I am so grateful to those around the world conducting research in the field of the intersection between mental health and spiritual experiences – we desperately need more understanding in why the interpretation of, validation of and helpful responses to what our culture deems to be ‘unusual experiences’ is so vital.

Have you had such experiences?

Want to take part in Loukia’s study which could influence change?

I am Loukia Chaidemenaki, licensed psychologist and student at the Art Psychotherapy Center in Greece, with an interest in learning more about the experiences of hearing voices and about other ‘unusual experiences’. I am conducting a research on the mystical experiences of people who hear voices, see visions or have other extra-ordinary experiences. 

I am looking for men and women with such experiences, who would like to take part in a my research study

Are you:

Someone who has experiences of hearing voice(s), seeing vision(s) and/or other extraordinary experience(s) ?

Someone who has interest for spiritual, religious, transcendent matters and so called mystical experiences, having/or have had mystical experiences ?

 Above 18 years old.

What is the study about? 

The aim is to explore the experiences of the mystical among people who hear voices, see visions or have extraordinary experiences. The purpose is to explore multiple perspectives of people living with these experiences in order to better understand them.

We will talk about your experiences of hearing voices and how you and other people make sense of voice-hearing. I am particularly interested in talking about how experiences of the mystical and of hearing voice(s), seeing vision(s) or having other extraordinary experience(s) is understood by you; how you relate with spirituality and the way you interpreted/defined your mystical experiences; how these experiences might differ or relate to each other; how you cope with these experiences; whether you find any positive or safeguarding aspects in hearing a voice(s), seeing vision(s) or having other extraordinary experience(s); and your experience of sharing your encounters with the mystical with mental health professionals and your close environment.

Do I have to take part? 

It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to take part in this study. If you do decide to take part you will be asked to sign a consent form. If you change your mind at any time during the study you can withdraw up to 2 weeks after our interview, without giving a reason.

What would I have to do in the study? 

If you decide to take part in the study, you will do an online interview with me, the researcher together with Georgia Feliou, the co-researcher. The session will be divided in two parts, an interview discussing your experiences and a second part where we will ask you to use colored pencils in order to describe, in the form of drawing, your mystical experience(s). If you cannot afford to buy the colored pencils and A3 paper, I can put the required amount to an account you will designate. The interview will last for approximately 60 minutes.

You will be given the opportunity for an online follow-up meeting, with us, the researchers. We can discuss your experience of the interview and our understanding of your experience, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Where will the interview happen? 

The interview will happen online (using an online medium i.e. Skype) at a convenient time for you. We can decide this together.

Is the study confidential? 

Yes, the study is anonymous and confidential. This means that no names or identifying features will be revealed in the study. The interview will be recorded and we will ask a photo of your art product. Some direct quotes from the interview may be used in the study write-up (journal article), however, quotes will not be linked with identifying features or names. In order to ensure this, in the consent form you will be asked to state your pseudonym with which your quotes will be addressed throughout the study.

I am interested in taking part, what do I do next? 

If you would like some more information about the study or are interested in taking part in the study, please contact me on get in touch by email at:

xaidemenaki@gmail.com

The research has been Ethically Approved by the Art Psychotherapy Center.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that you get in touch soon.

Loukia Chaidemenaki

Together we can create the change we wish to see in the world ❤