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This paper invites readers to reflect on and review the current developments and interventions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and climate crisis, drawing from the established theory of planned behaviour, ecopsychology research, coaching and transpersonal psychology, and discusses the future action and practice in the realms of mindfulness and psychological intervention. We propose transpersonal coaching as the fourth wave psychological intervention to leverage positive change. We conclude with a call for action to encourage the reader to consider how they can apply the approach in their everyday life.

A proposed direction for transpersonal psychology is the development of empirical research within the field, specifically in assessing the effects of transpersonal practices. The areas of self-actualisation, peak experience and flow have been subjected to research predominantly using psychometrics, however a range of theoretical and methodological issues within these concepts are evident. An alternate concept for future research was advocated by Maslow through his concept of self-transcendence, characterised by the plateau experience, yet in the past forty years, this concept has remained relatively obscure. This paper advocates further research into the plateau experience, through initially defining the concept, progressing to discuss the development of a plateau experience psychometric (PLEX), and using the PLEX within a validation study investigating the effects of shinrin-yoku (forest air breathing/bathing).

While there is a tradition of research in relation to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community and religiosity, there is a paucity of research relating to spirituality. Additionally, classifying such ‘non–conforming’ groups into a general classification has inherent problems, specifically in relation to those identifying as transgender more likely to engage in spirituality, as opposed to religion, than other groups. With the high prevalence of personal distress and harm to mental wellbeing experienced by individuals identifying as transgender, especially with the increasedrisk of suicide attempts, effective support and counselling are required. Such existential crisis could potentially be addressed through greater engagement with spirituality: indeed, several cultures identify transgender as relating to spirituality. This paper explores transgender and spiritual identity in different cultures, while highlighting research in the more secular society, culminatingin an evaluation of various models which may provide spiritual support to help integrate the predominant dysphoria between mind and body, through engaging the spirit to harmonise the conflict.

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