Progressive triangulation in psychotherapy and the spiritual journey
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19503906 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gregory Scott Sparrow (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2008 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 783-793 |
| Publication date | 2008-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Mental Health Religion & Culture (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1367-4676 • E-ISSN: 1469-9737 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/13674670802040087 |
| OpenAlex | W2052812158 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 2 |
Relationship triangles are usually considered symptomatic of family dysfunction in systems-oriented therapy, but they may also serve a progressive, transitional role in relationships. The author examines the phenomenon and function of “progressive” triangles in East and West spiritual traditions, and suggests that triangles comprising seeker, mediator, and higher power are common in both traditions, regardless of differing views of human nature. A progressive triangle in the therapeutic setting can be seen as a function of teleological transference, in which a seeker's spiritual aspirations are projected onto a mediator, who provides support and direction for its further realization. The implications of progressive triangulation and teleological transference in contemporary practice are discussed. Keywords: family therapyrelationship trianglesspiritual mentoringteleological transference
Aesthetics · Cartography · Epistemology · Evolutionary biology · Geography · Phenomenon · Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Teleology · Triangulation · Computer Science · Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics · Mathematics · Philosophy · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |