Gabriel Fernandez Borsot, PhD
Applied Programme Leader
Email: gabriel.fernandez@aleftrust.org
Biography
Gabriel Fernandez-Borsot holds a PhD in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies of San Francisco (CIIS), a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Barcelona, and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. He is a member of the Faculty of the Alef Trust since 2021, where he is also coordinator of the professional certificate programmes. He also teaches at the International University of Catalonia since 2004, and he has been a visiting scholar at the California Institute of Integral Studies of San Francisco. He is a Gestalt therapist with a private practice since 2012, and a member of the Spanish Association of Gestalt Therapy (AETG). He is a transpersonal psychotherapist accredited by EUROTAS (European Transpersonal Association), being also a professional member of this association. Since 2018 he has been the academic coordinator of the Integrative Transpersonal Training (FTI) of Barcelona, a 4-year programme on transpersonal psychotherapy. He is also a singer-songwriter with some published songs.
Research interests
Transpersonal theories: the study of the varied paradigms that provide a comprehensive understanding of transpersonal experiences: their plural nature, their psychological implications and their transformative potential. This topic also includes the study of the models of post-conventional development and the notion of spiritual maturation and integration. Gabriel is an expert in both Ferrer’s participatory approach and Wilber’s integral theory.
Transpersonal psychotherapy: the study of the application of a transpersonal perspective to psychotherapy, in its multiple aspects: models, techniques, practices, ethical considerations, etc.
The anthropology of technology and the transpersonal perspectives on technology: the study of the implications of technology for human subjectivity, development and spirituality.
Transdisciplinary analysis of otherness: otherness is a fundamental aspect of human subjectivity with multiple dimensions: psychological, sociological, cultural, spiritual/transpersonal, neurological. Its comprehensive study requires a transdisciplinary approach and provides valuable insights about human development in all its dimensions.
Key publications
Fernandez-Borsot, G. (2023). Spirituality and technology: A threefold philosophical reflection. Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science, 58(1), 6-22. https://doi.org/10.1111/zygo.12835
Bosch, M., Fernandez-Borsot, G., Miró I. Comas, A., & Figa Vaello, J. (2022). Evolving friendship? Essential changes, from social networks to artificial companions. Social Network Analysis and Mining, 12, 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13278-022-00864-1
Fernandez-Borsot, G. (2020). Perennialism Through the Lens of Otherness. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies. Advance online publication. https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/advance-archive/19/
Fernandez-Borsot, G. (2020). Transhumanisme i alteritat. Anuari de la Societat Catalana de Filosofia, 30-31, 211–219. https://doi.org/10.2436/20.3001.01.111
