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.