Empirical models of transformative learning offer important insights into the core characteristics of this concept. Whereas previous analyses were limited to specific social groups or topical terrains, this article empirically typifies the phases of transformative learning on the basis of a comparative analysis of various social groups and topical terrains. In contrast to the models proposed by Mezirow and others, the typology of five phases used in the present article underpins the incidental character of the beginning of transformative learning and accords a different meaning to crises and dilemmas--and to reflection. These empirical results point to the practical basis of transformative learning and necessitate revisions of its theory.