Abstract: Spirituality can be a taboo subject in psychotherapeutic circles, though it is an important dimension in many of our patients’ lives and subjective searches for transcendent meaning. In this workshop, we will explore parallels between emotional elements of a transformative experiential psychotherapy (AEDP) and characteristics of spiritual experiences and psychedelic healing journeys. Shared phenomena such as deep connection to self and others, gratitude, awe, reverence, compassion, love, expanded states of consciousness, and a truth sense bridge the worlds of psychotherapy and spirituality.
In this workshop, we will explore in depth the phenomenology and clinical unfolding of the process of transformation itself. One of the most unique and revolutionary elements of AEDP’s emotional processing trajectory is the focus on the affective markers of the process of change itself. While other emotion-focused therapies may elucidate theories and guide interventions that facilitate the movement from distress/ defensive states to the full processing of core adaptive emotions, in AEDP, this is only the first step. After the turbulence of intense emotional experiencing, how do therapists guide patients to keep the momentum moving through the full process of transformation? We will track the affective markers of transformational experience in a session of a patient with Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorder NOS, witnessing how the swell of powerful emotional experiences such as awe, gratitude and tremulousness herald a new way of apprehending self, other and the world. Finally, we will explore synergies between 1. emotional hallmarks and states of consciousness evoked in AEDP’s State 3 and 4 work; 2. the transformative power of mystical and spiritual experiences; 3. the healing potential of psychedelic medicines.
This workshop will be presented in a novel, community-based format, with multiple presenters from Brazil, Sweden, the US, as well as AEDP’s Vision Collective exploratory group on Spirituality. The workshop will feature several AEDP sessions of poignant State 3 &4 work, as well as an experiential exercise, small discussion groups led by presenters, a moderated panel discussion with all presenters and a live demo. This workshop will be highly interactive and experiential, inviting wisdom from participants as well as presenters across a wide range of spiritual and cultural traditions.