Harris L. Friedman, PhD: A Pillar of Transpersonal Psychology and Scholarly Excellence

Dr. Harris L. Friedman is a distinguished figure in the field of transpersonal psychology, whose work has significantly shaped both academic and practical understanding of the human mind and spirit. With a PhD in clinical psychology, concentrated in transpersonal psychology, Harris has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of human consciousness and its potential for transformation.

Throughout his illustrious career, Harris has contributed over 300 scholarly papers and books, offering profound insights that bridge the gap between psychology and spirituality. His expertise is recognized globally, and he has served as a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the Association of Psychological Science. As Senior Editor of the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies and Associate Editor of the Humanistic Psychologist, Harris continues to influence the evolution of psychological thought, ensuring that the transpersonal perspective remains a vital part of contemporary scholarship.

Even in retirement, Harris remains deeply engaged in academia, supervising doctoral dissertations at various universities and serving as a visiting faculty member at prestigious institutions like Harvard. His leadership roles as past President of both the International Transpersonal Association and the Association for Transpersonal Psychology underscore his enduring commitment to advancing the field.

Beyond his academic achievements, Harris practices clinical psychology, offering coaching and organizational consulting services that draw on his rich understanding of human potential. His work in these areas is driven by a passion for helping others navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and growth.

Harris L. Friedman’s contributions to transpersonal psychology are both vast and impactful, making him a cornerstone of the global transpersonal community. His dedication to research, teaching, and practice continues to inspire those seeking to integrate spiritual wisdom with psychological science, fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to be fully human.

Maria Cristina M. de Barros, PhD: Bridging Spirituality and Mental Health

Dr. Maria Cristina M. de Barros is a compassionate clinical psychologist and psycho-oncologist whose work seamlessly integrates the realms of spirituality and mental health. With a PhD in Sciences from the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of São Paulo, Cristina’s expertise lies in understanding the profound connections between spiritual well-being and psychological healing.

Cristina’s journey in transpersonal psychology has been both deep and impactful. She specialized in this field at Alubrat, Brazil, where her leadership as vice-president for eight years helped shape the direction of transpersonal studies in the region. Her dedication to this discipline extends to her role as executive director at “Clinica Lazuli,” where she provides psychotherapy with a focus on holistic healing and personal transformation.

A respected educator, Cristina has been instrumental in teaching postgraduate courses on Transpersonal Psychology throughout Brazil. Her academic work, particularly in researching the intersections of spirituality and mental health, has provided valuable insights into how these domains can support one another. As a co-founder of AlmacomCiência (“Soul in Science”), Cristina has been at the forefront of efforts to integrate spiritual perspectives into scientific inquiry.

Her involvement in programs like PROSER (Program for Studies in Health, Spirituality, and Religiosity) and PROEXP (Program for Studies and Research on Anomalous Experiences and Their Integration into Clinical Practice) further reflects her commitment to expanding the understanding of how spiritual experiences can be harmonized with clinical practice.

Dr. Maria Cristina M. de Barros is a guiding light in the field of transpersonal psychology, dedicated to exploring and teaching the ways in which spirituality and mental health can coexist and mutually enhance one another. Her work continues to inspire those seeking deeper, more meaningful approaches to healing and personal growth.

Regina U. Hess, PhD: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

Dr. Regina U. Hess is a visionary clinical psychologist and psychotherapist whose work spans the realms of transpersonal psychology, psychedelic science, and ancient wisdom traditions. Holding a joint PhD in transpersonal psychology from esteemed institutions in the USA and UK, Regina’s approach is both pioneering and integrative, seeking to harmonize the old with the new in the pursuit of holistic healing and personal transformation.

As the founder and director of Birthing an Ancient Future – Multidisciplinary Psychedelic Council, Regina has created a unique platform that bridges ancient spiritual traditions with modern psychedelic science, art, and Nature immersion. This council offers a rich tapestry of international events, retreats, transformative educational programs, and global community projects, all designed to facilitate deep, transpersonal experiences that connect individuals with the wisdom of both the Earth and the cosmos.

Regina’s influence extends into academia as a faculty member at several international universities, including the Alef Trust in the UK, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of transpersonal scholars and practitioners. Her role as an independent researcher allows her to explore the frontiers of consciousness, contributing to the evolving dialogue between ancient practices and contemporary science.

Her leadership within the global transpersonal community is further evidenced by her positions on the Board of Directors of the EUROTAS Global Transpersonal Network and the International Transpersonal Association. As Chair of the EUROTAS Department of Transpersonal Research and Vice-President of the European Transpersonal Psychology Association, Regina plays a key role in shaping the future of transpersonal studies, advocating for research that honors both the empirical and the experiential.

Dr. Regina U. Hess is a beacon of integration, guiding others through the delicate balance of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Her work continues to inspire those seeking transformative experiences that are rooted in both the sacred traditions of the past and the cutting-edge science of the present.

Dr. Zana Marovic: Leading a Global Vision of Transpersonal Wellness

Dr. Zana Marovic, a distinguished clinical psychologist with a PhD in medical psychology, is the current President of the International Transpersonal Association. Based in South Africa, Dr. Marovic is a visionary leader whose work bridges diverse cultures, integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary psychological practices.

As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Marovic has shared her insights at conferences across Europe, Asia, the USA, and South America. Her contributions to the field of psychology are well-documented through her numerous publications in international academic journals and her authoritative book on clinical supervision.

Dr. Marovic’s dedication to advancing transpersonal psychology is evident in her pioneering efforts. In 2009, she established the first accredited transpersonal training program in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the region’s psychological landscape. Her commitment to cultural integration led her to pioneer cross-cultural training in 2010, which uniquely included African traditional healers, fostering a dialogue between modern psychology and ancient practices.

At the heart of Dr. Marovic’s therapeutic approach is the TranSomatic Wellness Approach, an innovative, embodied integrative psychotherapy method. This approach emphasizes the soma, or body, as the essential foundation for emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, recognizing the profound connection between our physical and inner worlds.

In addition to her private practice, Dr. Marovic consults for the multidisciplinary team at WITS University’s Donald Gordon Medical Centre, where her expertise continues to shape the practice of integrative psychology.

Dr. Zana Marovic’s leadership in the International Transpersonal Association reflects her deep commitment to holistic wellness and the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Her work continues to inspire a global community, offering pathways to healing that honor both the scientific and the sacred.

Virginia Gawel: Pioneering Transpersonal Psychology in the Spanish-Speaking World

Virginia Gawel is a trailblazing psychologist from Argentina who has dedicated her career to advancing the transpersonal approach since 1984. As a university professor, writer, lecturer, and postgraduate teacher, Virginia has profoundly influenced the understanding and practice of transpersonal psychology within the Spanish-speaking community.

Virginia’s work is distinguished by her innovative contributions to the field. She has developed clinical resources such as TADIs (Direct Access Techniques to the Unconscious), which offer powerful tools for deep psychological work. Her research on the Essential Inadequacy Complex has further enriched the transpersonal paradigm, providing new insights into the complexities of the human psyche.

In 1994, Virginia founded the Centro Transpersonal de Buenos Aires (Transpersonal Center of Buenos Aires), a pioneering institution dedicated to the study and application of transpersonal psychology. As the director, she has nurtured a space where psychological and spiritual exploration converge, fostering a community committed to holistic healing and self-discovery.

Virginia’s expertise extends to Contemplative Neurosciences, and she is a respected voice in the field of psychospiritual care, particularly in guiding individuals through the process of a Good Death. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that death, approached with spiritual insight, can be a profound and transformative experience.

In addition to her clinical and academic pursuits, Virginia is a founding member of the NGO Vivir Agradecidos (Grateful Living) and serves on the staff of the Journal of Transpersonal Research, further solidifying her role as a key figure in the global transpersonal community.

Virginia is also an accomplished author, having written “Visión Transpersonal” and “El fin del Autoodio” (The End of Self-Hate), along with creating ten online courses for professional training. Her writings and teachings continue to inspire and equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to guide others on their journeys of transformation.

Virginia Gawel’s lifelong commitment to transpersonal psychology has made her a cornerstone of the movement in the Spanish-speaking world. Her work continues to empower individuals to explore the depths of their consciousness, embracing both the challenges and the profound potentials of the human experience.

Professor Kiran Kumar K. Salagame: Integrating Transpersonal Psychology with Indian Wisdom Traditions 

Professor Kiran Kumar K. Salagame is a distinguished scholar whose career spans over three decades of groundbreaking contributions to psychology, particularly in integrating Indian knowledge systems with contemporary psychological practices. As a former Professor of Psychology at the University of Mysore, India, and a current Governing Council Member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research, his work has significantly shaped the understanding of consciousness, meditation, and the self within both Indian and global contexts.

Professor Salagame’s academic journey is marked by a deep exploration of altered states of consciousness, which he focused on during his PhD in Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS. His dedication to this field has led to numerous publications and presentations on Indian Psychology, Meditation, Yoga, Positive Psychology, and Transpersonal Psychology. He is perhaps best known for his book, “Psychology of Meditation: A Contextual Approach,” a comprehensive work based on his post-doctoral research as a Fulbright Scholar. This book reflects his commitment to mainstreaming psychological concepts embedded in Indian traditions.

His innovative contributions include the development of the Aham Questionnaire, a tool designed to assess self-structure from an Indian psychological perspective, and a semi-projective test to evaluate social cognitive abilities in children. These tools demonstrate his dedication to creating culturally relevant psychological assessments that resonate with Indian philosophical traditions.

Professor Salagame’s influence extends beyond academia. He has served as Vice-President of the International Transpersonal Association, and his expertise is sought after by various organizations, including the Advisory Board of “Anandam – The Center of Happiness” at IIM Jammu and the National Positive Psychology Association in New Delhi. His editorial contributions to the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies and other national and international journals further highlight his leadership in the field.

Recognized for his contributions, Professor Salagame has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Fulbright Nehru Visiting Lecturer Fellowship, and Honorary Professorship by the Yoga Federation of Serbia. His work has been featured on platforms such as the New Thinking Allowed YouTube channel, where he discusses the latest trends in scientific research related to consciousness and meditation.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Professor Salagame enjoys a rich personal life filled with interests such as reading, music, gardening, travel, and spending time with loved ones. His holistic approach to life and work continues to inspire those seeking to bridge ancient wisdom with modern psychological science, offering pathways to deeper understanding and integration of the self.

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.