Spiritually Transformative Experiences
Emergence, Meaning Making & Growth
Course Description
In our current mental health system, being diagnosed with a ‘psychotic disorder’ or ‘schizophrenia’ is akin to a life sentence of medication and/or inpatient treatment. However, extreme and altered states of consciousness (experiences such as visions, trance states, unusual beliefs, altered realities, voice hearing, intense elation, etc.) have not always been pathologized and labeled as serious mental illnesses to be treated with intensive medical intervention. Altered states can be ecstatic, blissful, and peaceful; they can also be traumatic, disruptive, and frightening. When with curiosity, openness, and support, extreme states have the potential to be revolutionary, generative, and meaningful for individuals and mark profound effects for one’s life, well-being, and future.
Over the past several decades, psychological research has increasingly supported the notion that some psychiatric states are opportunities for spiritual growth rather than intrinsically destructive psychopathologies. The term ‘spiritual emergency’ was coined by Stanislav and Christina Grof in the late 1970s to refer to a psychotic-like crisis (either spontaneous or induced), the resolution of which may lead to enhanced spiritual emergence. This class introduces alternative frameworks for understanding altered states and experiences often labeled 'psychosis,’ including spiritual emergency, post-traumatic growth, and human potential. We offer a variety of strategies for providers to support others through the often difficult process of navigating these experiences, engaging with the personal and cultural narratives attached to them, and the process of making meaning from these experiences.
What you’ll learn:
Generative and non-pathologizing models and frameworks to describe altered states, such as spiritual emergency, post-traumatic growth, and human potential
Different types of transpersonal experiences, and how to meet them with curiosity and openness
Tools and methods for working with individuals who are experiencing altered states to help them feel safe, supported, autonomous, and capable of wellness
Strategies to collaboratively navigate the cultural embeddedness of support and diagnosis
How to serve as a “bridge” between mainstream approaches to mental health, and the emerging fields of spiritual emergence and transpersonal psychology
Faculty
Katrina Michelle, PhD, LCSW
Katrina is a holistic psychotherapist based in New York City. After working within various community mental health settings, she founded The Curious Spirit, an integrative private practice that works from a transpersonal and humanistic framework centered around cultivating psycho spiritual growth. Katrina earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University and her Master's in Social Work from Stony Brook University. For her doctoral research she conducted a heuristic study on Exploring Resistance to Spiritual Emergence and her Master's research focussed on spiritual development within higher education. Katrina has served as faculty at Columbia University School of Social Work, Fordham University School of Social Services, Tulane University, and New York University.
Katrina formerly served as the director of harm reduction for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) at the Zendo Project and prior to that served for three years as the executive director of The American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE). As co-founder of Emergent Entertainment, a company on a mission to demystify awakening experiences through storytelling and art, Katrina is also working on producing her first film, When Lightning Strikes, to help create language and a cultural context for transpersonal experiences.
“Katrina taught me the language around spiritual emergence(ies), and provided me with many resources, education, and healing modalities that have been paramount to my healing. Most importantly, she provided me with invaluable tools on my path to healing, including speaking my truth, surrender, shadow work, expressing my emotions, performing personal and communal rituals, and pursuing what my soul is being called to do.”
What You Get
55 minutes of video content
Exclusive readings and resources
Discussion with a creative community of professionals and advocates inside the course
A reference and resource list to aid ongoing learning and exploration on the course topics
Audience
This course is for:
Mental health and physical health professionals, including: clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, peer specialists, recovery support specialists, housing specialists, nurse practitioners, wellness support workers, coaches, holistic practitioners
Students
Activists
Family members and advocates
Anyone who works or plans to work with people experiencing mental health-related challenges
“From deep existential anxieties to surface-level work frustrations—from crisis to celebration—Katrina has helped me stay balanced and gain perspective. She genuinely cares about my wellbeing and is flexible in a way that is such a relief in a healthcare system that can often be rigid and impersonal.”
Take the Class
This self-paced course is hosted on Mighty Networks, home to IDHA's School for Transformative Mental Health. This virtual community space supports sustained learning, engagement with other students, access to supplemental resources, and opportunities to interact with your faculty.
We provide the option of enrolling for at the general ($20) or supporter rate ($40) to ensure the sustainability of IDHA’s work and enable us to create more accessible, cutting-edge training content.
CLICK THE BUTTONS BELOW TO JOIN US ON MIGHTY NETWORKS!
If you already have an account, simply log in to proceed to the course.
If you’re new to IDHA’s Mighty Network, you will be prompted to create an account and then receive access to course content.
FAQ
When does the course start and finish?
This is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course, content, or platform?
We love hearing your feedback on what we can do to improve our efforts to bring transformative mental health to the public! Shoot us an email at contact@idha-nyc.org and let us know your thoughts. If you disagree with any of the perspectives shown in this course - that's great! We encourage differing perspectives, so feel free to leave a comment in the course - so long as your comments remain respectful and you speak from your own point of view.
I am a person struggling with mental health issues/a family member of someone who is struggling. Can I take the course?
Absolutely! Just note that this course is geared towards professionals in the field, and will speak mostly to those working in a formal support role. However, we welcome anyone who wants to join!
Are refunds available?
At this time, all sales are final, we cannot offer refunds after purchase.