Practicum: Learn Skills for Effective Management of a Spiritual Crisis
This experiential 2-day live workshop helps you build the confidence and skills to support people experiencing distress in their awakening. It is the capstone course for becoming a certified Spiritual Emergence Coach®.
About the Practicum
The Spiritual Emergence Coach Practicum is the culminating hands-on training component of Level 1 certification, designed to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills. This intensive in-person workshop brings together participants from diverse backgrounds for immersive practice.
Over 2 full days (7 hours per day), you'll engage in role-playing exercises, supervised practice sessions, real-world scenario analysis, and small group work with personalized feedback from IMHU's expert faculty. The practicum emphasizes experiential learning: you'll practice assessment skills, crisis intervention techniques, grounding methods, and supportive coaching conversations with peers while receiving real-time guidance from experienced instructors.
We offer three practicum sessions annually across different locations and seasons Boston, MA (in Spring + Fall) and London, UK (in Fall) to accommodate various schedules. Each session is limited to 12 participants, ensuring intimate group dynamics and individualized attention. Completion of the first three Level 1 courses is required before attending, as the practicum builds directly on this foundational knowledge.
The practicum qualifies for 14 continuing education credits for licensed mental health professionals. This is where your learning becomes lived experience, preparing you to confidently support individuals navigating spiritual emergence and emergency in your professional or personal life.
Who This Is For
For professionals
For clinicians, counselors, coaches, and mental health professionals seeking better assessment and support skills for spiritual emergence and crisis.
For people with lived experience
For individuals seeking structured guidance and practical tools to understand and navigate their own awakening process.
Meet Our Certified Coaches
Three Practicum Sessions Per Year
Choose the location and timing that works best for your schedule. All sessions offer the same comprehensive curriculum led by IMHU faculty.
Boston (Spring)
Spring SessionApril 24th - 26th 2026
LocationNear Boston- Duration2 full days (14 hours)
Boston (Fall)
- Fall SessionOctober 9th - 11th 2026
- LocationNear Boston
Duration2 full days (14 hours)
United Kingdom
- Fall SessionSeptember 11th-13th 2026
- LocationLondon, UK
- Duration2 full days (14 hours)
What You'll Experience
Role-Playing & Scenario Practice
Practice coaching conversations in a safe environment with peer volunteers playing clients. Receive immediate feedback from instructors and build confidence in real-time.
Small Group Supervision
Work in small groups with direct supervision from IMHU faculty. Get personalized guidance on your coaching approach and technique refinement.
Real-World Case Studies
Analyze actual spiritual emergency scenarios, discuss intervention strategies, and learn from complex cases with expert guidance.
Peer Learning & Networking
Connect with fellow practitioners, share experiences, and build a supportive professional network. Many participants form lasting collegial relationships.
Crisis Management Techniques
Learn hands-on grounding techniques, safety protocols, and emergency response strategies for managing acute spiritual crises.
Assessment Practice
Practice using assessment tools and frameworks to differentiate spiritual emergence from mental health pathology requiring different interventions.
How to Enroll
Ready to take the next step? Here's how to secure your spot in an upcoming practicum session.
Complete Prerequisites
Finish the first three Level 1 online courses: Spiritual Emergency: Definition, Stories of Awakening, and How to Effectively Support Someone in Spiritual Emergency.
Pay Registration Fee
Upon paying your registration fee, also indicate which Practicum you will be attending.
Complete Application
It can be submitted shortly after registration or during the Practicum weekend.
Prepare for Your Practicum
Review preparation materials we send you. Arrange your travel and accommodation plans. Get ready for an immersive, hands-on experience.
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 Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA). SCA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content
Practitioners Trained By
imhu
Frequently Asked Questions
The practicum is $950 if purchased separately. However, if you enroll in the Level 1 Bundle ($1,445), the practicum is included in the total bundle price at no additional cost. The bundle includes all 3 Level 1 courses plus the practicum, making it the most cost-effective option.
Yes, the in-person practicum is a mandatory component of Level 1 certification. It cannot be substituted with online coursework. The hands-on supervised practice is essential for developing practical skills.
After enrolling in the Level 1 bundle or completing the first three Level 1 courses, you'll receive information about upcoming practicum dates and locations. You can select your preferred session based on availability. We recommend registering early as spots fill quickly.
We offer three practicum sessions per year across different locations and seasons to accommodate various schedules. If you cannot attend any scheduled session in a given year, you can carry your enrollment forward to the next year's sessions.
No, the practicum fee covers instruction, materials, and facility costs only. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals. We provide recommendations for nearby hotels and lodging options.
You'll receive a detailed preparation guide upon registration. Generally, bring comfortable clothing suitable for movement exercises, a notebook, and an open mind. All training materials and resources will be provided.
No, you must complete the first three Level 1 online courses (Spiritual Emergency: Definition, Stories of Awakening, and How to Effectively Support Someone in Spiritual Emergency) before attending the practicum. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge needed for hands-on practice.
The practicum is typically 2 full days with 7 hours of training per day. It includes role-playing exercises, supervised practice sessions, real-world scenario training, small group work, and personalized feedback from IMHU faculty. Expect an immersive, interactive experience with hands-on training throughout.
Yes, the practicum qualifies for 14 continuing education credits for licensed mental health professionals. CE credits are included if you enrolled in the Level 1 bundle with CE credits option.
Ready to Begin?
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.