Liane Hofmann, studied psychology at the University of Freiburg. Diploma thesis on “Spiritual crises and Kundalini experiences.” Doctorate (Dr. phil.) on the subject of “Spirituality and religiosity in psychotherapeutic practice”. Since 1995 Research Fellow at IGPP.
Professional career
Fields of work / research interests
Fields of work: Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Psychology of Religion
Current research interests:
- Spirituality / religiosity and psychotherapy: defining the relationship, possibilities of incorporating the spiritual and religious dimension into clinical psychotherapeutic practice, integrative approaches; spiritual competencies
- Spirituality and religiosity in psycho-oncological and palliative care
- Crises and problems of spiritual/religious development: Clinical issues related to unusual experiences, spiritual crises or “Religious or Spiritual Problems” (DSM-IV, V-coding 62.89): Developmental history – Phenomenology and classification – Prevalence – Diagnosis and differential diagnosis;
- Transcultural exchange processes in relation to health and development-related concepts and practices from the spiritual traditions of Asia.
Publications
Monographs and edited works
Hofmann, L. & Heise, P. (eds.) (2017). Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice. Schattauer.(Table of contents)(Video interview on the volume)(Press reviews)
Hofmann, L. (2009). Spirituality and religiosity in psychotherapeutic practice. A nationwide survey of psychological psychotherapists. Dissertation. Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg.
Belschner, W., Hofmann, L. & Walach, H. (Eds.). (2003). On the way to a psychology of consciousness. BIS.
Journal articles
Hofmann, L. (accepted). Spirituality in psycho-oncological and palliative psychological treatment. The oncologist.
Hofmann. L. (accepted). Spiritual crises. Fundamentals for the classification of a multifaceted phenomenon. Journal of Consciousness Sciences. Transpersonal psychology and psychotherapy, 30(2).
Hofmann, L., & Ott, U. (accepted). Spiritual and meditation-induced crises. Establishment of a new counseling focus at IGPP. Consciousness sciences. Transpersonal psychology and psychotherapy, 30(2).
Hofmann, L. (2024). Psychological problems in the context of spirituality and religiosity. A literature analysis of typologies and manifestations. Spiritual Care. Journal for spirituality in the health professions , 13(2), 115-124. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2023-0016
Hofmann L. (2021). Spiritual, but not religious? Reflections on the inclusion of the spiritual dimension in the treatment of religiously unaffiliated cancer patients . Consciousness Sciences. Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy, 27(1), 66-79.(PDF)
Berthold, D., Gramm, J., & Hofmann, L. (2016). Spirituality and religiosity in the continuing education of psychologists in palliative care. Spiritual Care – Journal for Spirituality in the Health Professions, 5(1), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1515/spircare-2016-0004
Hofmann, L., & Walach, H. (2011). Spirituality and religiosity in psychotherapy – A representative survey among German psychotherapists Psychotherapy Research, 21(02), 179-192. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2010.536595
Hofmann, L. (2011). On the relevance of spiritual issues for psychotherapeutic practitioners – Results of a nationwide study. Consciousness Sciences – Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy, 17(2), 56-69.
Hofmann, L., & Rösler, C. (2010). The archetype of the wounded healer. Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy, 16(1), 75-90(PDF).
Hofmann, L., & Wiedemer, A. (1997). A documentation system for extraordinary experiences (DAE). Journal of Parapsychology and Frontier Areas of Psychology, 39(3/4), 147-182.
Book contributions
Hofmann, L., Berthold, D., & Gramm, J. (accepted). Talking about God and the world. Spirituality and religiosity in palliative psychological treatment. In C. Zwingmann, C. Klein, & F. Jeserich (Eds.), Religiosity/Spirituality – Dying – Death – Grief. Contributions to empirical research on religion. Waxmann.
Hofmann, L. (2020). Spirituality in psychotherapy. In D. Vaitl (Ed.), At the limits of our knowledge. The fascination of the paranormal (S. 283-304). Herder.
Walach, H., & Hofmann, L. (2018). Spirituality and religiosity in psychotherapy. In G. Juckel, K. Hoffmann, & H. Walach (Eds.), Spirituality: in psychiatry & psychotherapy (S. 283-304). Pabst Science Publishers.
Hofmann, L. (2017). The concept of spiritual crisis – history of development and current relevance. In L. Hofmann, & P. Heise (Eds.), Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice (S. 15-31). Schattauer.
Hofmann, L. & Heise, P. (2017). Psychotherapy and spiritual guidance. In L. Hofmann, & P. Heise (Eds.), Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice (S. 61-77). Schattauer.
Hofmann, L., & Heise, P. (2017). Spiritual crises: General characteristics, triggers and risk factors. In L. Hofmann, & P. Heise (Eds.), Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice (S. 141-155). Schattauer.
Hofmann, L. (2017). The Kundalini phenomenon and other vegetative-energetic disorders. In L. Hofmann, & P. Heise (Eds.), Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice (S. 215-232). Schattauer.
Hofmann, L., Heise, P. & Tremmel M. (2017). Empirical research on spiritual crises. In L. Hofmann, & P. Heise (Eds.), Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice (S. 271-297). Schattauer.
Hofmann, L., & Heise, P. (2017). General guidelines for dealing with spiritual crises. In L. Hofmann, & P. Heise (Eds.), Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice (S. 311-325). Schattauer.
Hofmann, L. (2013). Kundalini experiences (expert interview). In U. Ott, Yoga for skeptics. A neuroscientist explains the ancient wisdom teachings (S. 232-245). Barth.
Hofmann, L. (2013). The Impact of Kundalini Yoga on Concepts and Diagnostic Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy. In B. Hauser (Ed.), Yoga Traveling: Bodily Practice in Transcultural Perspective. Transcultural Research: Heidelberg Studies on Asia and Europe in a Global Context . (S. 81-106). Springer.(PDF)
Hofmann, L. (2012). Now tell me, what do you think about spirituality and religiosity? Results of a nationwide survey among psychological psychotherapists. In M. Schetsche, & K. Krebber (Eds.), Border patrols. Social science research on extraordinary experiences and phenomena (S. 223-259). Logos.
Hofmann, L. (2011). Spiritual or religious orientation and its impact on psychotherapeutic work. In A. Büssing, & N.B. Kohls (Eds.), Spirituality transdisciplinary. Scientific foundations in connection with health and illness (S. 173-192). Springer.
Hofmann, L., Möckelmann, B., & Walach, H. (2003). Development and empirical validation of a scale to assess psychotherapists’ attitudes towards the relationship between psychotherapy and spirituality/religiosity. In W. Belschner, L. Hofmann, & H. Walach (Eds.), Towards a psychology of consciousness (pp. 113-154). BIS.
Other contributions
Presentations
Hofmann, L.: Energies of transformation: The Kundalini model as a road map for a wholistic embodiment process . IAAP/Catholic University Freiburg, Joint Conference “The process of transformation” 4-6.10. 2024.
Hofmann, L.: “Counseling for spiritual and meditation-induced crises. A new counselling focus at the IGPP” , 24th International Eurotas-Conference “Creative Bridges”, 4-8.9. 2024, Oxford University.
Hofmann, L. and Ott, U.: Spiritual and meditation-induced crises. Lecture, Conference Society for Anomalistics (GfA), “exceptional experiences. Contexts, problems and counseling.” BION, Giessen, May 11-12, 2024.
Hofmann, L. and Ott, U.: Mindfulness salon “Meditation-induced crises! State of research and what teachers should keep in mind. MBSR-MBCT Association, online event, 8.4. 2024.
Hofmann, L.: Inclusion of the spiritual dimension in psychotherapeutic practice. An overview of the current state of the art. Lecture, Program 2024, “Treasuries of the Soul”, C. G. Jung Society Freiburg, 22. 3. 2024.(Abstract) (PP-Presentation)
Hofmann, L. & Ott, U.: Counseling for spiritual and meditation-induced crises. IGPP-Colloquium. Freiburg, 27.2. 2024.(Abstract)(Youtube)
Hofmann, L.: Spiritual crises – basics for the classification of a multifaceted phenomenon. Symposium Psychotherapie – Spirituelle Krise oder Krankheit: Von der Kunst der Unterscheidung, Benediktushof, Holzkirchen, 15-17.9. 2023. (Flyer)
Hofmann, L.: What are spiritual crises and how can we support people in such a crisis? – Facets of a multi-layered phenomenon. International Summer Academy2022: Theater & Therapy. Rituals and transpersonal approaches in theater therapy . Berlin/Blossin, 15-19.6. 2022.
Hofmann, L.: The Encounter of Eastern Kundalini Concepts and Western Psychology and Psychotherapy. Conference Subtle Energies. University of Vienna, 28-30.4. 2022.
Hofmann, L.: Dark nights of the soul. Thoughts on differentiation and accompaniment. 2nd multidisciplinary symposium Spiritual Dryness, 5-6.11 2021, Münster, IUNCTUS – Competence Center for Christian Spirituality. Direction: Prof. Dr. Arndt Büssing, Prof. Dr. P. Thomas Dienberg. (Lecture manuscript)
Hofmann, L.: Investigating spiritual and meditation-induced crises – historical developments and current state. Symposium and Roundtable: The dark night of meditation: Understanding and overcoming difficulties on spiritual paths and in mindfulness practice. University of Edinburgh, 29.2. 2020. (PP presentation) (lecture manuscript)
Hofmann, L. “Spiritualität und spirituelle Krisen bei religiös nicht gebundenen Krebspatienten”, Rheinfelder-Psychotherapietag “Psychoonkologie und Spiritualität”, Klinik Schützen, Rheinfelden, 23.1. 2020. (PP-Presentation)
Hofmann, L. The German Handbook “Spirituality and Spiritual Crises”. Backgrounds, Contents, Intentions, Eurotas Conference 2019 “Being Human in a World in Transition”, 25-29.9. 2019, Dourdan/Paris. (PP-Presentation)
Hofmann, L. “Spirituelle Krisen”, Seminar Ethnophenomenology – Researching Transcendence (University of Bayreuth), excursion to Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health e.V. Freiburg. 18.2. 2019.
Hofmann, L.: The handbook “Spirituality and spiritual crises. Backgrounds, contents, intentions. SEN Conference 2018 “Spirituality and spiritual crises”, Bad Bevensen.
Hofmann, L.: Spirituality and spiritual crises. Handbook on theory, research and practice. Presentation of a recently published anthology. 4th international Expert Meeting on religious and exceptional experiences (HJBF). University of Heidelberg, 26-27.5.2017. (PP-Presentation)
Radio Evolve: Conversation on the topic of spiritual crises, March 2017.
Hofmann, L (2014). Spiritual crises and the V-coding “Religious or spiritual problem in DSM 5”. Symposium “Psychopathology of religion”. Berlin, DGPPN Congress 2014, 26.11.-29.11.
Hofmann, L., Ott U. & Heise, P.: Organization of a symposium “Spiritual Crises”, Freiburg (IGPP, in cooperation with the Gesellschaft für Bewusstseinswissenschaften und Bewusstseinskultur, GBB), 16.-17.5. 2014.
Hofmann, L. (2014). Multicultural competence and cultural sensitivity in psychotherapy. Panel: Pastoral care and therapy. Conference “Islam and Social Work – Intercultural Assistance in Social Work. University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Department of Islamic-Religious Studies. Nuremberg, 27.9. 2014. (Abstract)
Hofmann, L. (2013). On the inclusion of the spiritual and religious dimension in psychotherapy – current developments and findings. SEN Annual Conference 2013, Consciousness development and its crises. Todtmooos, 13-14.12. 2013. (Abstract)
Hofmann, L. (2012). Spirituality and Religiosity in Psychotherapy. Consciousness in Crisis. An International Conference on Spiritual Crisis. Keynote presentation. September 15-16, 2012, Leiden University, The Netherlands.(PP-Presentation)
Hofmann, L. (2012). Kundalini Awakening as Spiritual Emergence/y: Classical and Clinical Perspectives. Consciousness in crisis. An International Conference on Spiritual Crisis. Keynote presentation. (Program / Abstracts).
Editorial work
Editorial supervision of a thematic issue “Embodiment” of the Journal for Consciousness Sciences – Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy (1/2023) (together with Dr. Markus Hänsel and Dr. Dorothee Wienand Kranz)
Editorial supervision of issue 2/2022 of the Zeitschrift für Bewusstseinswissenschaften – Transpersonale Psychologie und Psychotherapie
Editorial supervision of issue 1/2021 of the Zeitschrift für Bewusstseinswissenschaften – Transpersonale Psychologie und Psychotherapie
Editorial supervision of issue 1/2019 of the Zeitschrift für Bewusstseinswissenschaften – Transpersonale Psychologie und Psychotherapie (together with Dr. Markus Hänsel)
Editorial supervision of issue 1/2018 of the Zeitschrift für Bewusstseinswissenschaften – Transpersonale Psychologie und Psychotherapie (together with Prof. Thilo Hinterberger)
Editorial supervision of issue 1/2017 of the Journal for Consciousness Sciences – Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy
Editorial supervision of a thematic issue “Research” of the Journal for Consciousness Sciences – Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy (2/2011) (together with Dr. Dorothee Wienand Kranz)
Editorial supervision of a Theme booklet “What heals? Healing approaches in medicine and psychotherapy” of the Journal for Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy (1/2010) (together with Prof. Dr. Edith Zundel)
Teaching
Catholic University of Applied Sciences Freiburg, WS 2024/2025: Stress management through mindfulness and self-compassion
Catholic University of Applied Sciences Freiburg, WS 2024/2025: Introduction to the Psychology of Religion
Hofmann L., & Zwickel, A. (17.06.2024). Exceptional Experiences: Challenge of physicalism or mental disorder? Lecture, University College Freiburg: Consciousness, the Psycho-Physical Problem, and Exceptional Experiences.
Fach. W.; & Hofmann, L. (2024). Spirituality and Acategorial Experiences: Models of Reality and the Limits of Science. Lecture, University College Freiburg: Consciousness, the Psycho-Physical Problem, and Exceptional Experiences, 24.06.2024.
Memberships
- DGPPN specialist unit“Religiosity and spirituality“
- Founding member and board member for several years of the German College for Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy, now the Society for Consciousness Sciences and Consciousness Culture (GBB).
- Editorial coordination of the magazine Consciousness sciences. Transpersonal psychology and psychotherapy