Healing the Split: Integrating Spirit Into Our Understanding of the Mentally Ill

by John E. Nelson, Michael Washburn (Preface)

The links between madness, creative genius, and spiritual experiences have tantalized philosophers and scientists for centuries. In Healing the Split, John Nelson brings the lofty ideas of transpersonal psychology down to earth so they can be applied in a practical way to explain the bizarre effects of insanity on the human mind. Drawing on a vast knowledge of Eastern philosophy and mainstream neuropsychiatry, he heals the split between orthodox and alternative views with a comprehensive approach that goes beyond both. Starting where R. D. Laing and Thomas Szasz left off, Nelson revises and expands their radical views in light of modern brain science. He then turns to ancient tantric yoga for a synthesis that weaves brain, psyche, and spirit into a compelling new conception of mental illness.

For professionals who seek to meet the needs of their patients more creatively, this book offers a unique synthesis. For people in emotional crisis, it clarifies the distinctions among intractable psychosis, temporary breakdowns in the service of healing (spiritual emergencies), and psychic breakthroughs (spiritual emergence). And for anyone interested in the seemingly inexplicable workings of the human mind gone mad, this fascinating exploration of psychotic states of consciousness will be exciting reading.

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality, Mental Health, Nonfiction

472 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Gregory Tilden · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read, most effectively combining both scientific and holistic perspectives on schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness, with sharp societal critiques and a chakra system laid out according to the archetypal stages of the individual life (and the collective).

[Sascha Altman-DuBrul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Transpersonal Psychology and at the time it was the only book I'd ever read that accurately described what it's like to have a psychotic break. I look forward to reviewing it later in the summer and see if it feels as relevant.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a local used book store and it turned out to be a true gem. I was intrigued because it is written by a psychiatrist with a foreword by philosopher Ken Wilbur, author of "Integral Psychology", a potent theory of transpersonal developmental psychology. John Nelson's book is since out of print, I imagine because he was truly ahead of his time, and still may be. Nelson presents a very useful distinction between the regressive psychosis of schizophrenia, and what he terms "regression in the service of transcendence" or what is also known as "spiritual emergency". He delivers a powerful critique of both traditional psychiatry that tends to lump all "altered states of consciousness" into the category of "regressive psychosis" and the holistic, transpersonal community, that tends to lump these all into the "spiritual emergency" category. Both of these approaches fail those in the opposing category, sometimes tragically. Nelson also presents an excellent summary of anti-psychiatry movements and their valid points, but also their tendencies to over generalize and miss certain important concepts. I found this section invaluable as a psychiatrist myself, who has often been confused by but also curious about anti-psychiatry criticisms. Nelson then goes through the seven stages of psychospiritual development as articulated by Ken Wilbur referring to the common presentations of regression or emergence typical of each. I found this extremely valuable and true to my experience as a psychiatrist and in my own development. I recommend this book to my psychiatric colleagues who are interested in theories of psychospiritual development as they apply to major mental health presentations, but you will have to look at used book sellers, if you want to check out this gem.

[Klgg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book twice and will read it again. This book would help us all if it were required reading....

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, a facinating read.

[Aaron]

Great so far, on the second chapter.