GPHD6216: Psychology of Meditation & Mindfulness

This course offers an experiential and theoretical introduction of meditation and mindfulness practices from a variety of scientific, spiritual, and cultural traditions. We will study the psychology of attention and question how and why the untrained mind is prone to wander. This course explores therapeutic issues involving the use of psychedelic substances. It covers clinical research on psychedelic drugs as adjuncts to psychotherapy for the treatment of addiction, PTSD, and existential distress at the end of life, as well as how to address psychedelic experiences that clients bring into psychotherapy. Ancient, shamanic, and modern uses of psychedelics will be examined to provide broad cultural perspectives.