Understanding Spiritual Emergencies: Navigating the Start of the Dark Night Part 2 Workshop with Fiona Robertson

The first phase of the dark night is often heralded by a sudden inability to function, a deep sense of overwhelm, and intense anxiety and emotional instability. It can take a while to recognise that what is happening is not necessarily anxiety or depression, but rather a profound unravelling of the adapted self. Ultimately, this unravelling leads to a deep reconnection with one’s real self, but in the early months there may be little sense that the process is anything but catastrophic.

In this workshop, the second of four, we will explore the circumstances which may precipitate a dark night, and how it begins. We will discuss how to support clients with a variety of intense feelings and physical sensations, and how to meet clients who are having experiences – sometimes spiritual in nature – which may make little rational sense.

Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event

• Participants will explore the nature of the dark night of the soul and its various phases.
• Participants will learn how to differentiate the dark night of the soul/spiritual emergency from depression and anxiety.
• Participants will explore how to support clients who are going through a dark night of the soul, and how their practice may be challenged in this process.

Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?

• For all therapists, counsellors, coaches and spiritual directors.

How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?

• This workshop will help participants to recognise when clients are going through the dark night of the soul.
• Participants will have a greater awareness of and ability to respond to clients who are navigating this terrain.
• Participants will also be supported to reflect on their own experiences.