On The Mindful Journey, Sana sits down with Sean Blackwell to challenge the conventional lens on bipolar disorder. Sean argues that some acute episodes labeled “mania” or “psychosis” can function as spiritual emergencies—experiences that, when held in a safe container, catalyze trauma release and long-term integration. We unpack his retreat model, Bipolar Breathwork (inspired by holotropic methods), the role of kundalini/chakra frameworks, why he keeps clients on medication during healing work, and how to assess the line between a mental-health emergency and a spiritual crisis. If you care about nuanced mental health conversations that bridge science, lived experience, and spirituality—this one’s for you.

Sean Blackwell is the author of Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder and founder of private retreats where he facilitates breathwork-based trauma processing for clients with bipolar diagnoses and related non-ordinary states.

Sean frames certain bipolar I psychoses as spiritual emergencies with common “spiritual delusions” (e.g., rebirth, messiah missions), suggesting patterned—not random—experiences.

His method, Bipolar Breathwork, uses intensive music and aggressive, self-paced breathing to relax ego defenses and surface repressed material for processing.

Early sessions often present as quiet or “shamanic sleep,” which he interprets as the bioenergetic system “repairing” before explicit trauma emerges.

He insists clients remain on psychiatric medication during retreats to stay grounded; any med changes are routed through the client’s psychiatrist.

Distinguishing spiritual crisis from clinical emergency requires context: safety, containment, informed facilitation, and medical collaboration.

He cites influences from Dr. Stan Grof and India’s kundalini/chakra traditions while acknowledging that spiritual mechanisms aren’t empirically measurable.

Lived experience story: his 1996 acute psychosis led to significant life changes and launched his research into “bipolar awakenings.”

Practical lens: respect both territories—psychiatry for stabilization, spiritual work for meaning-making and trauma resolution.

The information shared in this episode and its accompanying materials is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition.

Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard in this podcast. Any mention of specific practices, methods, or personal healing experiences—such as breathwork, spiritual practices, or retreats—reflects the guest’s individual perspective and should not be interpreted as medical recommendations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed healthcare professional or reach out to your local emergency services immediately.

Website: www.bipolarawakenings.com

Book: Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder

YouTube channel and information on international retreats

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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