Caifang Zhu, PhD

Bridging East and West in Transpersonal Psychology.

Dr. Caifang Zhu is a renowned scholar whose career is dedicated to bridging Eastern and Western perspectives in transpersonal psychology. As the Chair and core faculty of the Chinese-English bilingual PhD programme in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of this field. His contributions have been recognised through the Excellence in Teaching Award, which he has received twice at Sofia University.

Since 2010, Dr. Zhu has served on the board of the International Transpersonal Association, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the global transpersonal community. He is also an adjunct professor at the Buddhist Academy of China, where he integrates his deep understanding of Buddhist teachings with contemporary psychological practice.

Dr. Zhu’s academic journey began with a focus on religious studies and psychology, earning his MTS degree from Harvard Divinity School. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining a PhD in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. His scholarly work is distinguished by his development of the Grounding and Communication as an Integrative Therapy model, originally known as Meditation Initiated Integrative Therapy (MIIT), which offers a unique approach to integrating body, mind, and spiritual awareness.

His extensive publication record includes over 30 internationally recognised papers, and his translation of Jung’s Psychology and Religion: West and East into Chinese has made significant contributions to the cross-cultural understanding of Jungian psychology. Dr. Zhu’s work exemplifies a deep commitment to the integration of Western psychological concepts with Eastern spiritual traditions, reflecting his belief in the profound interconnectedness of these perspectives.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Zhu has been practising meditation and tai chi since the early 1990s, embodying the principles he teaches and researches. His holistic approach to life and work continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, promoting a deeper understanding of the self and the path to personal and collective transformation.