Category Archives: Alternatives

A Couple’s Healing Journey – May 2, 2018

A COUPLE’S HEALING JOURNEY

1 Story, 2 People,
8 No Psychiatric Drugs

Natural, science-backed approaches
to taming psychiatric symptoms

Meghan D. and her partner, Todd O., will share their remarkable journey through a dizzying maze of medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, psychiatric hospitals and criminal justice institutions to discover the physical roots of Meghan’s psychiatric diagnoses while learning how to bloom with the help of science and spirit.

In less than a year, Meghan went from experiencing debilitating chronic fatigue and rapid-cycling mania with psychosis to resuming an independent life including full-time work, college coursework, and regular exercise.  This remarkable turnaround started with a belief that there were identifiable physiological causes for her symptoms, and that it would be possible to heal the sources of illness once they were known.

Inspired by their naturopathic doctor’s insightful diagnosis of several underlying conditions, Todd began a deep dive into cutting edge neuroscience, immunology, and herbalism.  The research-backed remedies he discovered allowed Meghan to regain her full and active life.  Along the way, Todd discovered numerous studies revealing a form of neuropathology common to severe psychiatric symptoms such as schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar mania, depression, and dementia, as well as ongoing research into treatable drivers of this condition.

Join us as Meghan and Todd share their stories, insights, and tools that have helped them regain and maintain health and vitality.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 7 – 9 PM
Unite Oregon
700 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, OR
(across from PCC Cascade Campus)
Click here for map

FREE! (Donations Welcome $0 – $20 suggested)
For questions, contact RethinkingPsychiatry@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook Page.

Click here to download flyer.

CRAZYWISE and Gogo Ekhaya Esima – Nov 15 & 22, 2017

Rethinking Psychiatry, the M.O.M.S. Movement, Mental Health Providers Unite! and Portland Icarus present

CRAZYWISE and
Gogo Ekhaya Esima


Documentary Film CRAZYWISE

Wednesday, November 15, 2017,  7 – 9 PM

With free popcorn and drinks!

CRAZYWISE is about looking at what dominant culture pathologizes as mental illness as a spiritual crisis instead. The film frames this possibility through the work of Phil Borges, a photographer/videographer who documented human rights issues of indigenous peoples around the world.

CRAZYWISE doesn’t romanticize indigenous wisdom, or completely condemn Western treatment. Trailer and more info on the film’s website here.


Gogo Ekhaya Esima

“Sick & Gifted: Bridging the Connection to
Mental Health Issues & Spiritual Gifts”

Wednesday, November 22, 2017,   7 – 9 PM

Special guest speaker Gogo Ekhaya was one of the people featured in the documentary film CRAZYWISE. She ends her talk with a community ancestral blessing for participants.


Private Sangoma readings and personal healing sessions with Gogo Ekhaya will be available on November 23 – 26.

Gogo Ekhaya Esima is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in the Mental Health field, a Trauma Survivor, a Spiritual Coach, and initiated Healer  in the South African Sangoma tradition. She is trained in trauma-informed practices and blends these techniques with shamanic healing for a holistic approach to mental wellness. Gogo Ekhaya’s story and info on her website here.

This 2-part event is at
Unite Oregon
700 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, OR
(across from PCC Cascade Campus)
Click here for map

FREE!  (Donations Welcome, $0 – $20 suggested)
For questions, contact RethinkingPsychiatry@gmail.com

Click here to download flyer.

Weds, Sept 16 – eCPR: Emotional CPR

eCPR - Emotional CPR

Rethinking Psychiatry Presents

A Preview of eCPR

eCPR is a form of heart-to-heart connection for emotional resuscitation.  eCPR is part of an international movement developed by peers.  It is trauma-informed and based on the values of a healthy community.

Become a first responder to people in emotional crisis!

Preview presenters:

  • Fawn Preston, Certified eCPR Trainer
  • Miranda Lovelong, Mental Health Life Coach, Certified eCPR Facilitator
  • John Herold, Director, Puget Sound Hearing Voices, Certified eCPR Facilitator
Wednesday,  September 16, 2015
National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM)
049 SW Porter St, Portland

Ron Unger Seminars

Ron Unger LCSW

Ron Unger, LCSW

Ron Unger will present three seminars this October, November and December.  Mr. Unger is therapist and educator specializing in cognitive therapy for psychosis, and in understanding and working with the relationships between trauma and psychosis.

All seminars will take place at 2222 Coburg Road in Eugene, Oregon.  Partial scholarships are available for consumers/ survivors & family members.

October 24:  CBT for Psychosis: An Individualized, Recovery Oriented Approach.  Cost:  $79.  Time:  8:30 AM – 4 PM.  CEU’s 6.  Registration/Information: http://recoveryfromschizophrenia.org/cbt-for-psychosis/

November 14:  Trauma, Dissociation, and Psychosis: CBT and Other Approaches to Understanding and Recovery.  Cost:  $79.  Time:  8:30 AM – 4 PM.  CEU’s 6.  Registration/Information: https://psychosisandtrauama.eventbrite.com

December 5:  Addressing Spiritual Issues Within Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis.  Cost:  $79. Time:  8:30 AM – 4 PM.  CEU’s 6.  Registration/Information: https://spiritualissuesinpsychosis.eventbrite.com

Ron Unger Seminars Rescheduled – Feb 21-22, 2014

Ron Unger LCSWDue to winter weather, the last two of Ron Unger’s seminar series at Portland State University have been rescheduled.

Mr. Unger is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who works with people diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, using a respectful and skill building approach called cognitive therapy for psychosis.  The seminars include:

February 21, 2014 – Exploring Ethical Dilemmas related to Diagnosis, Drugs, and other Possibly Iatrogenic Aspects of Mental Health Care

February 22, 2014 – Addressing Spiritual Issues Within Bipolar and Psychosis

These will be available to professionals for continuing education credit.  The above links will take you to pages with information on each course and an “add to cart” option that allows you to register.  The seminars will also be available to Portland State students for graduate credit as a package, under the course name “The Recovery Revolution in Mental Health: New Approaches for Serious Disorders.

For more information email 4ronunger at gmail.com, or phone 541-513-1811.

Beyond Soteria Followup – Feb 19, 2014

Next Step Meeting – Financing & Participation

Beyond Soteria is a project of those interested in creating a place for withdrawing from psychiatric drugs and restoring wellness.

If you are curious, or interested in contributing ideas, support, finances, or just encouragement please join us this Wednesday, Feb 19,  6:00pm at the Portland Unitarian Church.  You can also participate in the meeting by phone.  Dial 712-775-7300, then enter 679963#.

Beyond Soteria – Jan. 15, 2014

Creating a Place for Withdrawing from Psychiatric Drugs & Restoring Wellness

Cindi Fisher, Founder of the M.O.M.S. Movement, and Grace Silvia, who worked at Soteria Alaska, will share their vision for a place for withdrawing from psychiatric drugs and restoring wellness.  They invite people who have come off meds, people who want to come off meds, family, friends and allies to share their experiences and build a common vision to take this dream into action!

Chitari

Dr. Satya Ambrose will introduce  her collaborative healing community, Chitari.  Chitari is a non-profit holistic healing center where the worlds of conventional and natural medicine meet to promote wellness of the body and spirit.

The Healing Paradox in Mental Health Treatment – Nov. 20, 2014

The Healing ParadoxJoin us at our November meeting for a presentation by psychiatrist and author, Dr. Steven Goldsmith.

“Treatment that fights disease as an adversary cannot cure mental illness.  Only treatment that accepts and allies with mental illness can help people cure themselves.” Steven Goldsmith, MD, author of The Healing Paradox: A Revolutionary Approach to Treating and Curing Physical and Mental Illness (North Atlantic Books, 2013) will discuss this central paradox as it pertains to mental health treatment, with descriptions of curative paradoxical treatments. Time permitting, he will read from a relevant portion of his book, with audience discussion and questions to follow.

Dr. Goldsmith received his M.D. from the Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, is Board-certified in psychiatry, and has been affiliated with the Tufts University, Boston University, and New York University Schools of Medicine.  He maintains a practice In Portland emphasizing natural solutions for health problems.

Natural Healing Approaches for Mental Health – Nov. 20 in Corvallis

Chris Foulke, Emily Wittkop, and Alieta Herrera-Train will speak on nutritional, herbal, and livestyle solutions for mental healing.

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Time: 6:00 – 7:40 PM
Location: Ronenkamp Hall, Grace Lutheran Church, 435 NW 21st, Corvallis, OR

Click here for more information (PDF)

Portland Hearing Voices – Sept 18, 2013

PortlandHearingVoicesRethinking Psychiatry is pleased to announce that our popular monthly meetings will resume on September 18th!  This meeting will feature guest speaker, Kate Hill, from Portland Hearing Voices.

Hearing Voices is a “voices and extreme states” support group.  Learn how Hearing Voices seeks to help people regain control of their lives and explore the meaning in madness.

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: First Unitarian Church,  1011 SW 12th Ave., Portland, OR