Monday, January 08, 2007

Online Discussion Forums and Other Links

This page has been need of a tidy for quite some time. A number of the links no longer work and having had this blog in place for a year or so now, I now have a greater understanding of what people are seeking when they come here.

One of their primary needs is to be able to talk about and share their experience with others, preferably in a supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere. Sometimes I'm able to talk with people but I can't always make that commitment. For that reason I've included a link to some Discussion Forums that may be able to fulfill that need for you.

People are also seeking connection, to find others who have been through an experience similar to their own. To that end, I've included links to some Other Blogs and Websites as related to the experience of schizophrenia, psychosis, mania and spiritual emergency.

People also have a need to learn as much as they can about their experience. The primary purpose of my blogs has been to help people in their reach for understanding but the bulk of that information comes to you in the form of relatively brief written articles. Therefore, I've included a section for Recommended Books, Videos and Podcasts

I'm also frequently contacted by individuals who are looking for a therapist they can work with. I have not worked with any, therefore I can't offer personal recommendations however I have included a number of links to Therapists who state that they have an understanding of the concept of spiritual emergencies.

As a final point, this is a difficult and wearying process: people need someplace to rest their heads, if only for a little while. Therefore, I've included a Respite area for links that are not necessarily related to the larger subject matter but brought me some small measure of peace or comfort in the midst of this process. I share them with the hopes they do the same for you.




Discussion Forums

If you've not participated in online discussions before please familiarize yourself with the concepts of Netiquette and Online Safety before participating at the following sites.

  • The Icarus Project

  • The Society for Laingian Studies: Discussion Forum

  • Forums at Psych Central

  • Mental Help Net

  • mindsz.com

  • beyondsz.com

  • Mental Health Forum

    There is one discussion forum I would not recommend others go to and this is why. schizophrenia.com remains the only site on my list that comes with a heavy caution warning. Naturally, as in all things, you must make your own decisions.

    I've added a caution in regard to a second online forum because the attitudes are remarkably similar to those held at schizophrenia.com. crazyboards.org receives high marks for hostility, bullying and moderator abuses. If you believe that's exactly the kind of environment you require to help facilitiate your own recovery... you now know where to find it.




    Related Blogs

  • Alliance For Human Research Protection
  • A Carer's Journal
  • Been Broken
  • Bipolar or Waking Up?
  • Bipolar Blast
  • Bonker Bob's Schizophrenia Blog
  • Beyond the Psychiatric Box
  • Clinical Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Furious Seasons
  • Mickey Ripped / Disordered / Underground
  • Soulful Sepulcher
  • Spirit Within
  • writhesafely
  • Zophren




    Related Websites

  • Authenticity
  • Alliance for Human Research
  • Mind Freedom
  • National Empowerment Center
  • Successful Schizophrenia
  • Transforming Voyage: Mystical Personality Development
  • Vermont Recovery




    Recommended Reading

    I realize that a number of people reading this section may have a limited income. Before committing to the purchase of a book you may find it beneficial to search for it at Google Books. Quite often you can find lengthy excerpts that may help you determine if it's the kind of book that warrants parting with your cash. It's also possible a friend or local library may be able to loan you a copy.

  • Are You Getting Enlightened or Losing Your Mind?
  • Mad In America
  • Models of Madness
  • Punishing the Patient
  • Spiritual Emergency
  • The Far Side of Madness
  • The Holotropic Mind
  • The Stormy Search for the Self
  • Trials of the Visionary Mind
  • Your Drug May Be Your Problem




    Videos & Podcasts

  • Sean: Bipolar Crisis or Waking Up?
  • Sean: Bipolar Mania & Spirituality: Part I / Part II
  • Dr. John Breeding: Hallucinations, Catatonia & Schizophrenia
  • Dr. Stan Grof: Holotropic States of Consciousness
  • Dr. John Breeding: Psychiatry vs. Psychology
  • The Birth of Modern Psychiatry: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV
  • Dr. Stan Grof: Race of Consciousness
  • Dr. Stan Grof: Psychology of the Future




    Therapists

    It has been my experience that therapists with a background in Jungian (Depth Psychology) or Transpersonal Psychology are best equipped to work with individuals undergoing forms of spiritual emergency. Before reviewing this list I suggest that you review this article: Choosing a Competant Caregiver. It may also be to your benefit to go to a search engine and enter these terms: "spiritual emergency+therapy+your locality". Very few therapists are open to online or telephone counseling so your best bet may be to try and find a local therapist first. I am aware however, that there are also very few therapists out there who are comfortable with this particular form of therapy -- it may be necessary to cast a wider net.

    The following should not be considered a form of personal endorsement. I have not worked with nor do I personally know any of the following individuals, they are simply therapists who identify themselves as being familiar with the concept of spiritual emergency. In some cases, a specific therapist is not linked but an organization is.

  • Brant Cortright [USA]
  • Association for Holotropic Breathwork
  • Association for Transpersonal Psychology
  • The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
  • David Lukoff [USA]
  • Michael Nagel [USA]
  • Tom Adams [USA]
  • Nancy Poitou [USA]
  • Robert Masters [Willing to work by phone/e-mail]
  • Andrew Reiner & Harbans Kaur [Australia]




    Respite

    A place to rest your head...

  • Blogger's Pics
  • It Is Solved By Walking
  • Dance of the One-Legged Man
  • Seven Wonders
  • Silence
  • Tippi & Cheetah



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