Arnold Mindell

Arnold Mindell (January 1, 1940 – June 10, 2024) was an American author, therapist, and teacher in the fields of transpersonal psychology, body psychotherapy, social change, and spirituality.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Young2010>Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Rp He is known for extending Jungian dream analysis to body symptoms,<ref name=Shafton1995>Shafton, A. (1995). Dream reader: contemporary approaches to the understanding of dreams. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Template:ISBN (p. 522-525)</ref><ref name=Singer1995>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=Caldwell1997>Caldwell, C. (1997) 'Dreams and the dreaming body. Amy and Arny Mindell' in C. Caldwell (Ed.) Getting in touch: The guide to new body-centered therapies. Wheaton, IL: Quest. Template:ISBN (p.61)</ref>Template:Rp promoting ideas of 'deep democracy,'<ref name=Brown2014>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Rp <ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Collins2008>Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Rp<ref name=Bradshaw1996>Template:Cite book</ref> and interpreting concepts from physics and mathematics in psychological terms.<ref name=Stein2004>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=Collins2001>Template:Cite journal</ref> Mindell is the founder of process oriented psychology, or process work, a development of Jungian psychology influenced by Taoism, shamanism, and physics.<ref name=Totton2003>Totton, N. (2003). Body Psychotherapy: An Introduction. Berkshire, England: Open University Press, McGraw-Hill House. Template:ISBN (p.107-108)</ref><ref name=Schuit1996>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Biography

Arnold Mindell was born in Schenectady, New York.<ref name=Henderson2005>Template:Cite journal</ref> He studied applied physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,<ref name=VanNuys2008>Template:Cite web</ref> and then at the ETH Zürich, Switzerland.<ref name=Henderson2005 /> Mindell was introduced to Jungian psychology in Switzerland following a chance encounter with Franz Niklaus Riklin, then president of the C.G. Jung Institute.<ref name=Henderson2005 /><ref name="Nees2015">Template:Cite book</ref> Mindell subsequently entered analysis with Riklin and Marie-Louise von Franz and trained as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute.<ref name=Henderson2005 /> He had a Ph.D. in psychology from the Union Institute.<ref name=Henderson2005 />

Mindell received the Jungian analyst diploma in 1970<ref name=VanNuys2008/> and worked at the C. G. Jung Institute as a teacher and training analyst until he left in 1985.<ref name=Singer1995 /> In the early 1980s, Mindell and colleagues began the first training program for process oriented psychology, in Zürich;<ref name=Singer1995 /> and in 1982 founded what is now known as the Institute for Process Work (Institut für Prozessarbeit IPA), an accredited training institute for psychotherapy in Switzerland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the late 1980s, Mindell and his wife, Amy Mindell, moved back to the United States from Switzerland, causing some controversyTemplate:Clarify in the small coastal town of Yachats, Oregon, with plans to build a seminar venue.<ref name="Bacon 1990">Template:Cite news</ref> In 1990, Mindell and colleagues established a center for teaching process oriented psychology in Portland, Oregon, now known as the Process Work Institute, which in 2001 was the subject of a controversial ethics complaint.<ref name=Schafer>Template:Cite news</ref> The Mindells settled in Oregon, and in 2013 were invited by the Yachats Academy of Arts and Sciences to present a lecture on their conflict resolution and open forum work around the world.<ref name=Lincoln2013>Template:Cite news</ref>

Mindell features prominently in Micah Toub's 2010 memoir Growing Up Jung.<ref name=Toub2010>Toub, M. (2010). Growing Up Jung: Coming of Age as the Son of Two Shrinks. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. Template:ISBN See Ch 1 The Marginalized & Ch 2 Dreambody (pp. 15-68)</ref> Toub represents Mindell as a charismatic, unconventional post-Jungian teacher and psychotherapist who was a "a guru-like figure" for Toub's parents.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Arnold Mindell died on June 10, 2024, at the age of 84.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Work

Overview

Mindell founded and developed process oriented psychology, or process work. Core ideas include his 'dreambody' concept and the application of psychology to social issues and conflict resolution in large groups, known as 'worldwork' and the principle of 'deep democracy.'<ref name=Totton2003 /><ref name=VanNuys2008 /><ref name=Prengle>Template:Cite web</ref> Mindell's first book, Dreambody: The Body's Role in Revealing the Self (1982), linked 'the mind's dreaming process with illness and physical symptoms as well as with disciplines such as yoga and tai chi.'<ref name="Nees2015" />Template:Rp Mindell is known for suggesting that 'symptoms are dreams trying to come true.'<ref name="Maisel">Template:Cite web</ref>

Stanislav Grof has described Mindell as one of the 'pioneers of transpersonal psychology.'<ref name=Grof2010>Grof, S. (2010). The Consciousness Revolution. In V. V. Kozlov, V. V. Maykov, & V. F. Petrenko (Eds.), Consciousness Revolution: Transpersonal Discoveries That Are Changing the World. Materials of the 17th International Transpersonal Conference. Moscow, July 23–27, 2010. (pp. 100–103). Moscow: Presidium of the International Academy of Psychological Sciences. Retrieved from http://ita2010.com/downloads/en/eng_17th_Conference_Theses.pdf Template:Webarchive (p.102)</ref>Template:Rp In 2012, Mindell was one of five people recognized with a Pioneer Award from the US Association of Body Psychotherapy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is a holder of the World Certificate for Psychotherapy awarded by the World Council for Psychotherapy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the 2017 critical exploration of the relationship between African Americans and C.G. Jung's analytical psychology, Fanny Brewster describes Mindell's dreambody work and his linking of body symptoms and psychological development.<ref name="Brewster2017">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Rp Brewster finds that Mindell's development of Jungian ideas are aligned with traditional African concepts of healing which link mind and body:

'I believe that Mindell's approach to dreamwork with its emphasis on body healing mirrors the African system of healing's inclusiveness of body and mind in the process.'<ref name="Brewster2017"/>Template:Rp

Mindell has been described as 'a natural interculturalist who excels at building relationships across cultural boundaries.'<ref name="Nees2015" />Template:Rp Mindell's intercultural skills include a focus on the importance of nonverbal elements of communication and the 'ability to switch viewpoints and join the other's reality.'<ref name="Nees2015" />Template:Rp

Mindell has been the subject of two Thinking Allowed programs, the independent television series hosted by Jeffrey Mishlove.<ref name=Mishlove>Template:Cite web</ref> He has been interviewed on Shrink Rap Radio (2008),<ref name=VanNuys2008 /> New Dimensions Radio (2009, 1995)<ref name=Toms2009>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Toms1995>Template:Cite web</ref> and Somatic Perspectives on Psychotherapy (2009).<ref name=Prengle />

Criticism

Mindell has been criticised for teaching New Age concepts and practices that are unclear and unknown within the mainstream of psychology; and it is noted that he is not licensed as a clinical psychologist in Oregon.<ref name="Schafer" /> Mindell's dreambody work has been criticized as a form of 'metaphysical healthcare';<ref name="Raso 1998">Template:Cite book</ref> while another commentator referred to process oriented psychology as an example of a transpersonal psychology with the potential, he claimed, to be misused as a form of 'mind control.'<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Key ideas

The 'dreambody' concept was developed in the 1970s while Mindell was a practicing Jungian analyst, derived from his observation of connections between people's dreams and their body symptoms and published in Dreambody: the Body's Role in Revealing the Self (Routledge, 1982).<ref name=Singer1995 /><ref name=Schuit1996 /> Mindell's therapeutic technique has been compared to Fritz Perls: "The most striking difference, at least from Perls himself, is one of mood – Mindell's work is playful, supportive and permissive rather than confrontational."<ref name=Totton2003 /> Template:Rp Another commentator writes: "Mindell … exemplifies both the good and bad of contemporary dreamwork. On the first score: there is a bit of flim-flam about Mindell. And he conspicuously overemploys the first person singular while extolling non-ego functions. Also, he interprets disease processes so positively that they begin to lose their catagogicTemplate:Clarify authenticity. But on the second score: he is inventive, creative, intuitive, holistic, and affirmative. He breaks down prevailing categories and finds authentic meanings where our culture traditionally does not. And he helps people."<ref name=Shafton1995 />Template:Rp

In 1995, Mindell extended the dreambody concept to a theory and practice of working with people in coma and near death states;<ref name=Singer1995 /><ref name=Schuit1996 /> this work inspired a UK theatre production by Improbable theatre.<ref>Gardner, L. (May 4, 1999). Arts: Beautiful dreamers: It's hard to imagine a less promising subject for a play than a coma. But if anyone can make it work, it's Improbable Theatre. The Guardian, p. News: p13. London</ref><ref>Taylor, P. (May 24, 1999). Theatre: In Death's other kingdom. The Independent. London.</ref> In his 1988 book, City Shadows: Psychological Interventions in Psychiatry, Mindell presented his approach to psychiatric disorders, drug addiction and mental retardation. The book provides verbatim case studies describing interventions focused on the meaning of the patient's unusual communication, including non-verbal signals.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Mindell's 1990 book, Working on Yourself Alone: Inner Dreambody Work, presents a meditation practice that focuses attention on subtle body experiences and amplifies them to reveal unexpected information and meaning for the meditator.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It provides a model for creative spiritual practice involving inner reflection and personal development.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the 2002 work, Dreaming while Awake: Techniques for 24-hour Lucid Dreaming, Mindell built on ideas of lucid dreaming, indigenous traditions and Zen Buddhism to create an awareness practice for daily life: paying attention to thoughts and perceptions that are normally dismissed, which he calls 'flirts' from the 'Dreaming.'<ref name=Simpkinson2004>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mindell also published books dealing with large group conflict resolution and leadership, notably The Leader as Martial Artist: An Introduction to Deep Democracy (1992) and Sitting in the fire: Large Group Transformation Using Conflict and Diversity (1995).<ref name=Collins2008 />Template:Rp<ref>Haw, P. (July 28, 2008). Appreciate and honour greybeards' wisdom. Business Day (Johannesburg).</ref><ref name=Miller1998>Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Rp<ref name=Tucker1992>Template:Cite journal</ref> Mindell advances a concept and principle he calls 'deep democracy'<ref name=Totton2007>Template:Cite web</ref> and the approach has been compared to the work of Danaan Parry.<ref name=Totton2000>Totton, N. (2000). Psychotherapy and Politics. London: Sage Publications. Template:ISBN (p.45-48)</ref>Template:Rp<ref>Britt, S. (July 2, 2012). My View: Conflict resolution starts at home. Gloucester Daily Times (MA), p. Opinion.</ref> Mindell's group conflict work has been reported within a business setting<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and within large community forums working with racism and other social tensions.<ref name=Totton2000 /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Peay1997>Peay, P. (July 5, 1997). Public therapy aims to heal rifts of racism. St Petersburg Times, FL.</ref><ref name=Lattin1992>Lattin, D. (May 1, 1992). Mediators target hot spots. San Francisco Chronicle.</ref> Mindell's concept of 'rank,' published in his book Sitting in the Fire, has been used to support greater gender awareness in mediation training.<ref name="CSSMediation">Template:Cite book</ref>

Mindell's work is known for proposing analogies between the concepts of mathematics, classical and quantum physics and psychological experiences; his books include simple exercises to guide the reader to explore their own experience of these ideas.<ref name=Stein2004 /><ref name=Collins2011>Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Rp<ref name=Levine2004>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Works

• Mindell, A. (2019) The Leader's 2nd Training: For Your Life and Our World. Gatekeeper Press. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (2017) Conflict: Phases, Forums, and Solutions: For our Dreams and Body, Organizations, Governments, and Planet. CreateSpace. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (2013) Dance of the Ancient One. Deep Democracy Exchange. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (2007). Earth-Based Psychology: Path Awareness from the Teachings of Don Juan, Richard Feynman, and Lao Tse. Portland, OR: Lao Tse Press. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (2004) The Quantum Mind and Healing. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Road Publishing Company Template:ISBN
• Mindell, Arnold; Mindell, Amy (2002) Riding the Horse Backwards: Process Work in Theory and Practice (Foundation Series). Lao Tse Press Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (2000). Dreaming While Awake: Techniques for 24-hour Lucid Dreaming. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Company Inc. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (2000). Quantum Mind: The Edge Between Physics and Psychology. Portland, OR: Lao Tse Press.
• Mindell, A. (1995). Sitting in the Fire: Large Group Transformation Using Conflict and Diversity. Portland, OR: Lao Tse Press. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1995). Coma: The Dreambody near Death. Penguin Books (Arkana). Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1993). The Shaman's Body: A New Shamanism for Transforming Health, Relationships, and the Community. HarperSanFrancisco. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1992). The Leader as Martial Artist: An Introduction to Deep Democracy (1st ed.). San Francisco: Harper. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1990). Working on Yourself Alone: Inner Dreambody Work. Penguin Group. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1989). The Year 1: Global Process Work -- Community Creation from Global Problems, Tensions and Myths. London: Penguin Books (Arkana). Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1988). City Shadows: Psychological Interventions in Psychiatry. London and New York: Routledge. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1985). River's Way: The Process Science of the Dreambody. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. Template:ISBN
• Mindell, A. (1982). Dreambody: The Body's Role in Revealing the Self. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. Template:ISBN

External links

• Arnold Mindell website