Altered States of Consciousness Lesson 1 Books

Coma: A Healing Journey

by Amy Mindell

Introduced in this groundbreaking work are new ethics, and new skills and metaskills in working with and supporting people in comas. Step-by-step exercises teach how to get in contact with comatose people in a non-intrusive way, and how to establish a way of yes-no communication. An in-depth training in coma work for health care professionals is provided, and methods and support for family members wishing to be close to and communicate with their loved ones thought lost to coma is discussed.

 

Coma Communication (Stan Tomandl)

Coma Communication Resources

by Stan Tomandl & Arnold & Amy Mindell

For more than twenty five years, Stan Tomandl, MA, PWD and Ann Jacob, B Ed, B S. have facilitated and trained individuals, family caregivers and organizations in deepening communication skills with persons in various altered states of consciousness.   With their mentors, Drs. Arnold and Amy Mindell of the Process Work Institute, Stan and Ann have created an international organization called Coma Communication in Victoria, BC.   Their mission statement contains the core principles of this series:

“We view all human beings, including those in remote states from memory loss, brain injury, Asbergers, delirium and coma with the potential for immense growth and learning.  As long as there is breath, there is consciousness.”

Mastering Communication with Seriously Ill Patients: Balancing Honesty with Empathy and Hope 1st Edition  

by Anthony Back

Physicians who care for patients with life-threatening illnesses face daunting communication challenges. Patients and family members can react to difficult news with sadness, distress, anger, or denial. This book defines the specific communication tasks involved in talking with patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Topics include delivering bad news, transition to palliative care, discussing goals of advance-care planning and do-not-resuscitate orders, existential and spiritual issues, family conferences, medical futility, and other conflicts at the end of life. Drs Anthony Back, Robert Arnold, and James Tulsky bring together empirical research as well as their own experience to provide a roadmap through difficult conversations about life-threatening issues. The book offers both a theoretical framework and practical conversational tools that the practising physician and clinician can use to improve communication skills, increase satisfaction, and protect themselves from burnout.