Abstract

Presenter Bio

Effects of Induced After-Death Communication on Grief: A Randomized, Controlled Intervention Study

Abstract

Although most transpersonal experiences—those that transcend the usual personal limits of space, time, or identify—are spontaneous, some counseling/psychotherapy approaches have involved the facilitation of such experiences during actual sessions. One such approach is Induced After-Death Communication (IADC) for grief, in which the therapist helps the client process the core sadness of the grief, after which a majority of clients experience after-death communication with the person the client is grieving, that is, some sense of the presence of, and information transfer from the disembodied person. In a recent randomized controlled study at the University of North Texas, in which we compared IADC to traditional talk therapy for grief, IADC clients showed greater improvement overall on grief symptoms and both statistically and practically significant improvement on certain symptoms. In this presentation I’ll report on the study, describe spontaneous transpersonal phenomena that IADC therapists should be prepared to experience, and provide time for question and answer with the audience.

At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the discovery and development of IADC, along with preliminary research on it,
2. Describe the method and results of a randomized, controlled study comparing the effects of IADC vs.traditional talk therapy on grief symptoms, and
3. Describe possible spontaneous experiences in addition to IADC for which IADC practitioners should be prepared.

Presenter Bio

Janice Miner Holden grew up in the northwest Chicago suburbs. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with honors from the University of Illinois, she taught high school psychology for 11 years and was a high school counselor for one year while she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in counselor education at Northern Illinois University. Since completing her EdD in 1988, she has been a member of the University of North Texas (UNT) Counseling Program faculty where she served 10 years as chair of the Department of Counseling & Higher Education and is currently professor of Counseling. Beginning with her doctoral dissertation, Dr. Holden’s primary research focus has been counseling implications of near-death experiences, after-death communication, and other transpersonal experiences—those that transcend the usual personal limits of space, time, and identity. In this research area she has over 50 refereed journal publications and over 100 national and international presentations. She served as lead editor of the 2009 Handbook of Near-Death Experiences: Thirty Years of Investigation, and she co-edited the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling’s (ASERVIC’s) 2017 Connecting Soul, Spirit, Mind, and Body: A Collection of Spiritual and Religious Perspectives and Practices in Counseling. Among her professional service was three years as president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, and since 2008 she has served as editor-in-chief of that association’s scholarly Journal of Near-Death Studies. She is a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, a National Certified Counselor, and an American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE [pronounced “assist”]) Certified Mental Health Professional. For her career-long research on and advocacy for people who have had transpersonal experiences, Jan was awarded ASERVIC’s 2013 Research Award and the American Counseling Association’s 2015 Gilbert and Kathleen Wrenn Award for a Humanitarian and Caring Person. For her outstanding and sustained contributions to scholarly-creative activity, teaching, and service, Jan received the UNT Foundation’s 2019 Eminent Faculty Award, one of the highest faculty achievements whose recipient serves as an inspiration for the entire UNT community.

Social Work’s Role and Spiritually Transformative Experiences

Abstract

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that approximately 50% of Americans say that they have had a religious or mystical experience, defined as a moment of religious or spiritual awakening (Pew Research Center, 2009). Despite the evidence that reveals a large percentage of individuals have reported a spiritual experience, Canda (2002) states that many social workers lack the competence to deal with spiritual issues in treatment. The NASW Code of Ethics requires services that address spirituality to be culturally competent (NASW, 2018, Ethical Responsibilities to Clients), and that social workers should examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work (NASW, 2018, Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals). This presentation will examine the findings of a qualitative study of licensed social workers who have worked with individuals who have experienced an STE. At the end of this presentation participants will have learned:

1. Assessment strategies to utilize when working with individuals who have experienced a STE
2. Treatment strategies to utilize when working with individuals who have experienced a STE

Presenter Bio

Michael Garbe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with individuals who would like to have spirituality integrated into their therapy. Having experienced, processed, and integrated, a spiritual crisis of his own, Michael has become an expert in assisting others through their spiritual challenges. Along with his clinical work, due to having had difficulty finding professional assistance during his spiritual crisis, Michael has dedicated himself to increasing spiritual competence within the helping professions. He is currently engaged in doctoral research at Rutgers University – DSW Program. He has authored a chapter in a social work textbook, which will be published in 2020, on the topic of spiritual emergency. His latest research has developed into a framework on how to assess and provide treatment for individuals who have experienced an STE.

WHAT’S TO BE LEARNED FROM HAVING A SPIRITUALLY TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE?

Abstract

In this presentation, Dr. Pasciuti will employ a model of evolving consciousness and identify ten key areas where it manifests in human functioning. He will examine how various STE’s can be employed to affect therapeutic growth in those ten key areas, and how their increased mastery and combined synergy of contribute to an individual’s overall psychological and spiritual awakening. In order to do this, he will draw from the work of Dr. Stanislav Grof to identify the kinds of exceptional experiences that often lead to spiritual emergencies, and use cases from his practice to show how their understanding and integration promoted personal growth and transformation.

At the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

1. Identify ten key areas of growth that are primarily addressed in psychotherapy, and how they can be affected and advanced as a result of integrating an STE.
2. Learn about a model of evolving consciousness that broadly encompasses the foundational, personal, and transpersonal dimensions of being.

Presenter Bio

Frank Pasciuti, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified hypnotherapist in private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is founder and president of Associated Clinicians of Virginia, which provides psychotherapy and organizational development services to individuals and businesses. Dr. Pasciuti is chairman of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at The Monroe Institute, in Faber, Virginia, and he collaborates on research related to NDEs, psychic phenomena, and the survival of consciousness at the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), a research unit of the department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He is author of Chrysalis Crisis, How Life’s Ordeals Can Lead to Personal and Spiritual Transformation.

The Shared Crossing Spectrum: Introducing a Typology of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (STE) at the End of Life.

Abstract

The Shared Crossing Spectrum is the product of a seven-year study conducted by the Shared Crossing Research Initiative. This plenary presentation will introduce the Spectrum of STEs at end of life which encompasses pre-death premonitions and pre- and post-death dreams, visions, and synchronicities, as well as shared death experiences. The Spectrum is intended to provide a map to assist laypeople, healthcare professionals, and spiritual counselors working at end of life.

Objectives By the end of this presentation, audiences will be able to:

1. comprehend various STE end-of-life phenomena that comprise the Shared Crossing Spectrum
2. apply knowledge of the Shared Crossing Spectrum in serving the needs of those at end of life;
3. appreciate the importance of a vocabulary with which to better interact with experiencers and affirm their experiences; and
4. encourage continued studies into end-of-life phenomena

Outline Topics

1. offer an overview of specific kinds and categories of end-of-life phenomena that have emerged from the research and that we have located on the Shared Crossing Spectrum
2. discuss how absence of understanding of these end-of-life phenomena can create scenarios of disservice (i.e., inappropriate medical interventions in the absence of this knowledge), as well as contribute to the discounting, dismissing, or disparaging of such phenomena
3. provide specific case studies in which people speak to the value of having a common language to discuss their experiences, and in sharing their experiences with others
4. call for further research and solicit more research participants

Presenter Bios

William Peters, M.A., M.Ed., is the founder of the Shared Crossing Project whose mission is to raise awareness and educate people about the profound and healing experiences that are possible for the dying and their loved ones. As the director of the Shared Crossing Research Initiative, William and his team collect and study extraordinary end-of-life experiences (shared crossings). He has developed methods to facilitate these shared crossings and to assist experiencers in meaningfully integrating their experiences. William conducts workshops and presents nationally on his research. He is a licensed psychotherapist at the Family Therapy Institute in Santa Barbara where he specializes in end-of-life counseling as a means toward psycho-spiritual evolution. William has worked as a Zen Hospice volunteer and his work is informed by his two near death experiences (SDEs) and a variety of shared death experiences as hospice worker. Dr. Monica Williams, board-certified Emergency Physician and author of “It’s Ok to Die” has lectured and written extensively on transforming death and dying in Modern America. Considered an expert on medical decision-making at the end of life, she has been featured in multiple media sources including the Emmy Award winning TV show, “The Doctors” and the Washington Post. Dr. Williams’ welcomes dialogue regarding exceptional states of consciousness which may occur for the dying, their loved ones and the healthcare providers who attend the dying. These exceptional experiences, if affirmed and integrated, may serve to trigger profound healing and growth for individuals and inspire more holistic support by institutions that serve the dying.

Research in Progress: Assisting in the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences, a Cross-Cultural Study—Update with preliminary results from 2014 Indonesian research study and recent interviews from Australasia

Abstract

Co-Researchers: Principal Researcher Marie Grace Brook, PhD, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Co-Researcher Kylie Harris, PhD, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Description of Presentation: This Power Point and video presentation is a progress report in a larger global project that involves interviewing psychologists, spiritual leaders/teachers and indigenous healers/shamans using four actual US case studies of STErs who were challenged in integrating their STE. The presentation will include (1) an update to the report on the Indonesia interviews (introduced at the 2014 ACISTE conference) in the form of a ten-minute video clip and PowerPoint summary of preliminary results, and (2) PowerPoint presentation describing 2019 interviews from Southeast Australia (Melbourne area), the Outback (Northern Territory), and New Zealand. Interviews in South America and North America are planned for 2020 and 2021. Research Question: How do different cultures and types of practitioners provide assistance for individuals who need help integrating STEs?" Research Hypothesis: Current practices used to assist individuals to integrate STEs within the Western medical paradigm may be expanded by incorporating information and worldviews from other cultures. Purpose of Research: is to collect empirical knowledge regarding best practices in assisting clients and their families in integrating spiritually transformative experiences, including highlighting deficiencies in our current practices and providing tangible suggestions for new best practice guidelines.

Presenter Bio

Marie Grace Brook, PhD, LCSW, ACMHP, ACSGC holds a BA from Duke University, MSW from Denver University, Masters Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Fordham University, and PhD from Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. She has worked as a mountain guide, healing artist (Rolfer and craniosacral therapist), hospice social worker, graduate school adjunct teacher, spiritual director/supervisor and researcher. Her papers have been published in NASW’s Children & Schools, SDI’s Presence, ITA’s International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, ProQuest Dissertations, and APA Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. Dr. Brook has presented research studies at the following conferences: APA’s Div. 36 Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, Association for Transpersonal Psychology, and ACISTE in the USA. Internationally she has presented for the International Congress for Complementary and Integrative Medicine Research in South Korea, European Transpersonal Association Conference in Italy, the International Transpersonal Conference for Education and Humanities in Indonesia, the International Transpersonal Psychology Conference in Brazil, and the Transpersonal Research Symposium in France. Dr. Brook lives in Santa Cruz with her husband, Peter, has a private practice in spiritual direction specializing in supporting people integrating spiritually transformative experiences, and teaches at the Villa Maria del Mar Spiritual Direction Program. Dr. Brook’s ongoing research inquires into how people integrate STEs.

Soul Retrieval: From Victim to Healer an Integration of Spiritual Experiences and Transpersonal Trust.

Abstract

Presenter will share personal narratives and case studies of how normalizing psychic intelligence, spiritual experiences, and development of transpersonal trust helps heal childhood sexual trauma. Eastern healing modalities such as chakra balancing, reiki, shamanism, and spirits will be discussed including western traditional psychotherapy such as dream analyzing, self-acceptance, and processing.

Presenter Bio

Caroline Fernandes is a pre-licensed integrative psychotherapist, international research doctoral student at Mercer University, certified clinical hypnotherapist and a Reiki master. She is a psychic medium trained in trauma and Comprehensive Energy Psychotherapy. Caroline facilitates national/international workshops on Trauma Narrative Treatment, Eastern healing modalities, and psychic development in counseling. Caroline works with children and adults with spiritual and parapsychology intelligence.

The Power and Glory of God: A Comparative Review of the Phenomenology of N,N-DMT versus 5-MeO-N, N-DMT

Abstract

While psychedelics are often capable of generating spiritual experiences in the form of ego-dissolution, contact with archetypal consciousness, and unitive experiences, N, N- dimethyltryptamine or N, N-DMT is often considered to be one of the most potent psychedelics in terms of its intense experiences, detailed, otherworldly imagery and frequent encounters with seemingly sentient, intelligent entities. Its close molecular cousin, 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine or 5-MeO-N, N-DMT, the primary active alkaloid in the increasingly popular “toad medicine” produced by protective glands on the bufo alvarius toad, produces equally powerful experiences while tending to maximize the chances of experiencing unitive consciousness. This will be a comparative review of the phenomenology of N, N-DMT versus 5-MeO-N, N-DMT, with an emphasis on the types of spiritual experiences each can produce. Safety precautions as well as ways to integrate these experiences will also be discussed.

Presenter Bio

Richard Knowles, PhD is the founder and executive director of Delos Psyche Research Group, which is dedicated to the scientific exploration of psychedelics. He is also a licensed psychologist working as a psychotherapist in the San Francisco Bay Area. He’s taught classes on psychology and consciousness studies at the doctoral level, and as a researcher, his topics of inquiry include consciousness studies, altered states of consciousness, psychedelic studies, and exceptional human experience. He’s completed clinical post-doctoral work at the Community Center for Health and Wellness and is involved in a research post-doc at the Transformative Tech Lab currently. He additionally works for the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies as a lead adherence rater for their MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research treating PTSD. His interests in psychedelics are related to transcendent experiences, long-term psychospiritual benefits and additionally, the microdosing of psychedelics for more consistent benefits.

Support Needs and Outcomes for Near-Death Experiencers

Abstract

The vast majority of research work on near-death experiences (NDEs) to date has focused on understanding NDEs’ phenomenology, classifications, aftereffects, circumstances of occurrence, and implications for the mind-brain relationship. Nevertheless, there is still a dearth of research into how best to help experiencers cope with and integrate the experience in its immediate aftermath.

NDEs can be hugely life-transforming and powerful experiences. NDEs are often accompanied by a robust pattern of aftereffects, including deep and long-lasting changes in the experiencer’s values, spirituality, relationships, and outlook on life. However, NDEs can also trigger emotional and interpersonal difficulties, and the long-term integration of these experiences and their aftereffects can take years. Experiencers often find it difficult to talk about their NDE with medical professionals and even with loved ones, for fear of rejection, ridicule, or a label of mental illness. Difficulties may also arise from the inability of friends and family to accept or adapt to experiencers’ changing values and interests. At the same time, specialized professional help is limited by the scarcity of counselors, therapists or health professionals familiar with NDEs and specific issues engendered by the experience. We are conducting an exploratory study to investigate the types of professional help, therapy, and support groups near-death experiencers have sought out to process their experience, and whether those have been helpful. Using online surveys, we are gathering data from near-death experiencers themselves, as well as counselors and mental health professionals who have worked with them. To our knowledge, this is the first quantitative study to explore the types and outcomes of therapies and support avenues for near-death experiencers. Data obtained from this study could help us design data-driven recommendations for supporting individuals who have had an NDE and are experiencing difficulties resulting from it. Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova is the Principal Investigator for this study, and will present preliminary findings. Dr. Bruce Greyson is a co-investigator.

Presenter Bio

Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD is a junior researcher at the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia. Dr. Pehlivanova’s work at the Division focuses on near-death experiences, children reporting past-life memories, as well as other unusual experiences. Marieta holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics. Prior to her academic work, she pursued a career as a statistician in medical research.

Applications of Practice for Working with Individuals Integrating STE’s

Abstract

This presentation will clearly outline principles, tools. and skills which bring efficacy to the process of integration of STE’s. As therapists, spiritual guides, and life and spiritual coaches, our work is the same:

• To create a context within which experiencers can experience themselves as whole, and capable of transcending the barriers to the fulfillment of their human-spirit.
• To create a space within which an individual grows their capacity for courage and strength, in order to endure their worst fears, their darkest moments, and the ecstatic joys accessible and available only through human existence.
• To cultivate the observing-self capacity to notice, assess and re-assess one’s patterns of thoughts, feelings and sensations, so as to empower themselves to choose in service to their highest knowing and greatest contribution to the world.
• To cultivate presence, resilience, and patience with oneself.
• To cultivate self-trust, self-acceptance, self-reverence in order to willingly choose the path that is their’s and their’s alone.
• To emancipate oneself from limitating perceptions and interpretations through which they have seen the world - up until their STE.
• To transcend the trainings that have been given in relation to, Religion, God, Oneness, Universal Source of All that Is.
• To Faith-Leap into a Paradigm Shift where transformative experiences and knowing is given space and reverence, in the here and now of their human existence.
• To teach the trials of transformation from the standpoint of having lived through the most poignant shifts in consciousness, rather than simply having intellectualized those concepts theoretically, Oneness p. 231.
• To transcend the delineation and compartmentalizations of the concept of the Psycho-Spiritual Being upon which we focus our attention.
• To empower individuals to do the “heavy lifting,” developing the muscles to take actions that require courage and strength.

I will share an integrative model of working with experiencers - Domains of Awareness. Provide an example of a client session, and list specific skills to be embraced by the practitioners.

Presenter Bio

Dr. Rosie Kuhn has worked in field of psycho-spiritual education for over 35 years. She focused her studies in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy in the 80’s. In the 90’s she focused on Spiritual Guidance and received her Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology. In 2000, she began integrating human/family dynamics with transpersonal and spiritual dynamics, creating and facilitating the Transformational Coaching Training Program through ITP, now Sofia University. She is considered a preeminent thought-leader in Transformational Coaching. Dr. Rosie has spear-headed ACISTE’s Life and Spiritual Coaching Training Program, and served on the Board of ACISTE for two years.

WHAT DOES KABBALAH AND JEWISH MYSTICISM SAY OF THE SOUL AND THE AFTERLIFE?

Abstract

On July 19, 2012 driving home from work I experienced a complete immersion of self into divine love. When later stopped at a 10 minute traffic light during rush hour I experience a complete dissolution of self... of the "I" into the Self of the Divine. Following this profound STE I embarked on the journey of the rest of this lifetime toward understanding. The path has resulted in a deep immersion into Kabbalah and the world of Jewish Mysticism. I will speak of the intersection of Kabbalah and the transformation of the inner self and the levels of the soul that is at the heart of Jewish Mysticism. I will speak of what mysticism from the Jewish perspective says of the eternal nature of the soul and our quest for the ultimate union.

Presenter Bio

Alexander Doman, MD is a board certified orthopedic surgeon for more than 30 years practicing in the Atlanta area.
College: Tufts University BS Magna cum Laude 1977
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 1978-1982
Mayo Graduate School of Medicine 1982-1983 Rochester MN Internal Medicine
Henry Ford Hospital 1983-1988 Detroit MI Residency Orthopedic Surgery My life changed abruptly on July 19, 2012 when I had an STE of the most profound mystical nature that forever and completely transformed my life. Presentations:
Keynote Speaker at Academy of Spiritual and Consciousness Studies, Inc Annual Conference in Raleigh NC June 2017
Symposium Speaker on STE with Dr. Yvonne Kason at IANDS Annual Conference Seattle WA September 2018

Awakening Healers: Integrative Online Spiritual Emergence Support

Abstract

In a time of spiritual crisis, it may be difficult to find appropriate supports or resources. Western psychology and psychiatry typically pathologize these experiences or states of consciousness and some people are afraid to seek traditional treatments. This is why we have put together an online course that incorporates a peer-support model to help guide those that have gone through or currently going through a manageable crisis. Based upon our online course Awakening Healers, which includes psychoeducation, meditations, energy medicine, and Spiritual Emergence Support circles, we have developed a template for conceptualizing, honoring, and holding sacred space for the transformative power of these non-ordinary or extreme states of consciousness. We also include modules on neurodiversity, cognitive liberty, Stan Grof’s legacy, and research, breathwork, energy anatomy, sound healing, grounding meditation, self-care, and reSourcing. We have found that this model makes the content available to others all over the world, who may not be in a location where SE space-holding or education is available, as well as our wide-ranging and comprehensive toolkit for Spiritual Emergence Support and Integration. Kyle & Michelle will share their stories, background, and experience with developing and co-facilitating this flagship program.

Presenter Bio

A Freed Spirit During Counseling

Abstract

My counseling session had an unexpected visitor. My client was grieving after the death of her mother two years before. The client had come to me with complaints about her long-term intimate relationship. I am a relationship coach and alternative lifestyle counselor so she was hoping that I would meet with her and her mate and, of course, that I would "fix him." From the very first session with her though, I realized that relationship dissatisfactions were not the issue. We switched into focusing on family relations and on what she wanted for herself for the future. In the session that became very special to me and to my client I became aware of the client’s mother having entered the room. She came in the shape of a large cloud, hovering right in front of me. While this experience was amazing for me the hard part was deciding on what to tell the client. There was a question of how to maintain professional integrity and at the same time impart enough valid information to the client to help her with her grief and further development.

Presenter Bio

Aisha-Sky Gates is a relationship coach and alternative lifestyle counselor. Her private practice is in Massachusetts. The concept "spiritual" suits Aisha-Sky as she integrates spiritual principles in both her personal life and professional philosophy.

How Gratitude Affects the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences

Abstract

This presentation explores how gratitude affects the integration of spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). There will be an emphasis on transcendent experiences like ultimate reality, the void, and unity consciousness, experiences beyond ordinary day-to-day existence. Gratitude has been researched extensively in the field of positive psychology, little though in connection to STEs. The author will present her case study and dissertation analysis among other insights in the research of self-transcendence. To understand the significance of integrating STEs and which role gratitude might play, the topics of spiritual emergence and spiritual bypass will be explored. Some gratitude practices will be offered that can easily be taken into sessions with clients and for personal use at home.

Presenter Bio

Devi Prem’s background spans a BA in Business and in Psychology, an MA in Transpersonal Psychology, and a current enrollment in a Ph.D. program in Psychology in the dissertation phase, added by certifications in Coaching, Meditation, Movement, and Creativity. Her upcoming dissertation will be on the effects of gratitude on the integration of self-transcendent experiences. The core of her spiritual training was a residential academic program in Meditation and Interfaith, including Sanskrit, in India. She has been teaching, coaching, and mentoring seekers on the spiritual path towards awakening and integration across cultures and religions internationally since 2002. She is the founder of CFIT Center for Integrating Transcendence with a focus on supporting individuals to manifest their professional life mission in order to make a difference in this world. She is a coach of coaches, enhancing leadership skills and personal alignment. She is a member of the Association of Transpersonal Psychology (ATP) and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) as well as Strozzi Institute of Embodied Leadership. She recently presented at the SANDS Nondual and the IEATA conference. Devi currently resides in Ashland, OR while enjoying international travels.

An Introduction to Access Consciousness^® & Talk to the Entities™ - Empowering Our Clients to Know That They Know

Abstract

Access Consciousness^® is a unique and dynamic set of tools, processes, and energy work which invites people to have more awareness and to live to their greatest potential. Talk to the Entities™ is a specialty topic of Access, which focuses on engagement with the spirit world.

What if what we are calling pathologies are actually awarenesses, abilities, and talents? What if we could empower our clients to know that they know, that they are aware, and that they have capacities this reality doesn’t always recognize or value? What else is truly possible to open the door to a life of infinite possibilities, where all of life can come to us with easy, joy and glory? Participants in this seminar will walk away with powerful and pragmatic tools to assist themselves and their clients in handling their abilities and awareness of the spirit world. We will discuss the three basic activities we can do with entities: clearing, communicating, and receiving. Dr. Popescu will also answer questions and present ways our clients can free themselves from stigma and judgment to embrace a different possibility.

Presenter Bio

Dr. Adriana Popescu is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction specialist, and empowerment coach with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, a program that takes a holistic approach to the training of psychotherapists, teaching them how to help clients self-actualize and reach their highest human potential. Adriana is also a certified hypnotherapist, Access Consciousness® Facilitator, and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Practitioner, having discovered that Energy Psychology provides incredibly powerful tools to identify and eliminate the deep-rooted causes of suffering and distress.

The Transformational Potential of Entity Encounter Experiences

Abstract

Apparitions refer to the subjective perception of a figure or being, when no real figure is physically present and when normal means of communication are ruled out (after Irwin & Watt, 2007). Sense of presence experiences occur when there is a felt or perceived sense that a person or entity is present, in the absence of a definitive visual (or other sensory) apparition. Subjective encounters with entities have been reported across cultures and appear throughout history. Many of these experiences are highly personal and include "after death communications" with loved ones that are positive, meaningful and sometimes transformative (e.g., Hastings, 2012). In this presentation, the author will discuss the results of a mixed methods study that has investigated subjective experiences with entities. The presentation will particularly focus on people's experiences with deceased loved ones. This will include the results of a qualitative analysis of experiences described in a survey and experiences that were reported in the context of a psychomanteum procedure.

Presenter Bio

Christine Simmonds-Moore is a UK native who has a PhD from the University of Northampton on "Schizotypy as an anomaly-prone personality." She is currently working as an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of West Georgia. She has research interests in the psychology of exceptional experiences (including transpersonal and subjective paranormal experiences), paranormal beliefs and disbeliefs, personality and mental health correlates of exceptional experiences, synesthesia, altered states of consciousness, mind body relationships and healing and placebo effects. She is the recipient of several Bial grants to study exceptional experiences, and is currently completing a research study on ghost experiences. She is the co author of a text book on Anomalistic psychology and edited a collection of chapters about Exceptional Experiences and Health.

Non-Ordinary States in Loss & Continued Exceptional Experiences After Trauma

Abstract

The focus of this presentation will be centered on the impact of non-ordinary states in grief and loss for those who have no prior exposure or awareness of such concepts. In September of 2002, my father disappeared, which was the catalyst for my own first Spiritually Transformative Experience (STE). At that time, while also not understanding what was happening to me, I was led to find him.

Through the sharing of my first STE—a traumatic loss—I will explore the psychological and emotional pain associated with this type of exceptional experience, as well as the profound comfort it provided me throughout my healing process and along my spiritual journey. Objective: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Support those who may have limited knowledge of STEs related to trauma, and assist them in integrating their experience in a healthy way.
• Understand and identify signs of communication with the unseen, as well as after-death communication.
• Support those who may be experiencing grief/loss of a loved one in opening up to perceiving signs of after-death communication.

Presenter Bio

Christy is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and researcher of non-ordinary states. Her coaching practice focuses on the fields of Holistic Health, Behavioral Sciences, Mind-Body Connections, and Relationship Support. She utilized both Eastern and Western approaches to help others reach personal psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual life goals.

Mask Making, Drumming and Alternative Psychotherapeutic Methods with Spiritual Experiencers: Thinking outside of the box

Abstract

When someone is a spiritual experiencer, their worlds are both expansive and isolating. Hiding what you see, what you know and what you feel causes a grief reaction that includes depression, anxiety and anger. With few therapists able to identify a spiritual crisis without needing to characterize the person as a patient, there are ways to help further identify this kind of crisis. It may not be through verbal expression, or one’s ability to follow up on tasks or hold a job. What we can do is give the client ( no longer identified as the patient, aka one who is sick) a chance to communicate through more primal means. It is through these primal means—such as mask making, drumming and rattle sounds—a wealth of knowledge about the clients internal experience can be illuminated.

When you leave this workshop you will be able to:

• Identify 3 specific ways to accelerate communication
• Be willing to experiment with yourself before working with a client
• Understand the 11 phases of grief model

Presenter Bio

Edy Nathan MA, LCSWR is an author, keynote speaker, workshop leader. She combines her works as a therapist with her work within the spiritual realm. As a licensed therapist, AASECT certified sex therapist, hypnotherapist, regressionist and certified EMDR practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. She has degrees from New York University and Fordham University, with post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. She practices in New York City. She was the therapist on A&E tv’s Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal. She specializes in grief, loss and trauma throughout the life cycle and spiritual awakenings.

Therapist/Experiencer’s journey through multiple Spiritually Transformative Experiences (STEs) and Insights for Therapy

Abstract

The presentation will cover my personal spiritual journey through multiple Out of Body Experiences (OBEs), After Death Communication (ADCs), and Precognitive Dreams.

This is a story of my personal search for truth that lead me through grief and loss, direct face to face spiritual encounters with deceased loved ones, journeys into the afterlife, dreams of the future, and supporting those who have had STEs. Objective: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify:

1. commonly reported aspects of the Out of Body Experience (OBE).
2. the concept of Veridical Evidence and how it applies to STEs.
3. multiple types After Death Communication (ADC) experiences.
4. the idea and experience of Precognitive Dreams.
5. insights from the multiple STEs and brief case studies that can be valuable in one’s own personal integration as well as supporting others who have had spiritual experiences.

Presenter Bio

Shaye is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA who has a graduate education and focus in Transpersonal Psychology from the University of West Georgia. He has had multiple Spiritually Transformative Experiences (STEs) and specializes in providing individual and group counseling for clients with mystical, unitive, and transpersonal experiences. Shaye’s mission is to help clients heal, grow and transform through the healthy integration of their STEs. He is also a Reviewer for the Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology.

Transformative Experiences of People Who Healed From Cancer

Abstract

Spiritually transformative experiences can also happen to people who face a diagnosis of cancer. These occurrences often convey a message to the patient, are highly-memorable, and may be accompanied by intense affect. In addition to being cathartic, patients have profound insights that are personally and collectively relevant. During this presentation James will share, drawn from his dissertation, a collection of specially-selected excerpts from patients predominantly from the United States and Australia. Each narrative will be compassionately considered, by conference participants, alongside pre-existing frameworks of spiritual, mystical, and religious experiences. This presentation will be of interest to counsellors and clinicians, people who have or know someone who presently has cancer, medical staff, and patient-advocates.

Presenter Bio

James Williams is about to complete his PhD psychology studies in the University of West Georgia's consciousness and experience program. His two-fold interests lie in understanding and facilitating a wide variety of transformative experiences using a variety of psychological modalities, mindfulness, yoga, and Craniosacral Therapy.

A Psychological and Spiritual Framework to Understand the Meaning of Mystical Experiences

Abstract

In this presentation, we will explore the nature of the mystical experience from a psychological, neuropsychological, cultural and spiritual perspective.

The work of Carl Jung who claimed “Human beings do not stand in one world only but between two worlds and must distinguish themselves from their functions in both worlds. You have to stand between the gods and men…” will provide the psychological interpretive base to understand the individual’s mystical experience. From this perspective, we will examine the healing function of the mystical call, its aftermath on the psyche, life development, as well as the realm of mysticism and madness.

Presenter Bio

Danielle Green, Ph.D. holds a Masters and Doctorate in Psychology as well as a Masters of Divinity. In addition to being trained in Jungian Psychology (PhD.), Dr. Green’s expertise includes training in the fields of Family Therapy, Hypnosis, Neurofeedback, Trauma, Attachment Disorders, Mood Disorders, Psychodrama, Imago Therapy for Couples and the Enneagram. Dr. Green is also an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and a Spiritual Director. Dr. Green’s research interests include: transgenerational family therapy, altered states of consciousness, dream analysis, and the interfacing of psychoanalysis and mysticism as a transformative experience. Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Green was the founding Director of Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (Sarasota, Fl.), psychotherapist at New College (Sarasota, Fl), and psychotherapist for the Stanford Research Institute. Dr. Green worked in private practice in Berkeley, California; London, England and Sarasota, Florida. She continues to lecture and facilitate groups and retreats throughout the United States, Europe and India.

Bringing Transformation Home

Abstract

Participants in psychospiritual workshops often attend seeking a connection with something beyond their day-to-day life. Those who find that connection may have difficulty maintaining it when they return home. This presentation examines what assists workshop participants in sustaining transformations and maintaining a new worldview, self-image, and value system as they return to their daily life. In this presentation, we will examine the challenges involved in that integration and what can support those struggling with that process to bring their transformative experiences into their daily lives.

Learning Objective: Identify specific challenges involved in integrating transformative workshop experience, and tools for supporting that integration.

Presenter Bio

Selene Kumin Vega, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist (CA MFC #32604), workshop leader, and faculty at Saybrook University. Her work with movement and other experiential modalities evolved over 50 years of facilitating self-exploration, connection, and transformation. Her teaching includes the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University), Bastyr, JFK University, and Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. She has published chapters on using psychospiritual approaches to treat anxiety and using movement practices in psychotherapy. She was editor of the Spiritual Emergence Network Newsletter, and co-authored The Sevenfold Journey (Crossing Press, 1993), now in six languages.

Grounding & Integration Activities

Selene will be leading us at the end of each conference day in grounding and integration activities.

Facilitator Bio

Selene Kumin Vega, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist (CA MFC #32604), workshop leader, and faculty at Saybrook University.

Thursday Evening (Nov 14), Cash bar, 6:30pm-9pm

Join us for our Fundraising Dinner Thursday evening. There will be a talk by Matt Kahn and a performance by John Stringer.

Cost:

• $65 for those attending the conference and/or the Thursday afternoon 101 class
• $95 for the dinner only (open to the public)

Friday Lunch - Featuring a performance by Mike Wadsworth

Mike Wadsworth

Mike Wadsworth is a singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Nashville, Tennessee. His recordings and performances are intended to be a deeply personal journey, challenging the growth of the listener’s humanity and spiritual development.