Cliff Straehley III MD

Psychiatrist

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Spiritual Emergence
Syndromes

 

Spiritual Emergence Syndromes

Sometimes people experience profound insights which have great religious or spiritual significance to them. Occasionally this happens as a result of an overly intense meditation retreat. Sometimes people become dysfunctional during these awakenings. These episodes can be frightening to loved ones. Sometimes these experiences can be misinterpreted by the person having them. Sometimes hallucinogenic drugs are involved. It can be difficult at times to sort out the good and the bad in these experiences. That is why these are called “Spiritual Emergence Syndromes”. Sometimes it is hard to draw a line between a true mental disorder with false beliefs and a valid spiritual experience with new and deep insights. I have had a lot of personal experience with meditation and yoga. I have interviewed many people who have had such experiences, and I have helped people work through these episodes in a productive way.