MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

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Important Information and Frequently Asked Questions

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Is Exploring Consciousness a form of therapy or a replacement for medical treatment? 

It is important to understand that Exploring Consciousness is not a replacement for any therapy or other medical treatment or diagnosis. This work of self-inquiry is a powerful aid to Self-Realisation, and while Sally’s teachings are profound in guiding seekers of Truth to ultimate Awakening, they are not meant as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any change or discontinuation of therapeutic, psychological, psychiatric or other medical treatment should be undertaken with the supervision & guidance of a medical or other specialist mental health clinician.

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Is Exploring Consciousness suitable for someone with a mental health or psychiatric disorder? 

If you are currently receiving or have previously received any medical treatment or therapy for issues related to mental health, an environment of consciousness exploration, deep contemplation or introspection may not be suitable for you. Please consult with a medical or other mental health clinician whether it is suitable & safe for you to be in a intensive inquiry environment at this time.

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We strongly urge you not to participate if you are currently receiving or have previously received medical treatment or therapy for issues related to mental health.

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When and why might Exploring Consciousness Self-Transcendence Inquiry not be appropriate? 

An intensive consciousness inquiry environment (such as the educational resources offered here at Exploring Consciousness Co or intensively participating in inquiry) may not be appropriate for those experiencing psychiatric conditions or other unusually strong emotional upheavals. Being in such an environment may adversely affect pre-existing mental health conditions. It may bring up latent traumatic imprints or deep-rooted tendencies in the body-mind, which can trigger strong thoughts, emotional responses & behaviour.

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Inquiry may offer an opportunity to recognise, release & transcend these states. However, a participant with a mental health condition may feel overwhelmed by this, & additional medical & psychiatric support may be required. Please be aware that we do not have the resources or capacity to provide this kind of support.

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The questionnaire below is offered to provide more information.

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Questionnaire

This questionnaire is intended as a guide, & does not constitute or replace medical or psychiatric advice. If the answer to any of the questions is ‘yes’, a concentrated inquiry environment may not be suitable for you at this time.

• Have you ever or are you currently suffering from &/or receiving treatment for any of the following conditions: Anxiety disorders (which includes generalised anxiety, agoraphobia  & panic disorder), mood disorders (which includes clinical depression, mania & bipolar disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), personality disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis (on its own or as part of another condition)?

• Are you currently taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medication for the treatment of a mental health condition?

• Have you used any psychotropic (mind altering) non-prescription drugs for recreational, spiritual or self-medicating purposes within the past 6 months?

• Do you currently have any substance use disorders (this includes harmful use, dependence & addiction) or have you undertaken a detoxification from substance use within the past 12 months?

• Have you experienced any aggravation or deterioration of your mental health during the past 12 months irrespective of whether you have sought specialist advice for it or not?

• Have you ever experienced any unpleasant or unwanted effects (these can include physical, cognitive, emotional or ‘energetic’) that have persisted beyond the duration of your participation in a spiritual practice or retreat, which may have interfered in your well-being &/or functional abilities?

 

Answering ‘yes’ to any of the questions does not necessarily mean you cannot attend inquiry. It requires you to seek specialist advice and receive confirmation from a medical or other professionally registered clinician that your attendance is unlikely to adversely affect your mental health condition.