An introduction to the scientific study of psychics and mediums—those who are frauds, those who are psychotic, and those whose claims seem to defy easy dismissal. Welcome to the world of Mysterious Minds: The Neurobiology of Psychics, Mediums, and Other Extraordinary People. Here, experts in the emerging field of neurobiological study make the case that while many claims of psychic ability are easily proven false, there may well be claimants who can obtain information in ways not easily explained by mainstream science—and there might be scientific tools and approaches available to confirm those experiences. Written by an expert team of distinguished investigators from a half dozen countries around the world, Mysterious Minds introduces readers to the current state of research into parapsychological experiences, emphasizing the neurobiological data obtained by those who claim to be psychics or mediums. It offers specific examples of paranormal claims of extraordinary people—claims scrutinized through the use of high-tech brain imaging, clinical neurological examinations, and psychotropic drugs. The book concludes by proposing a series of models based on fundamental neurobiology, psychology, and quantum physics that could help us unravel these mental mysteries.

Across history, the condition has been called "soldier's heart," "shell shock," or "combat fatigue." It is now increasingly common as our service men and women return from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other ongoing combat zones. Since 1990, Veterans' centers here have treated more than 1.6 million affected men and women, including an estimated 100,000 from the Gulf War and an untallied total from the Iraq front and fighting in Afghanistan. The number also includes some 35,000 World War II veterans, because PTSD does not fade easily. Regardless of the months, years, and even decades that have passed, the traumatic events can flash back as seemingly real as they were when they occurred.In Haunted by Combat Paulson and Krippner range across history and into current experiences and treatments for this haunting disorder. They take us into the minds of PTSD-affected veterans, as they struggle against the traumatic events lingering in their minds, sometimes exploding into violent behavior. The authors explain how and why PTSD develops--and how we can help service members take the steps to heal today.

Three distinguished experts share cutting-edge insights on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), showing why it occurs, how it affects the development and existence of those it impacts, and how it can be treated. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a comprehensive and thoughtful examination of the nature, causes, and treatment of PTSD. Drawing on the vast experience of its team of authors, the book details the insidious nature and history of PTSD, from the internal and external factors that cause this form of suffering to the ways it manifests itself psychologically and socially. The most cutting-edge research on treatment, intervention, and prevention is thoroughly discussed, as are the spiritual and psychological strengths that can emerge when one progresses beyond the label of "disorder." The book begins with a historical review of the topic. Subsequent chapters offer in-depth exploration of the significant foundations, function, impacts, and treatments associated with PTSD. Each chapter addresses practical issues, incorporating case studies that bring the information to life and ensure an appreciation of the myriad social, psychological, and biological experiences surrounding PTSD. This book answers complex questions like "How does PTSD manifest itself?" and more critically: "How can its effects be mitigated or overcome?" Finally, it discusses how PTSD survivors can move beyond post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic strengths. A chronology of the history and origination of PTSD related to war and combat exposure Case studies and examples that provide a view of PTSD from the inside out, rather than the outside in

This book presents a provocative debate between parapsychological advocates who claim that Western science's worldview is incomplete, and counteradvocates who insist that parapsychological data is either spurious or can be explained by standard scientific principles. Despite ongoing and repeated attempts to prove or disprove the existence of parapsychological events, there are still no conclusive findings—and certainly no consensus across the worldwide community of scholars, scientists, and proponents of psychic phenomena. Still, there is no shortage of information about this fascinating topic to allow everyone to draw their own conclusions. This book has been expressly written to make each chapter and topic accessible to a general audience, despite containing a vast amount of theoretical material. The book is organized into two parts: in the first section, proponents of the validity of parapsychological data and critics who reject that validity state their respective positions. In the second part, each group responds to each others' statements in the form of a debate. Other experts from the United States as well as from Australia and Great Britain provide overviews and conclusions.

Both a manual on the various methods for working with dreams and an easily understandable description about dreamwork methods and PTSD nightmares for general readers, this book will benefit psychotherapists, counselors, academics, and students. Working with Dreams and PTSD Nightmares: 14 Approaches for Psychotherapists and Counselors is an essential tool for anyone seeking to learn how to work with dreams. It covers all major methods in use today, offering outlines of the processes with descriptive examples that make the material come alive for the reader. The clinical examples enable counselors and psychotherapists to be able to see the effectiveness of dreamwork processes, and the text clearly explains techniques so readers can use them in clinical and counseling sessions. PTSD nightmares are given special attention to serve counselors and therapists who assist PTSD patients in settings such as private practice, mental health centers, community centers, and hospitals. This book is a comprehensive textbook appropriate for courses on psychology and dreams. Readers who are interested in dreamwork methods but have not previously worked in the field will find the information accessible, concise, and clear. Summarizes dreamwork theories and describes techniques that counselors and psychotherapists can use whether their clients presents one dream, a recurring dream, or a nightmare Presents clear and concise explanations from top professionals on how their methods can be applied to uncover the deeper meaning of dreams, accompanied by illustrative examples for the reader Explains how various practical dreamwork methods are informed by clinical theories

First published in 1997. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This book explains why suicide can be alluring to a person aiming to stop his or her traumatic pain-whether its source is bullying, sexual assault, war combat, or other PTSD-invoking events-and details approaches that can prevent suicide. Suicide has been a taboo topic in Western culture. The mere mention of suicide sparks reactive responses that include medical, moral, spiritual, and religious debates. As a result, the authors open an important discussion here, offering an honest and non-judgmental examination of the many aspects involved in the nature of suicide, explaining that above all, people need to learn how to support those struggling with suicidal thoughts or to intercept their own suicidal thinking. The book also includes an extensive review and evaluation of the many available mental health treatments. Special consideration is given to military suicides. U.S. soldier suicides exceed one per day and continue to rise in all military branches, while veteran suicide rates are even higher, averaging 17 per day. Communities, families, veterans, and service members are in need of tools and insights for coping with, navigating, and exposing the suicidal attitudes affecting many current and former members of the military. Incorporates academic research, media coverage, and the authors' personal experiences Includes topics associated with forms of suicide not widely addressed in other books, including evolutionary psychology, traumatic brain injury, prescription drug side-effects, and shamanism Addresses suicide in the general population as well as within the cadre of some of the nation's newest veterans-those who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars

This book consists of a collection of essays informing readers as to the contemporary status of selected cutting-edge issues in parapsychology (or "psi research"). Each chapter comprehensively reviews a controversial topic from a critical stance, and updates its status based on the latest theoretical and empirical considerations. Chapter authors are authoritative experts in their fields who have captured the complexity and importance of their topics. This is a resource for both the serious scholar and interested follower of psi research, containing in-depth analyses and discussions of topics that cannot be found elsewhere. Topics include cross-examinations of psychical investigations; a meta-analysis of anomalous information collected by mediums; an examination of the relationships between parapsychology, quantum theory and neuroscience; and a study of psychics' involvement in police investigations.

In an interview granted years before September 11, 2001, Osama bin Laden has stated that he considers both soldiers and civilians of the enemy legitimate targets. That position is not unique, and the wars of the past century have proven with increasing numbers of civilian casualties. This book addresses the impact of war and extreme stress on civilian populations, as well as psychology's response to these phenomena. Contributors examined and developed interventions in locations including Africa, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Siberia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Subjects include: women under the Taliban, AIDS patients faced with governmental denial, survivors of the Rwanda massacres, post-Pol Pot Cambodia, Nazi Holocaust victims, Kuwaitis after the Iraqi invasion, Argentine mothers of disappeared youth, and more.

The authors examine such rehabilitation efforts as art therapy and role-playing in the former Yugoslavia, community mobilization in Angola, body-work for torture victims who have found their way to London, and counseling for former child prostitutes now in Vietnamese schools. Preventative measures include classes in ethnopolitical conflict resolution, reconciliation and peace-building activities, and the revival of indigenous practices after decades of repression.

The essays in this volume 9 of a series inform readers of the present status of leading issues in parapsychology (or psi research). The authors are experts in their fields and have written in a reader-friendly way that captures the complexity and importance of their topics. Each essay comprehensively reviews a controversial topic from a critical stance, and updates its status based on the latest theoretical and empirical considerations. For readers who need to keep pace with the evolution of thinking in psi research, this volume is authoritative. The series as a whole has traced the development of psi research over decades, providing a longterm definitive resource.

Since 1990, U.S. Veterans' centers have treated more than 1.6 million PTSD-affected men and women, including an estimated 100,000 from the Gulf War and an untallied total from the Iraq and Afghanistan fronts. The number also includes World War II veterans, because PTSD does not fade easily. Sufferers may experience the traumatic events in flashbacks that may seem as real as when they first occurred. Using first hand accounts, the authors offer insights into the realities of PTSD and combat trauma, and how symptoms may pervade even the most mundane of daily activities and cause sufferers to experience withdrawal, depression, violence, rage, and even suicide. In a new epilogue, the authors offer data about treatments and resources that both PTSD sufferers and their families and friends will value.

A literary collection on dissociation, Broken Images, Broken Selves offers a unique approach to the understanding of the condition known as dissociative and of the rich and deeply meaningful narratives that emerge from it. This book is filled with personal accounts by individuals whose lives may be fragmented by this condition. These stories demonstrate how this phenomenon can be dysfunctional or functional, depending on the cultural setting.
The book is divided into three parts. In the first section, contributors consider dissociative experience against a backdrop of cross-cultural interpretation. They explore the causes of the disorders and explain instances of dissociative or other human experiences. Secondly, the authors explore definitions and descriptions of specific exceptional human phenomena. The broad concept of dissociation is discussed with numerous examples of narrative material.
Each story recognizes the conditions in which the narrator lives and the complexity of his or her experiences. The third and final part examines issues brought up in the first two sections of the book, including the variety of dissociative experiences and implications for understanding and treating these patients.
Exploring issues such as repressed memory, extraterrestrial abduction accounts, and near-death experience stories, this user-friendly book can be enjoyed by the clinician as well as the lay person. Practical and provocative, it serves as a guide for those who want a deeper look into the human psyche and a more encompassing vision of the less predictable aspects of the mind.

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Integrated Care for the Traumatized puts forth a model for the future of behavioral health focused on health care integration and the importance of the Whole Person Approach (WPA) in guiding the integration. This book fills a void applying the WPA integration to the traumatized that enables the reader to learn from experienced trauma practitioners on how to assess and treat trauma as humanely and compassionately as possible. This approach of expanding the possibilities of behavioral health by centering upon the whole person is an old idea that is emerging as a modern solution to over specialized practices. Among other things this WPA approach, completed with spirituality, psychology, medicine, social work, and psychiatry, helps traumatized and their families function in the social environment. The book has four sections: Foundations, Interventions for Individuals, Interventions for Communities, and Future of Integrative Care for the Traumatized. Each chapter discusses the importance of working within an integrative and WP approach, with descriptions of integrative models, research evidence and applications that are already working. These chapters can help students, families, and seasoned professionals to improve upon and expand their practice with the traumatized in both the individual and community contexts.

Each and every one of us grapples with our own highly personal mythology-the psychic force that allows us to weave the fragments of our experience into coherent story. These mythologies shape our every thought, perception, and action, helping us to feel safe and secure in our identities. But when our personal mythologies do not grow and change along with us, we find ourselves stuck in self-defeating life patterns.In Personal Mythology, David Feinstein, Ph.D., and Stanley Krippner, Ph.D., hailed by Jean Houston as masters of the geography of the inscapes, provide a series of detailed exercises developed over a combined 80 years of clinical practice, personal development workshops, and teaching on psychological topics. Using ritual, dreams, and imagination to liberate you from the mythologies of your childhood and culture, the 12-week course will ignite the mystery of a transformed inner life into authentic outer expression. This third edition of a life-changing classic has been revised to include a new Support Guide combining their ground-breaking model for incorporating Energy Psychology into the process of personal transformation.

The first of its kind, this guidebook provides an overview of clinical holistic interventions for mental-health practitioners. Submissions from 21 contributors examine the validity of different methods and provide information on credentialed training and licensure requirements necessary for legal and ethical practice. Chapters covering a range of healing modalities describe the populations and disorders for which the intervention is most effective, as well as the risks involved, and present research on the effectiveness of treatment, with step-by-step sample clinical sessions.

The history of humankind cannot be charted as a steady linear upward slope but rather as a series of quantum jumps of short duration separated by plateaus of varying duration during which no progress occurred. During these periods of no progress, the revolutionaries who produced the preceding quantum jump pass from the scene, their principles and concepts become concretized as dogma, and a new establishment is born whose sacred duty is the protection of the dogma against the new revolutionaries. The last quantum jump was the scientific revolution of the nineteenth century which laid the groundwork for our present technological civilization, and perhaps more important, also shaped our philosophical view of what is a human being. Since the basis of this scientific revolution was reason, logic, measurement, and total reliance upon the organized senses, the resultant view of the person is that of an automaton, functioning in a clockwork world. The power of this view is evident in the advances made in medical science up until the 1950s. The twin triumphs of sanitation and preventive medicine and the develop ment of the antibiotic concept completely revolutionized the practice of medicine, and by 1950 those of us in the profession were anticipating a new golden age of medicine. But, in fact, the reality has been disaster. The mechanistic view of humanity has led to more and more technologi cal applications of ever increasing complexity and cost and ever de creasing efficiency."

Montague Ullman The second volume of this series includes essays on methods and issues in ESP research (Morris), research findings in ESP (Palmer), and theories of psi (Rao). It thus complements the areas covered in Volume 1, the two volumes taken together providing the reader with a sound grounding in the progress and achievements of parapsychological research from its inception to the present day. What is immediately striking is the rapid increase in the amount and variety of experimental reports appearing in the last decade and the increasing number of centers in which research is being carried out. Work in parapsychology is moving toward a broader disciplinary base, the use of more imaginative technology, greater academic support, and more activity on an international scale. These are promising signs of a rapprochement between parapsychological research and the mainstream of science. Robert O. Becker, in his preface to Volume 1, holds out the hope that parapsychology will lead the way to a new view of the biological or ganism, one going beyond mechanism to "a new vision of the human being and his place in the universe" (Becker, 1977). Heavy as this respon sibility may be, a careful reading of the present volume should persuade the reader that a new view is very much in order."

Integrated Care for the Traumatized puts forth a model for the future of behavioral health focused on health care integration and the importance of the Whole Person Approach (WPA) in guiding the integration. This book fills a void applying the WPA integration to the traumatized that enables the reader to learn from experienced trauma practitioners on how to assess and treat trauma as humanely and compassionately as possible. This approach of expanding the possibilities of behavioral health by centering upon the whole person is an old idea that is emerging as a modern solution to over specialized practices. Among other things this WPA approach, completed with spirituality, psychology, medicine, social work, and psychiatry, helps traumatized and their families function in the social environment. The book has four sections: Foundations, Interventions for Individuals, Interventions for Communities, and Future of Integrative Care for the Traumatized. Each chapter discusses the importance of working within an integrative and WP approach, with descriptions of integrative models, research evidence and applications that are already working. These chapters can help students, families, and seasoned professionals to improve upon and expand their practice with the traumatized in both the individual and community contexts.

A colorful and compelling examination of evidence for the mind's ability to heal, taking a step into the fascinating world of psychic healing and shamanism. 80 black-and-white photographs.

Practiced in community centers and psychiatric hospitals throughout Brazil, Spiritist therapies are gaining increasing recognition internationally for their ability to complement conventional medicine. This pioneering text is the first comprehensive account of the philosophy, theory, practical applications and wider relevance of Spiritist therapies to be published in the English language. Leading practitioners and researchers in the field describe the history, principles and diagnostic processes of the Spiritist approach to mental health, and provide an extensive summary of the various methodologies used, including spiritual mediumship, energy work, prayer, homeopathy, past life regression and the practice of integrating spirituality into counselling and psychotherapy. Considering the ways in which Spiritism aligns with contemporary science, they show that the Spiritist model has the potential to bring about a positive transformation in the ways in which mental health care is conceptualized and delivered around the globe. The final part of the book explores how Spiritist centers and psychiatric hospitals are established and financed, with specific examples from Brazil and the USA. Providing important new insights into the rich tradition of Brazilian Spiritism, this authoritative text will be of interest to mental health professionals, counselors, therapists and alternative and complementary health practitioners.