever they do and, more importantly, they demonstrate a genuine caring and supportive attitude to me. I remember having some very helpful sessions with an acupuncturist. The needles did their thing effectively but I believe that an important part of the effectiveness of the treatment was the therapist's willingness to concern herself with me as a person.

Indeed, I think you are reiterating what I was saying a moment ago, that 'context' is of vital importance and what you seem to be suggesting is that in your experience, the consciousness of the therapist affects the outcome of acupuncture, physiotherapy and so on. I absolutely agree with you and it is definitely an area to be marked for further research for I think this understanding could radically affect practice. In the training of transpersonal psychotherapists, a thorough training in creating context is given.

Justus - Nowadays we're lucky to have a wide choice of professional resources. And sometimes that can be a bit confusing. For example, when would a coach be helpful, and when would you get more value from a therapist or a counselor? In your experience, what are the types of situation where a person might derive most benefit from seeing a psychotherapist rather than a coach or a counselor?

That's a good question and the distinction between these roles has most of us completely befuddled. In Australia, the terms counselor and psychotherapist are often used interchangeably but generally speaking when working in a counselling role, one would be working in a focused way in a particular area, for example grief counselling if a loved one has passed away. Similarly with drug and alcohol counselling, rehabilitation counselling, relationship counselling, family counselling and so on.

Typically a psychotherapist would focus on restructure of the psyche and on outcomes which are profoundly life changing.

The focus of most life coaching, as I see it, is in identifying future direction, setting intentions, setting goals and in coaching the client in step-by-step goal achievement. The coach creates a structure for people to achieve their goals and dreams and it is usually a structured process. The coach is also there to remind people of the next step and to encourage them to keep going when the usual difficulties emerge.

Similar to a sporting coach, a life coach is there to give encouragement and to keep their client focused. Currently Life Coaches can be varied in the skills they bring to the process. Some come with a background in psychology, others with a background in human resource management whilst others have a teaching background. Some may be able to help you through blocks with management techniques, while others have personality inventories or conflict management techniques. Others are unable to help or even identify what is going on if you really get stuck in past limitations or if your anxiety reaches a certain level. In that situation, a psychotherapist could be more helpful.

If a life coach is for you, choose someone with a very varied background. I would recommend you very highly on this score, Justus.

Justus - One last question ... Which clients do you most enjoy working with?

I love working with all my clients. It is an indescribable privilege to work with everyone and to share uncommon conversations and an intimate relationship and to be trusted with their life. I am absolutely blessed.

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