On this website I use the word ‘spiritual’ to cover a wide variety of experiences including: mystical, psychic, paranormal, religious, peak, transcendental, exceptional, anomalous, or simply unusual, experiences.
Yet the word ‘spiritual’ is at one and the same time both frustratingly vague and simultaneously pregnant with ultimate personal meaning. Mysticism is certainly no stranger to paradox! It may help us to think of the spiritual in two aspects: as a thing and as a process, both of which have their experiential dimensions. Always aware, however, that thinking can only take us so far and no further, as experience implies much more than thought alone. It may also be helpful to understand spirituality as relationships. Relationships between self and others, self and environment , self and inner selves, and self and a greater mystery (whatever that may be!)
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.
Yet the word ‘spiritual’ is at one and the same time both frustratingly vague and simultaneously pregnant with ultimate personal meaning. Mysticism is certainly no stranger to paradox! It may help us to think of the spiritual in two aspects: as a thing and as a process, both of which have their experiential dimensions. Always aware, however, that thinking can only take us so far and no further, as experience implies much more than thought alone. It may also be helpful to understand spirituality as relationships. Relationships between self and others, self and environment , self and inner selves, and self and a greater mystery (whatever that may be!)
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.
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.
Information
Services
Spiritual Emergency Resources
Research
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). |