Stories of Awakening: Spiritual Alchemy
Learn from real-world examples and case studies of spiritual awakening experiences to recognize patterns and understand diverse manifestations of spiritual emergence.
Applies to Level 1 Certification
This course is part of the Level 1 Spiritual Emergence Coach® Certification. You can take this course individually or as part of the complete certification bundle. Upon completion, this course will count toward your Level 1 certification requirements.
About this course
Spiritual Alchemy takes you deep into the lived experiences of individuals who have navigated profound spiritual emergence and emergency. Through carefully selected case studies, video testimonials, and expert analysis, you'll gain intimate knowledge of what these experiences look like and feel like in real life.
This course goes beyond theory to show you the human face of spiritual awakening — the struggles, breakthroughs, and ultimate transformation that can occur when someone moves through a spiritual crisis with proper support. This course offers 2.5 continuing education credits for licensed mental health professionals and is part of the Level 1 Spiritual Emergence Coach® Certification.
Learning Objectives
Analyze authentic stories of spiritual awakening and transformation
Identify common patterns across different types of spiritual experiences
Recognize cultural and individual variations in spiritual emergence
Understand how spiritual crises can catalyze personal growth
Learn to contextualize client experiences within broader frameworks
Develop empathy and non-judgmental awareness for diverse spiritual paths
Syllabus
Welcome and Mini-Survey
(4 min vid) Welcome Introduction with Emma Bragdon, PhD- (5 min survey) Before we begin...Tell us a bit about YOU
Steve Taylor's Presentation
- (1 min read) Steve Taylor's Bio
- (65 min vid) Recording of Steve Taylor's Talk
Interviews With Experiencers
- (26 min video) Daphne Lloyd, RN
- (23 min vid) Malinda Douglass, MA
- (20 min audio/3 min read) A Psychotherapist Tells His Story of Spiritual Crisis
Next Steps
- (2 min vid) Steps to Going Deeper
Your Instructor
Emma Bragdon, PhD
Dr. Emma Bragdon is a pioneer in body–mind–spirit wellness with 50 years of experience in integrative approaches to mental health, healing, and human development. She has written seven books, co-produced two documentary films, and has taught experiential learning for adults since 1985. Emma volunteered with the Spiritual Emergence Network (SEN) for seven years, editing their journal and coordinating conferences at Esalen Institute with founders Stanislav and Christina Grof. Her PhD dissertation, "How to Support Someone in Spiritual Emergency," launched a lifelong specialization in this field. From 2001–2012, she conducted field research at Spiritist Community Centers and Psychiatric Hospitals in Brazil, studying their 120-year-old model of integrative care. Since 2012, she has served as "ambassador" to non-Brazilians for the Spiritist Psychiatric Hospital in Goiânia, Brazil, facilitating seminars for health professionals worldwide.
About Continuing Education Credits
For licensed health professionals seeking CE credits for license renewal
CE Provider Information
CE credits are provided by Westbrook University, an APA-approved continuing education provider for healthcare professionals.
Ready to get started?
Level 1 Certification Courses
Explore all courses in the Level 1 certification pathway. Complete all required courses to earn your Spiritual Emergence Coach certification.
Define Spiritual Emergence & Emergency
Understand the fundamental concepts and terminology of spiritual awakening experiences and how to distinguish between spiritual emergence and emergency.
Stories of Awakening: Spiritual Alchemy
Learn from real-world examples and case studies of spiritual awakening experiences to recognize patterns and understand diverse manifestations of spiritual emergence.
How to Effectively Support Someone in a Spiritual Emergency
Master the essential skills and strategies for supporting individuals through intense spiritual experiences with live webinars, peer learning, and expert guidance.
Practicum: Learn Skills for Effective Management of a Spiritual Crisis
Our LIVE on-location 2-day intensive workshop provides hands-on experience with supervised practice, role-playing, and real-world scenario training.