Abstract:
This article extends Grof‘s (1985, 1993,1998 & 2000) work on psycho-spiritual transformation by discussing whether adolescents can experience ‘spiritual emergency’ (SE). Grof contends that the human psyche when stimulated by the trauma of loss spontaneously integrates this new material opening the individual to experiences of gentle spiritual emergence or disruptive and overwhelming SE. Unlike psychoses, the individual maintains a capacity for adaptive decision-making and transformational insights. Confirmation of SE, particularly in the wake of adolescent loss, poses important questions for counsellor training, practice, supervision and spiritual awareness. This article briefly addresses a theory of adolescent transformation through SE by outlining a model of adolescent development and the psyche, which will also include some of the possible characteristics and effects of this transformational experience on adolescents. It will recommend that further research be undertaken to establish whether SE occurs in adolescence, and concludes with a few implications for counsellors and counselling. Keywords: