I believe that the greatest long-term benefit of psychedelic experience is that it can help to reduce mental conflict to the point where calmness, relaxation, and clear thinking can prevail more fully in one’s life. Being able to relax quickly and deeply at will for as long a period as desired is a great mental and physical benefit in this turbulent and uncertain world. Inner emotional and philosophical conflicts can interfere with deep relaxation and clear thought, but psychedelic experience can provide the opportunity to gradually work on resolving these issues and finding satisfactory answers and resolutions to them at deep intuitive levels. If nothing else, even short periods of deep relaxation and peace of mind during the day can be a healthy escape from stress. It is possible to remain “the stationary axle to the turning wheel of destiny” even when circumstances become less than pleasant.I believe that psychedelic experience is a learning experience. Whether the “inner teacher” is considered as spiritual or a mental process or both or neither, new ways of looking at things are somehow provided that can be later tested and evaluated in daily life. The harder lessons take longer to learn and to require more repetitionsTo the extent that the mind can be cleared of unnecessary residual tension and conflict, “direct perception” can be experienced. The world can become a more vivid, significant, and interesting place, and its miraculous quality can be better appreciated. I consider that psychedelic drugs, used with reasonable care, are quite safe and healthy when the cautions that I have mentioned are considered. Only one of my more than two hundred clients experienced any significant aftermath after taking a high dose (500 micrograms) of LSD, but she was a patient in a mental hospital who had a history of similar episodes prior to her LSD experience. I believe that psychedelic experience could very well be of benefit for psychotherapeutic purposes, but I think that pinning too much hope on a single session is much too optimistic. One needs to learn to use the experience to his own advantage. In addition, I am quite sure that it would be of value for the psychotherapist to be personally familiar with the spiritual and cosmic concepts that the experience has to offer. I am guessing that a well-motivated patient who could choose his or her own dosage and the time interval between sessions would benefit the most. I am also guessing that either a disturbed or a healthy person could became quite familiar the experience and that he could benefit from and enjoy occasional self-exploration sessions with low or moderate doses without needing any supervision. For some people, the low dose experience is a satisfying alternative to the more dangerous and addictive drugs used for recreation. A rock concert could be as diverting as sitting in a nightclub. A question still remains as to the extent to which the right dosages taken at the right time could gradually replace the need for alcohol. It would be interesting to give a group of people who were strongly attracted to alcohol or some other recreational drug access to quality controlled self-administered doses of a psychedelic drug and to see the extent to which the one could replace the other. The experiences are quite different, but they have in common the fact that they are both indeed altered states of consciousness. They are both “highs” but one is considerably safer than the others. I predict that there would be some success in such an endeavor and that having an experienced person to act as an ally during the transition would be of great help. The moderate dose stimulates meditation, relaxation, self-exploration, and creativity. The high dose permits exploration of abstract and religious concepts as well as permitting possible resolutions of emotional, psychological, and philosophical conflicts on deep intuitive levels. At all levels there is the stimulation and the fascination of heightened awareness and expanded consciousness. Of course, these drugs need to be used with all due caution and respect and always within the law.

The Mind-Body Problem Examined

The mystery of consciousness and its relationship to the mind and the material world remains a philosophical enigma. This book is a comprehensive review of the thoughts and research devoted to this problem over the last century and offers the sometimes surprising views of psychologist/philosopher Merle Turner.

Written over a period of fifteen years, The Mind-Body Problem: Knot or Not? is the latest word on the identity theory--that mind and body are one. The ontological problem--reality of mind and body; the epistemic problem--interaction of the body and mind; and the methodological problem--relation of knowledge of the mind to the brain are all thoroughly explained. His audience is not limited to professionals. Any concerned lay person or student can follow the arguments. In short, this book offers a brilliant, lucid examination of consciousness and of how the divide between mind and brain can be bridged without denying the reality of either.

The Mind-Body Problem Examined

The mystery of consciousness and its relationship to the mind and the material world remains a philosophical enigma. This book is a comprehensive review of the thoughts and research devoted to this problem over the last century and offers the sometimes surprising views of psychologist/philosopher Merle Turner.

Written over a period of fifteen years, The Mind-Body Problem: Knot or Not? is the latest word on the identity theory--that mind and body are one. The ontological problem--reality of mind and body; the epistemic problem--interaction of the body and mind; and the methodological problem--relation of knowledge of the mind to the brain are all thoroughly explained. His audience is not limited to professionals. Any concerned lay person or student can follow the arguments. In short, this book offers a brilliant, lucid examination of consciousness and of how the divide between mind and brain can be bridged without denying the reality of either.

The Mind-Body Problem Examined

The mystery of consciousness and its relationship to the mind and the material world remains a philosophical enigma. This book is a comprehensive review of the thoughts and research devoted to this problem over the last century and offers the sometimes surprising views of psychologist/philosopher Merle Turner.

Written over a period of fifteen years, The Mind-Body Problem: Knot or Not? is the latest word on the identity theory--that mind and body are one. The ontological problem--reality of mind and body; the epistemic problem--interaction of the body and mind; and the methodological problem--relation of knowledge of the mind to the brain are all thoroughly explained. His audience is not limited to professionals. Any concerned lay person or student can follow the arguments. In short, this book offers a brilliant, lucid examination of consciousness and of how the divide between mind and brain can be bridged without denying the reality of either.

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This book is an evolving theory about the human condition and the true nature of reality. The theory states the laws of human energy dynamics that include the premise that all human stress, depression, anxiety, and conflict come from the perceived unfair or unequal exchange of human energy. The theory put forth utilizes the laws of physics from the physical realm and translates these same laws into human beings and human behavior. The theory clearly states that all human behavior is one hundred percent defensive, protective, selfish, self-centered, self-serving and is done so the human in question can avoid, relieve, reduce, or eliminate all forms of conceivable human suffering (self-destructive and suicidal behavior explained). The more we feel threatened and consequently suffer, the more selfish we become. There are no such things as selflessness, sacrifice, martyrs, or heroes because everything a person does or thinks about himself or herself has the subconscious and/or conscious goal of relieving suffering. Everything is a defense against suffering. The theory/philosophy presented in this book explains why people act the way they do, and why life is a brutal, fierce competition for scarce, finite, ultimately impersonal, ultimately impartial, and ultimately neutral human energy. All inevitable stress and conflict come from the entitlement people feel for this powerful invisible force (human energy), and there just isn’t enough to go around to satisfy each person’s unique entitlement issues. Even though this book talks about an inherent order to human beings with regards to energy, it is a very spiritual book meant to help people make sense of their lives and take the mystery out of why things happen they way they do. Once the reader becomes enlightened (aware) to the true nature of reality, only then can the human species evolve to a place where we can talk about what we are experiencing here on earth accurately. The final frontier for mankind is not outer space as many people will have you think. The final frontier is the acceptance of a hierarchical structure to mankind, selfishness, self-interest and entitlement as a truth and a natural, normal part of human existence. The theories presented in this book will change the way you view reality forever. It is to your advantage to understand reality. This book is where science, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and spirituality overlap.

This book is an evolving theory about the human condition and the true nature of reality. The theory states the laws of human energy dynamics that include the premise that all human stress, depression, anxiety, and conflict come from the perceived unfair or unequal exchange of human energy. The theory put forth utilizes the laws of physics from the physical realm and translates these same laws into human beings and human behavior. The theory clearly states that all human behavior is one hundred percent defensive, protective, selfish, self-centered, self-serving and is done so the human in question can avoid, relieve, reduce, or eliminate all forms of conceivable human suffering (self-destructive and suicidal behavior explained). The more we feel threatened and consequently suffer, the more selfish we become. There are no such things as selflessness, sacrifice, martyrs, or heroes because everything a person does or thinks about himself or herself has the subconscious and/or conscious goal of relieving suffering. Everything is a defense against suffering. The theory/philosophy presented in this book explains why people act the way they do, and why life is a brutal, fierce competition for scarce, finite, ultimately impersonal, ultimately impartial, and ultimately neutral human energy. All inevitable stress and conflict come from the entitlement people feel for this powerful invisible force (human energy), and there just isn’t enough to go around to satisfy each person’s unique entitlement issues. Even though this book talks about an inherent order to human beings with regards to energy, it is a very spiritual book meant to help people make sense of their lives and take the mystery out of why things happen they way they do. Once the reader becomes enlightened (aware) to the true nature of reality, only then can the human species evolve to a place where we can talk about what we are experiencing here on earth accurately. The final frontier for mankind is not outer space as many people will have you think. The final frontier is the acceptance of a hierarchical structure to mankind, selfishness, self-interest and entitlement as a truth and a natural, normal part of human existence. The theories presented in this book will change the way you view reality forever. It is to your advantage to understand reality. This book is where science, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and spirituality overlap.

This book is dangerous to your present way of life. It will compel and inspire you to choose courage and take action toward that vibrant, satisfying life you´ve always longed for. Every day, every hour, newly-seen opportunities for choosing courage will unfold an incredible and unexpected new world for you.

Discover
How courage is the key to everything you want in your life.
How to turn fear into energy and excitement.
How you can see that you always have the power to choose courage.
How you can recognize and seize the opportunities for choosing courage.
How choices of courage can be both fun and easy.
How choices of courage will make your life easier and easier.
How choices of courage will turn the impossible into the possible.

“For seventeen years clients have each paid Dwight thousands of dollars for tips on how torediscover passion, joy and self-expression. Now in this book he unveils the path to a richand rewarding life through CHOICES OF COURAGE. The door to that freedom is herein your hand.”
—Barry Spilchuk, co-author of A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Courage is an immediately useable and fascinating read. With this valuable reference guideand workbook, transform your fear from an enervating foe into your lifetime friend.for your capacity to do this.

This book is dangerous to your present way of life. It will compel and inspire you to choose courage and take action toward that vibrant, satisfying life you´ve always longed for. Every day, every hour, newly-seen opportunities for choosing courage will unfold an incredible and unexpected new world for you.

Discover
How courage is the key to everything you want in your life.
How to turn fear into energy and excitement.
How you can see that you always have the power to choose courage.
How you can recognize and seize the opportunities for choosing courage.
How choices of courage can be both fun and easy.
How choices of courage will make your life easier and easier.
How choices of courage will turn the impossible into the possible.

“For seventeen years clients have each paid Dwight thousands of dollars for tips on how torediscover passion, joy and self-expression. Now in this book he unveils the path to a richand rewarding life through CHOICES OF COURAGE. The door to that freedom is herein your hand.”
—Barry Spilchuk, co-author of A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Courage is an immediately useable and fascinating read. With this valuable reference guideand workbook, transform your fear from an enervating foe into your lifetime friend.for your capacity to do this.

In Fear No More  noted clinical psychotherapist Diana Hailparn teaches a step-by-step technique that enables people to understand, and overcome their fears, anxieties, and phobias. Hailparn illustrates how the sensitivities that enhance relationships and make people feel happy are the same sensitivities, when influenced negatively by the imagination, that result in vulnerability and fear.

You will learn how to understand why you were "selected" to experience fears, anxieties, and phobias; develop techniques to soothe yourself during panic; begin to quiet the inner voice that screams humiliation and disaster; allow your creative, powerful talents to emerge; develop strategies for dealing with hostile and critical people; start seeing the value of rewarding and appreciating yourself for your courage; and begin to love yourself in ways you never imagined.

Fear No More is replete with case studies and covered the fear response, creative imagination, social fears and their effect on relationships, the meaning of unconscious symptoms, nutrition and anxiety, fears of success, recurrence, and raising anxiety-free children.

On November 12, 2002, at the age of twenty-two, my son Mitchell committed suicide. His sudden and unexpected death sent me reeling down a path I needed to travel if I ever wanted to escape the forest of grief and loss in which I found myself. This book recounts my journey to come to terms with the death of my son. The path I started down—to fulfill a promise I had made to my son while he was alive, to find answers to the mental problems he suffered—took me places I had not anticipated. The path became a network of four intersecting paths, and my journey took me far beyond the death of a son to the human condition where we are governed by forces, both internal and external, over which we have little control and little understanding. Intricately connected, the four paths explored in this book are:1) the autobiographical: the story of my life with my son Mitchell as we struggled with the mental problems that eventually led to his suicide. 2) the diagnostic: the various diagnostic tools available to psychiatrists, which illustrate the level of knowledge in the field and show some of the failings of our present approach to mental disorders.3) historical fiction: narrative accounts of the lives and deaths by suicide of both historical and fictional characters, including the son of Queen Isabela of Spain; Meriwether Lewis; Vincent Van Gogh; Miguel, a slave working at the Count of Valenciana’s silver mine, La Boca del Infierno, in 18th-century Mexico; and Michele, a passenger on the Titanic. By telling these stories, sometimes in the first person, I found a way to express my own anguish and pain, something I could not do directly, as well as a way to explore further my relationship with my son and my son’s complexity and fullness as a person.4) scientific explanation of how the brain works: a theory of how the brain works, explaining in detail how mental images and thoughts are formed and travel through the nervous system, how we live in a world of illusions, and how mental illness can be explained in these terms. These four paths are intricately connected and reinforce each other in the book. The diagnostic explains in technical terms what the autobiographical recounts; the autobiographical recounts events which help to explain the complexities and subtleties of human behavior within the context of how the brain works; the historical fiction ties into the autobiographical elements and the diagnostic.The book also confronts the issue of suicide, itself. It answers that elusive question: Why do people commit suicide?The book presents a personal, honest, biographical testimonial of the experience of the suicide of a son. The book speaks from experience, not some abstract philosophical point of view. The organization and contents of the book are unique, a weaving together of four distinct yet related subjects: the suicide of a son, the classification of mental illnesses, narratives of historical fiction, and a theory of how the brain works.The most outstanding feature of this book is that it presents for the first time, to my knowledge, a comprehensive theory of the brain that explains mental disorders such as dementia, delirium, depression, manic depression and schizophrenia. For the first time, suicide is placed in a scientific context, and why and how it happens is explained. In particular, the brain theory here is presented in a simplified form accessible to most, particularly because of the anecdotes and stories that help illustrate how the brain functions and malfunctions.The book also deals with other related subjects: the importance of love in our lives; the possibilities of past lives; how to deal with grief and loss; the possible reasons for the rise of suicide rates in industrialized nations; the failures of the system to cure and prevent suicide and other mental disorders; and possible directions that therapies and medications might explore in the future.The writing is forceful and direct. The autobiographical and historical fiction sections are engaging and powerfully written; the brain theory and mental disorder sections are clear and direct, giving the reader immediate access to this complex material.There are thirty thousand deaths by suicide per year in this country alone, with almost a half-million suicide attempts serious enough to need emergency treatment in hospitals. These survivors and their relatives as well as friends and family of suicide victims are the main target audience. Moreover, this book is probably useful, if not required reading, for all psychologists and psychiatrists, and possibly some doctors and researchers in other fields that deal indirectly with people with mental disorders, as well as councilors in high schools and colleges.