Process Work
Are voices, visions and extreme states of consciousness a sign of mental illness?
In Process-Oriented Psychology (aka Process Work), the answer to this question is clearly no.
In the Process Work model, unusual experiences and extreme states are not pathologized. Instead they are regarded as meaningful and purposeful. Such experiences are viewed as a gift; containing lesser-known and important information - not only for the person experiencing them, but for their friends, families, supporters and even the whole planet. The themes that emerge in extreme states - while perhaps not true in the reality most people agree is happening - are true in other levels of reality. They are often powerful metaphors. Extreme states and unusual beliefs represent energies and experiences most people aren't willing to live. These energies tend to fall on the more sensitive of us.
Most people are uncomfortable with unshared realities. In my opinion that's the reason why they get called mental illness. While I acknowledge that these experiences can be disturbing, the truth is that there is nothing objectively sick about unusual states of mind. People label them as illness because they don't have better vocabulary.
Out-of-ordinary states of mind are generally not very well supported by the mainstream. People who experience them are often marginalized and ignored - viewed as a problem for society. Many get locked away and lose their rights for having them. Modern treatments, just as treatments of the past, tend to be barbaric and cruel. They lead to a shortened lifespan, identity theft and lost potential. There has to be a better way.
Process Work has many applications including inner exploration, relationships and group work. During my two year program, I focused my studies primarily on altered and extreme states of consciousness. I learned many powerful frameworks for what altered and extreme states are, how to think about them and how to harvest them for the gifts that they are. Process Work contains philosophies and attitudes that contrast directly with mainstream "mental health." I speak from personal experience when I say that Process Work is both practical and illuminating. My graduate training, personal encounters with altered extreme states in my own life, and over five years experience hosting Hearing Voices groups are a potent combination and have taught me a great deal. I am interested in passing this knowledge on to you.
In Process-Oriented Psychology (aka Process Work), the answer to this question is clearly no.
In the Process Work model, unusual experiences and extreme states are not pathologized. Instead they are regarded as meaningful and purposeful. Such experiences are viewed as a gift; containing lesser-known and important information - not only for the person experiencing them, but for their friends, families, supporters and even the whole planet. The themes that emerge in extreme states - while perhaps not true in the reality most people agree is happening - are true in other levels of reality. They are often powerful metaphors. Extreme states and unusual beliefs represent energies and experiences most people aren't willing to live. These energies tend to fall on the more sensitive of us.
Most people are uncomfortable with unshared realities. In my opinion that's the reason why they get called mental illness. While I acknowledge that these experiences can be disturbing, the truth is that there is nothing objectively sick about unusual states of mind. People label them as illness because they don't have better vocabulary.
Out-of-ordinary states of mind are generally not very well supported by the mainstream. People who experience them are often marginalized and ignored - viewed as a problem for society. Many get locked away and lose their rights for having them. Modern treatments, just as treatments of the past, tend to be barbaric and cruel. They lead to a shortened lifespan, identity theft and lost potential. There has to be a better way.
Process Work has many applications including inner exploration, relationships and group work. During my two year program, I focused my studies primarily on altered and extreme states of consciousness. I learned many powerful frameworks for what altered and extreme states are, how to think about them and how to harvest them for the gifts that they are. Process Work contains philosophies and attitudes that contrast directly with mainstream "mental health." I speak from personal experience when I say that Process Work is both practical and illuminating. My graduate training, personal encounters with altered extreme states in my own life, and over five years experience hosting Hearing Voices groups are a potent combination and have taught me a great deal. I am interested in passing this knowledge on to you.
