This expansive course Meditation/ Meditation, Guided Imagery, and other Alternative Treatments to Complement Psychotherapy is open to all CIHS students and programs. The course offers physical, mental, and spiritual foundations for the study of comparative religion, integral health, integral and clinical psychology. The course will address biological and neurobiological effects of meditative practices. Yogic meditation and other practices bring about harmonization of subtle energies in the body. As mental concentration deepens, the person ultimately attains the state of "no thoughts and no ideas,” (shunya). If prolonged, body consciousness decreases, and transcendental consciousness arises, fostering mind-body-spirit health. A survey of meditation, guided imagery, and other practices will be explored on both an academic and experiential level. Students will leave with practical tools to complement psychotherapy or other traditional treatments and which may help clients relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, more focused concentration to name a few of the direct effects of alternative treatments. Each class meeting will include experiential meditation and alternative techniques designed to evoke healing and increase consciousness as well as an academic exploration of them.
- Teacher: Michelle Dexter