By: Shaye Hudson MA,
Psychotherapist & Clinical Hypnotherapist
In
this blog, we will be discussing some of the type’s experiences and
encounters that clients have shared with me in the previous blog.
Many of us have read in bestselling books of those who have died and
came back to life in the near death experiences, others having out of
body experiences gaining an expanded sense of identity, after-death
encounters with loved ones who have crossed over and other peak
experiences. There are a multitude of other variations of
transpersonal experiences but in this continuation of we will cover
some of the more commonly reported experiences.
Near-death experiences (NDEs)
According
to the The International Association For Near Death Studies (IANDS),“An
NDE may begin with an out-of-body experience—a very clear
perception of being somehow separate from one’s physical body,
possibly even hovering nearby and watching events going on around the
body. An NDE typically includes a sense of moving, often at great
speed and usually through a dark space, into a fantastic landscape
and encountering beings that may be perceived as sacred figures,
deceased family members or friends, or unknown entities. A pinpoint
of indescribable light may grow to surround the person in brilliant
but not painful radiance; unlike physical light, it is not merely
visual but is sensed as being an all-loving presence that many people
define as the Supreme Being of their religious faith. “
Clients
have reported the positive effects from their Near Death experience
to include an expanded spiritual perspective, a reduced fear of death
and a sense of deep meaning in their lives. Many report a certainty
of life after death and how our loved ones are more than okay, and
the lesson is to learn to be more loving.
On
the other hand, I have heard stories of interpersonal, relationship,
and intrapsychic problems. I have found that my response as the
therapist can have a critical influence for those with the NDE
experience. If their experience is validated it can lessen negative
emotional resistance and is generally more easily integrated in a
healthy way.
A
counselor, coach or spiritual director with training in spiritual and
religious problems can help in situations with family members that
have that they have a difficult time adjusting to the new beliefs
and attitudes. There are times where marriages are strained and even
divorce can occur. The NDE-experiencer can also undergo anger,
depression, withdrawl from the experience and other attitudes that
can affect their psychosocial functioning. In situations like this,
it may be necessary that the experiencer receive outside help to
adjust to their new way of being and the ripple effects it may cause
in some or the majority of areas in their life.
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs)
The Monroe Institute (TMI) is a nonprofit education and research
organization which focuses on the exploration
of human consciousness. This organization has residential and
outreach programs as well as
an International Local Chapter Network(ILCN) where participants experience
altered states of consciousness
through a patented sound technology called “Hemi Sync”. Many have
reported having the “Out
of Body” (OBE) and other transcendent experiences. Both TMI
researchers and participants report that the “OBE” is an experience that usually involves a subjective
sensation or experience of being outside one's body.
In
my therapy practice, I have listened to clients share having
experiences where they experiencing a paralysis, a buzzing sensation,
lifting out and even seeing their own physical body. Some have
reported that the “OBE” experience had a profound impact on
reducing their fear of death as well as changes in their identity
since they have come to experience themselves as more than the
physical body.
Past-life experiences
As
a part of my Hypnotherapy practice, I facilitate both - individual
and group Past Life Regression sessions. I have had clients report
amazing stories of how they lived in places and times that they did
not expect. Some clients report having an experience of remembering
during waking states or having a direct experience of a past life
through hypnosis, dreams or other non-ordinary states. Past lives
are associated with the idea of reincarnation, which is the religious
or philosophical concept that the consciousness or spirit can (after
physical death) return to another life in a new body. This doctrine
is an integral part of various ancient and modern religions.
On
occasion, clients report being the opposite gender, which is very
amusing and even sometimes unsettling. Some shared that they were
with people who they knew were people in their present day lives. In
many cases the client can gain insight on their present day issues
and relationships and use the experience to empower themselves for
positive change.
After-death communications (ADCs)
These are experiences where a person
has communication with a physically deceased person. This can
generally happen during waking states, meditative, and dream states.
ADC's often include sensing a presence, hearing voice, feeling a
touch and other physical phenomena, smelling a fragrance, and visual
encounters.
I
have shared my personal experience ADC experience in my earlier blog
and have also listened to a multitude of clients share their stories
of contact with deceased loved ones with numerous combinations of
the states of consciousness well as the sensory types. I have found
that these ADC type experiences can be very healing to those who are
experiencing grief and loss.
Shaye
Hudson, MA, CH.t is a
Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist in Atlanta, GA with a Transpersonal
orientation and training, who specializes in Spiritually Transformative
Experiences. He is also a Reviewer for the Journal of Exceptional Experiences
and Psychology. Shaye hosts spiritual groups at Tru Integrative Health & Wellness.
www.growhealchange.com