“Dr. Yvonne Kason has offered an updated and expanded version of her important text, “A Farther Shore” (second edition titled “Farther Shores”). The core of her text, updated and aligned with recent research, offers an exploration of events often deemed edgy by therapists, clinicians, the medical profession, and many others: that of spiritually transformative experiences or STEs. These experiences are, in fact, quite common with many millions having one or more of these each year. However, as Dr. Kason notes, very few individuals are able to hear directly from someone within the medical profession, who has also had some of these experiences. Dr. Kason’s additions for this revised version offer important discussion of additional STEs which are increasingly reported by clients and therapists, patients and doctors, throughout the general public.

Dr. Kason starts “Exploring Spiritually Transformative Experiences” in Section One by sharing her own experiences as a way to explain the main elements of an STE. Section Two introduces important research which has been conducted, and Section Three delves into the actual work – what to do when certain experiences occur along the path. From the first edition, “A Farther Shore”, Kason has offered a key text for those struggling with experiences which may be difficult to understand, much less integrate into daily life. “Exploring Spiritually Transformative Experiences” continues this tradition, and with updated information and many case examples, offers experiences and those in the helping profession a holistic view of these problems, from spiritual emergency to kundalini awakenings. All of which has been framed within Dr. Kason’s yogic and Christian perspective, and further grounded through decades of experience leading others as a medical doctor and transpersonal therapist.

As President of the Board of Directors of ACISTE – the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences, an organization devoted to training professionals how to work with STEs – I believe Dr. Kason’s text should be required reading for all entering the field. I have personally recommended her prior texts to my doctoral students. I have also recommended it to clients with whom I have worked and who are struggling to stay present amidst difficult spiritual crisis. Finally, I have used her book in my own life, as a guide to working through my own spiritual development. Her newest version, “Exploring Spiritually Transformative Experiences”, will no doubt be a key read for the next generation of spiritual seekers and professional helpers alike.”