Description
The book is devoted to the therapeutic impact of altered states of consciousness and the pitfalls that come with them, also presenting a model of transpersonal psychology that is practically unknown on the Polish market. In its structure it refers to the concept of the archetypal hero's journey and consists of four parts.
Part One - "The Call to Expedition" - provides general information about the extremely positive effects of these experiences, but also the pitfalls that lurk for such wanderers. It describes all possible ways of intentional and unintentional entry into altered states, as well as the differences between them. It discusses both psychoactive substances and the myriad of non-pharmacological methods used in many cultures.
Part Two - "Preparing for a trip" - deals with detailed physical and mental preparation for such experiences and discusses the various possible circumstances under which such trips can take place. It presents models of transpersonal psychology that help to bring together the most unusual experiences into a single whole, and which are absolutely worth learning before one decides to go on such experiences. He describes in detail the phenomena associated with the recurrence of past memories, including those of one's own childbirth, as well as all transpersonal experiences. Particular importance is given to traumatic experiences, experiences related to the sensation of dying and experiences with demonic content.
The third part - "In the land of trials" - describes the therapeutic mechanisms that happen during such sessions. It emphasizes the importance of trusting the natural course of such an experience and being open to everything that occurs, and interpreting everything as a product of one's own psyche and its projection onto the outside world. An empathetic, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship also plays a very important role. Working with the body and helping to unblock physical tensions in the body is also an important element. A separate chapter in this section is devoted to crisis situations - the proper selection of people for such experiences and all the possible mistakes that can be made then.
Part Four - "Integration. The hero's return home" - deals with what is most important - that is, everything that happens after the return to daily life. It discusses both the general principles of integrating such experiences, contains quite a few specific practices, detailed tips, and describes in great detail all the possible pitfalls and simplifications that people overwhelmed by such adventures are sometimes subjected to, both in a positive and negative way. The book is full of therapeutic case studies - descriptions of successful therapeutic processes and the many complications resulting from amateur experiments or lack of professional help at the right time. It is interspersed with concrete tips and references to other similar situations - such as the author's climbing of Kilimanjaro, examples from literature or spontaneous experiences of people in crisis and breakthrough situations. It synthesizes archaic secret knowledge and intuitive approaches together with classical psychology and the latest research on therapy."
Author: Tomasz Kwiecinski - therapist, co-founder Holomind and Holotropic Poland
