AUTHOR
Richard Irwin
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Transformative Innovations for Health: a gathering of change-makers Saturday 18th November 2017, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street London W1W 6XH The […]
Spirituality has been defined by many as the pursuit of particular kinds of feeling. This talk will present a way of understanding spiritual emotions by categorising them into a set of five types, and then exploring what all five have in common
‘The Science of Consciousness’ Conference | April 2-7, 2018 Loews Ventana Canyon Resort – Tucson, Arizona The Science of Consciousness (‘TSC’) is […]
Increasing evidence is emerging that the brain is largely shaped by our social experiences through neuroplasticity, Social experience may have more powerful effects on gene expression through epigenetics than classical heredity. The audience effect means that gene expression is more powerful when we are in the company of others than when we are alone. This research is converging with indigenous knowledge that healing occurs within the context of community and that our social relationships make us who we are. I will speak about the neuroscience, the indigenous knowledge, their convergence, and our research findings in relation to this, including the impact of healing circles/talking circles on symptom relief and quality of life in primary care, the power of group healing and peer counseling/support for people who have psychosis, and the role of group self-medical care on improving health for people with diabetes, asthma, and pregnant women with drug and alcohol problems. In all these contexts, the power of group and community for healing is demonstrated. We conclude with the implications for the future of medicine and psychology.