SSP 506: The Essentials of Mind/Body Medicine

Martin L. Rossman, M.D.

This course addresses the multifaceted dimensions of mind/body healing and reviews the experimental data emerging from a variety of fields of study and research. The question which underscores the whole realm of mind/body medicine is, "Can consciousness heal the body of disease as claimed in all spiritual traditions and is this vindicated by the data?" New and old answers to this question are explored as well as recent discussions about quantum healing and science within the study of consciousness. The subjects of wellness and creativity of the body in promoting wellness are reviewed and integrated into this survey course

Outcome #1: Students will have an increased appreciation of the breadth and depth of mind/body applications in health care.

Outcome #2: Students will have the ability to demonstrate through writing an understanding of the roles of imagery in stress, relaxation, health, and illness.

Course Sessions and Topics

This course is organized into ten one-hour audio tape sessions. The introductory session, What IsMind/Body Medicine and Why Is It Important? is presented in both an audio and video format to better acquaint the student with Dr. Rossman. The ten sessions are organized into a thoughtful and effective presentation on this topic. We recommend you study the course tapes in their sequential order:

Required Reading

Rossman, M.: Guided Imagery for Self-Healing: An Essential Resource to Anyone Seeking Wellness,
New World Library, 2000 ISBN 091581188X available from bookstores or from www.guidedimageryhealing.com

Achterberg, Jeanne; Dossey, Barbara; Kolkmeier, Leslie: Rituals of Healing: Using Imagery for Health and Wellness, 1994. Bantam Books, 1994, ISBN 0553373471

Recommended Reading

1. Achterberg, Jeanne, Imagery in Healing. Boston: Shambala, 1985.

2. Assagioli, Roberto, Psychosynthesis. New York: Viking Press, 1965.

3. Borysenko, Joan & Myrislav, The Power of the Mind to Heal, Hay House.

4. Bresler, David, Free Yourself From Pain. Topanga, CA: AlphaBooks, 1997.

5. Gurin, Joel; Goleman, Daniel, eds., Mind/Body Medicine. New York: Consumer Reports Books,1993.

6. Johnson, Robert, Inner Work. New York: Harper & Row,1986.

7. Jung, C.G., Collected Works, esp. Vols. 9,14,16 Bollingen Foundation, 1963.

8. Jung, C.G., Man and His Symbols. New York: Doubleday, 1984.

9. Kroger, William; Fezler, William, Hypnosis and Behavior Modification: Imagery Conditioning Philadelphia: JB Lippincott, 1976.

10. Nucho, Aina, Spontaneous Creative Imagery: Problem-Solving and Life-Enhancing Skills. Springfield, IL: C.C.Thomas, 1995.

Phone Conferences - Tuesdays, April 11 and May 9, 2007

From 6:00 - 7:00 P.M., Pacific Coast Time, all students participate in these conferences with Dr. Rossman. Each of these two conferences has been designed around topics and issues; however, the first conference will also give you an opportunity to clarify any questions related to the course. Students will receive credit for participating during the teleconference discussions. Please see Conference Call Calendar and Teleconference Codes for instructions.

Topics and Issues for First Conference– April 11, 2007

(1) Review tapes 1 - 4 and be prepared to discuss why mind/body healing is important to individuals and to society.

(2) Be prepared to discuss how meditation, relaxation, imagery and hypnosis are related and how they are different.

(3) Be prepared to identify at least 3 roles of imagery in healing.

Topics and Issues for Second Conference – May 9, 2007

(1) Review tapes 5- 7 and be prepared to discuss the relative roles of will and imagination in healing.

(2) Be prepared to discuss how imagery can be used to affirm a person's relationship with themselves, their communities and their spiritual source.

(3) Be prepared to discuss how imagery and prayer are similar and how they are different.

Email Discussion Group:
ourquest@yahoogroups.com

This email discussion group has been set up to encourage students to discuss topics, issues and concepts presented in this course. Students are encouraged to use this discussion forum to share their ideas and insights, as well as use it as a link to the faculty member. A single email message reaches all students and the faculty member at one time. This discussion group has also been put in place to help remove some of the geographic isolation which can be felt between students, and add an extra link to the natural and vital bond that develops in any spiritual community. All students with a current email address listed with the Holmes Institute Home Officeare automatically subscribed to this email discussion group. Use

ourquest@yahoogroups.com

like you would any other email address. If you desire to respond to an individual in the group, please use their personal email address on your class roster or the Faculty Directory for Spring Quarter 2007.

Course Outline - Weeks 1 through 5

This outline gives a brief description of how to pace your self-study and gauge your progress in the required course activities throughout the academic quarter.

Lesson Objectives:

Objective #1: Students will be able to describe the roles of mind/body effects in medicine and healing.

Objective #2: Students will be able to differentiate relaxation techniques, meditation, hypnosis, and imagery.

Required Reading: Guided Imagery for Self-Healing, pages 1 to 144 & Rituals, Chapters 1- 4

Lecture Tapes: Listen to tape lectures 1 - 5

Assessment Experience : Write a feedback report of 3 pages maximum length on your insights and understanding of the material presented in tapes 1-5 and the assigned reading paying attention to the Lesson Objectives 1 and 2. Email submissions are not preferred.Your paper must be faxed to 415-925-8604 or postmarked on or before April 30,2007. See contact information in Faculty Directory for Spring Quarter 2007

Course Outline - Weeks 6 through 10

Lesson Objectives:

Objective #3: Students will be able to utilize a process for turning insights into action plans for change.

Objective #4: Students will be able to describe their understanding of the importance of social relationships in health and how to improve them.

Objective #5: Students will be able to define an interactive, supportive aspect of the counseling relationship for enhancing mind/body effects.

Required Reading: Guided Imagery for Self-Healing, pages 145 to the end & Rituals, Chapters 5-8

Lecture Tapes: Listen to tape lectures 6 - 10

Guidelines for Success

A.The topical paper for this course will be evaluated on the following:

• The student's ability to demonstrate an exceptional grasp of concepts and insights into their application and importance in health and healing;
• The student's exploration, use and practice of imagery techniques presented;
• The student's ability to write clearly and concisely;
• The student’s ability to write specifically to the requested feedback, information and topic; and
• Assessment experience is received on or before the due date.

B. Students can expect letter grades to drop by one half, if assessment is not received by published postmark date.