SANCTUARY PROJECT/ THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR EXTREME STATES OF MIND

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. initially sought to work with an organization in Philadelphia in 2008 to develop a home for persons undergoing extreme states of mind. This probed challenging and the funding was lacking. In place of this, Dr. Edmunds decided to help persons find community housing near his private practice, and he would spend much time each day with each of these persons and they would also have a companion who would spend time with them in various activities and provide support. In addition, the person had access to meditation classes, massage therapy, and acupuncture. At present, all of Dr. Edmunds' clients have been able to eliminate psychiatric drug use and be 'functional'. This project has been highly successful, though the establishment has often either resisted it or outright ignored it. In addition, to extreme states of mind (schizophrenia, bipolar), Dr. Edmunds' project is unique in that it also helps autistic and developmentally different persons.

Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Psychosis- a book that makes it intelligible and offers a humane approach.