Online course · recorded lessons and live sessions
Grofian Transpersonal Psychology and Psychopathology
Broaden your understanding of the human psyche with Stanislav Grof and Javier Charme. Explore the cartography of the unconscious, COEX systems, and a multidimensional perspective on symptoms and healing processes.
A broader view of human experience
Understanding the psyche beyond personal biography
More than six decades of clinical research by Stanislav Grof led to a cartography that brings together personal history, experiences of gestation and birth, and the transpersonal dimensions of consciousness.
This course introduces the foundations of this approach and its contribution to understanding emotional and psychosomatic disorders. It combines theoretical study, reading, and live sessions to discuss the material, ask questions, and deepen your understanding.
It is intended for mental health professionals, therapists, and anyone interested in Transpersonal Psychology. You do not need to be a psychologist or psychiatrist to participate.
Grof’s expanded cartography
Three dimensions for exploring the psyche
The syllabus explores how the biographical, perinatal, and transpersonal domains relate to one another within Grof’s model.
Biographical
Personal history, memories, and emotional and bodily experiences that influence our lives.
Perinatal
Experiences associated with gestation and birth, explored through the Basic Perinatal Matrices.
Transpersonal
Experiences that transcend individual identity and open up a broader understanding of consciousness.
Foundations for deeper understanding
Throughout the course, you will
Broaden your understanding of the unconscious
Learn about the foundations of depth psychology and the map of the psyche proposed by Stanislav Grof.
Recognize constellations of experiences
Study how memories are organized into Systems of Condensed Experience and how they relate to our perceptions.
Explore the perinatal and transpersonal domains
Examine the four perinatal matrices, the transpersonal unconscious, and the distinction between spirituality and religion.
Understand symptoms through Grof’s approach
Examine the architecture of emotional and psychosomatic disorders and the therapeutic mechanisms described by Grof.
Syllabus and study materials
A journey through five study blocks
Open each block to explore its topics, readings, and further study materials. Learning on the platform is combined with Zoom sessions every two weeks.
Block 1 · Stanislav Grof and the foundations of Transpersonal Psychology
An introduction to Grof’s work and the foundations of his expanded cartography of the psyche.
- Introduction to Stanislav Grof.
- Expanded states of consciousness.
- Holotropic Therapy.
- Introduction to Transpersonal Psychology.
- Cartography of the psyche in depth psychology.
Reading and supporting material
The healing and heuristic potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Maps of the human psyche in depth psychology.
Further study
Integrating approaches in psychotherapy. Spirituality for individuals and humanity.
Block 2 · The expanded map of the unconscious and COEX systems
Study the dimensions of the unconscious and the connections between experiences that share an emotional or bodily charge.
- The expanded map of the human unconscious.
- Systems of Condensed Experience (COEX).
- Introduction to the Basic Perinatal Matrices (BPM).
- Introduction to the transpersonal unconscious.
- The origins of psychogenic symptoms within Grof’s model.
Reading
At the Edge.
Further study
A broader view and a deeper method. Integrating approaches in psychotherapy.
Block 3 · The perinatal unconscious and the four basic matrices
A closer examination of the perinatal domain and the four Basic Perinatal Matrices described by Grof.
- The perinatal unconscious.
- Basic Perinatal Matrices I, II, III, and IV.
- Their place within the expanded cartography of the psyche.
Reading
Dimensions of the human psyche and the cartography of inner space.
Further study
Birth by Caesarean section. The first perinatal matrix. A new cartography of the psyche.
Block 4 · The transpersonal unconscious and spirituality
Explore the transpersonal domain and its relationship with spirituality, archetypes, and the understanding of emotional disorders.
- Review of Basic Perinatal Matrices I to IV.
- The transpersonal unconscious.
- Religion and spirituality.
Readings and supporting material
Spirituality and religion. The architecture of emotional and psychosomatic disorders. Transpersonal experiences.
Further study
Psychological trauma and unexperienced experience. Spirituality. Archetypes.
Block 5 · Psychopathology and therapeutic mechanisms
Bring together the course material to understand Grof’s perspective on symptoms and therapeutic processes.
- Psychogenic symptoms.
- The architecture of emotional and psychosomatic disorders.
- Effective therapeutic mechanisms from Grof’s perspective.
- The hylotropic and the holotropic.
Reading
The architecture of emotional and psychosomatic disorders.
Further study
Consciousness and cosmology. New perspectives in psychotherapy and self-exploration.
Flexible study and shared learning
Course format
The course runs from 10 November 2026 to 19 January 2027. It combines materials on the platform, which you can study at a time that suits you, with live Zoom sessions every two weeks, on Tuesdays at 20:00 Lisbon time (WET) / 20:00 UK time (GMT). The schedule stays the same throughout the course.
Video lessons and readings
Each block includes videos, readings, study questions, and supplementary materials. Course readings can be downloaded from the platform.
Zoom every two weeks
Two-hour sessions every other Tuesday at 20:00 Lisbon time (WET) / 20:00 UK time (GMT). Sessions are dedicated to discussion, questions, and a deeper understanding of Grof’s approach.
Recorded sessions
All Zoom sessions are recorded and uploaded to the platform so you can review them later and revisit the material.
Community and support
One WhatsApp group for theoretical questions to the teachers, and another for sharing experiences and materials with fellow participants. Technical support is available by email.
100% course credit toward Grof® Legacy Training
This course can be fully credited toward the Grofian Psychology course within the Grof® Legacy Training International Training and Certification Program in Transpersonal Psychology and Holotropic Breathwork — Grof® Breathwork.
Explore the international training →Your course teachers
Learn with Stanislav Grof and Javier Charme
Dr. Stanislav Grof, PhD.
Recorded lessons
Psychiatrist, co-founder of Transpersonal Psychology, and a pioneer in clinical research into non-ordinary states of consciousness. His work provides the theoretical foundation for this course.
Javier Charme, Clinical Psychologist
Recorded lessons and live sessions
Clinical psychologist specializing in Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy. A certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator since 1999, Grof® Legacy Training Iberoamerica Director, and Co-director of Grofian Psychedelic Therapy Training.
Before you begin
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a psychologist or therapist?
No. The course is open to anyone interested in Transpersonal Psychology, as well as professionals and students in related fields.
When does the course start and end, and how often are the Zoom sessions?
The course runs from 10 November 2026 to 19 January 2027. Zoom sessions take place every two weeks on Tuesdays at 20:00 Lisbon time (WET) / 20:00 UK time (GMT), and last two hours. There are no clock changes in Lisbon or the UK during the course, so these times stay the same.
What happens if I cannot attend a session?
Sessions are recorded and remain available on the platform.
What is included in the course?
Video lessons, downloadable readings, study questions, further study materials, Zoom sessions and their recordings, discussion groups, and a final assessment to obtain the certificate of completion. You have two years of access to the platform and course materials.
How do I receive my certificate?
Once you have passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you can download the certificate from your profile on the platform.
What if I do not pass the exam?
You will have several opportunities to retake it. Between attempts, you can review any topics that remain unclear, ask the teachers questions, and return to the exam when you feel better prepared. Our goal is to help you consolidate your understanding of the course material, rather than simply assign a grade or judge your performance.
What is the deadline for taking the exam?
You have two years from the course start date to pass the exam and download your certificate.
10 November 2026 – 19 January 2027
Enroll in Grofian Transpersonal Psychology
Explore Grof’s cartography in depth and share your learning with teachers and fellow participants during the sessions held every two weeks.
Complete your enrollment and payment through our online checkout.
Course fee
EUR 365
Includes the course content, study materials, and live sessions, with two years of access to the platform and materials.
Enroll nowHave a question? Contact us by email