Wilber's Spectrum Model of Transpersonal Psychology and Its Application to Music Therapy

There are many models for understanding transpersonal experience and transpersonal psychology (Walsh & Vaughan, 1993). One of these, Wilber's Spectrum of Consciousness (1977) is explored in this article. This model provides a framework for understanding various levels of consciousness. Each level is associated with a particular sense of identity, ranging from narrow egocentricity to cosmic consciousness (Walsh & Vaughan, 1993). Wilber's model also shows how different psychotherapeutic approaches address a client's need at each level and can therefore be seen as complementary rather than oppositional. It is useful in music therapy practice not only because it provides a theoretical model for the expansion of consciousness and the journey toward wholeness, but also because it can accommodate all of the ways in which music therapy can impact a client. Excerpts from a case study are included to illustrate how music therapy addresses various levels of the Spectrum of Consciousness.