EARS: Exploring Anomalous, Religious, & Spiritual Experiences

Mission Statement

My goal is to support people concerned about, or distressed by, unusual or spiritual experiences by:

Providing information and advice,
Providing therapeutic support where required,
Undertaking and reporting on high quality academic research,
Delivering education and training about these kinds of experiences and beliefs.
Raising awareness and bridging the complementary worlds of spirituality and mental wellbeing.
Depathologising and normalising these kinds of experiences in contemporary society.

Spiritual Experiences

Spiritual or psychic experiences are often pleasant or empowering. They are very common and a natural part of being human.

However, a small number of these experiences can cause concern or be distressing. People are often afraid to talk about them because they fear that they are going mad or that others will not understand them. Sometimes unusual experiences can be pathologised unnecessarily. However, these fears and anxieties can be transformed into opportunities for personal growth and self-development.

Robert Forman

Some mental health diagnoses, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bi-polar disorder can be understood as spiritual awakening experiences. They are sometimes referred to as a spiritual crisis, spiritual emergency, kundalini awakening, Dark Night of the Soul, or as anomalous experiences. These can be difficult and challenging experiences to manage and can be associated with depression or anxiety.

There are people who have developed a very positive relationship with the experience of hearing voices, and have managed without any psychiatric treatment or support. They have adopted a theoretical frame of reference (such as parapsychology, reincarnation, metaphysics, the collective unconscious, or the spirituality of a higher consciousness) which connects them with others rather than isolating them: they have found a perspective that offers them a language in which to share their experiences. They enjoy a feeling of acceptance; their own rights are recognised, and they develop a sense of identity which can help them to make constructive use of their experiences for the benefit of themselves and others.

Understanding Psychosis & Schizophrenia (2014), P16.

Spiritual Crisis

Have you experienced something unusual, mystical, psychic, or spiritual?

Does it cause you any concern or distress?
Would you like to talk to someone about your experience?
Talk to EARS - The Listening Service

An essential part of collaboration is listening. Professionals often underestimate the power of simply listening. Careful listening is an essential prerequisite of offering appropriate help, and it is also a powerful form of help in its own right. Many people say that lack of listening is what disappoints them most about mental health services.

Understanding Psychosis & Schizophrenia (2014), P104.

talk to ears

About Mike

I have studied, experienced, and listened to many other people’s experiences over the last 20 years.

I take a non-judgemental approach and provide a safe and confidential environment for you to talk about your experiences. I am a registered hypnotherapist and can treat a number of clinical issues. I can also help you understand and integrate your experiences, or put you in touch with someone else who can help.

I have a Diploma in Hypno-psychotherapy from the National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy (NCHP) and am a registered Spiritual Emergence Coach with IMHU. I am a registered hypnotherapist with the National Society for Hypnosis, Psychotherapy & Mindfulness the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), and a Trainee member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

Mike Rush BSc MA PGDip DHP(NC) MNSHPM

More About Mike

Appointments

I am based in Chesterfield in Derbyshire, not far from Sheffield in South-Yorkshire, U.K.

    I am available most evenings and weekends.
    Appointments are for about 1 hour.
    Face-to-face or online.
    The first session is free.
    I charge £20/hour or £5 concession for subsequent sessions.
    Off-road parking & on main bus routes.
    Please use the Talk To EARS form below, email, text or phone me if you would like to get in touch.

Talk to EARS

Please feel free to download a PDF copy of my EARS leaflet and share it with anyone who may be interested.