Transpersonal Coaching
Beyond the Person, Beyond Coaching
Today, the term "coach" has become so widely used that its meaning has often become diluted, leading to confusion with therapy, consulting, teaching, or mentoring. What truly sets coaching apart is the fundamental understanding that the client holds within themselves the inner wisdom to determine what is best for their growth and fulfillment. The coach's role is to partner with the client in awakening or reconnecting to their higher self—guiding them to discern what serves their highest good by listening with the heart.
Transpersonal Coaching extends beyond the individual ego; it touches what can be considered the spiritual dimension—and goes beyond coaching. This approach fosters a profound shift in being for both coach and client, transcending the personal level to access deeper layers of consciousness.
Coaching Comparisons
Conventional Coaching has a similar approach to Sports Coaching and focuses on action and performance. This type of transactional and goal-oriented coaches with accountability measures has a place but has become too small in our complex VUCA world.
Transformational Coaching focuses on the person, personal growth and potential.
Transpersonal Coaching is a deep form of coaching relationality that reaches for or touches source or something greater than oneself. Transpersonal recognizes that the individual is already creative, resourceful and whole. There is a realization of the interconnectedness of the individual to all the living systems.
The Meaning of Transpersonal
The term "transpersonal" literally means "beyond the person," reaching into the vast potential of human consciousness. This broadened perspective enhances our capacity to hold multiple viewpoints and possibilities simultaneously. When coaching from the transpersonal—beyond rational thought—both client and coach can engage fully with all aspects of being: spiritual, emotional, creative, physical, intellectual, and beyond.
In this space, we invite connection to source and embody qualities such as curiosity, creativity, presence, intuition, compassion, love, gratitude, and acceptance. These qualities foster deeper purpose, meaning, and a sense of interconnectedness that emerges naturally when we open to the transpersonal dimension.
Beyond the Person
“Out beyond the field of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” — Rumi
The Transpersonal Coach
It’s often said that we cannot take clients further than we have gone ourselves. Self-awareness, inner work, self-regulation, and deep reflection are essential qualities of a transpersonal coach. The more present and grounded the coach is, the more receptive, flowing, and vulnerable both become. This approach suspends judgments of right or wrong and invites paradox into the space—allowing for a way of being with rather than doing to the client. Transpersonal Coaching creates a field of resonance that extends between the coach and client.
It’s about truly perceiving and feeling the client—through silence, presence, and authentic connection—not merely instructing or fixing. This may involve moments of stillness rather than action, feeling rather than solving. It’s a process of “with-ness,” where both coach and client undergo transformation through shared presence and openness.
Essential Qualities of Transpersonal Coaches
I’ve outlined observable qualities that exemplify transpersonal coaching:
Holistic perspective
Sensitivity to energetic shifts
Flow and fluidity
Empathy and caring
Use of intuition
Creative, provocative questioning
Systems thinking, pattern recognition and interconnectedness
Curiosity about deeper meaning
Spaciousness and comfort in the unknown
Openness to emerging insights and experiences
Connection to source or Self through practices like breathwork, dreams, nature, somatic responses, visualization, creativity, etc.
Beyond Coaching: A Transpersonal Experience
“You cannot step into the same river twice.” — Heraclitus
Transpersonal Coaching can be expressed as a metaphor to a flowing river—ever-moving, ever-changing, navigating around obstacles in a constantly evolving landscape. It involves deep listening to the rocks and ripples—the disruptions and supports—that influence the flow of life. The aim is to facilitate greater flow, vitality, and coherence within the client’s experience.
Clients seek alignment—integrating their inner feelings with outward actions—leading to authenticity, integrity, and wholeness. The scope of issues addressed can range from establishing simple routines to exploring profound existential questions. Challenges such as mid-life crises, inner conflicts, triggers, and transitions are fertile ground for transpersonal work.
Content may include extraordinary human experiences (EHEs), dreams, communication with nature or animals, spiritual awakenings, or other soul encounters. Questions may reach into the spiritual domain, prompting reflection on purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater—guided by an evolutionary impulse.
Examples of Transpersonal Coaching Questions:
What is here if there are no problems to solve?
What light shines through the cracks?
What would the wise one inside you do?
What makes you feel most alive?
How might you incorporate mindfulness, meditation, breathing, or visualization into your transformational journey?
Ultimately, transpersonal coaching helps clients find their way home—to themselves, to their soul, and to their North Star.
Tami Mensh
MATP, PCC, ACMC