A Workshop at the Peerpocalypse Conference in Salem, Oregon May 20th, 2019 There are many postures we can take toward unusual experiences, like an extreme state of mind or a distressing voice. The most known posture is to cope with that experience. That is, find a way to make the experience go away or at least make it less distressing. Coping means developing a way to live with that experience so that it is less bothersome. This is by far the most familiar attitude in western behavioral health "treatment."
There are other approaches we can take besides coping. Another strategy is to engage with our experiences. That is, collect details and consider their importance and meaning; deciphering their metaphorical truth, ultimately becoming more of whatever energies and lessons they bring into our lives. This is a much less common approach.
In this workshop John takes viewers on a tour of his relationship with his extreme state experiences, using the lens of Process Oriented Psychology to detail four different attitudes -- only one of which is the familiar "mental illness" paradigm many take for granted. But it's not the only approach we can take.
In Process Work, unusual experiences are viewed as valuable - not only for the person experiencing them, but for their community as well. Such experiences hold lesser-known information we can all benefit from.
John takes questions from the audience, following the curiosity and comments of the group. Special thanks to co-presenter Kate Hill for her insight and wisdom.
This video is for support and information purposes only.
Any information or commentary provided is intended to educate individuals on “mental health” related issues.
Nothing in this video should be considered or used as medical or clinical advice.
You will hear some salty language.
All images are used for educational purposes.
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