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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli explores grief, connection, and a little-known practice called the psychomanteum. Joined by Dr. Irene Blinston, researcher, author, and grief practitioner, they talk about what this experience actually looks like, how it is used in grief work, and what people report during and after a session. 

This conversation breaks down the structure of a psychomanteum, including the controlled environment, altered state of consciousness, and guided process. Dr. Blinston discusses her research, including measurable reductions in grief symptoms and the importance of preparation, screening, and debriefing.  

Key takeaways include: 

• What a psychomanteum is and how it works  
• What people experience, beyond expectations of “contact”  
• Why healing can occur even without seeing or hearing a loved one  
• The role of environment, ritual, and altered awareness in grief processing  
• Who this work is and is not appropriate for  

Whether you approach this topic from a psychological, spiritual, or curious perspective, this episode offers a grounded look at how people process grief and maintain connection after loss. It opens the door to conversations that are often avoided, while keeping safety, ethics, and personal meaning at the center. 

Links/Resources 

• Dr. Irene Blinston: https://portaltohealinggrief.com  
• Traci Arieli - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Get a free copy of Dr. Blinston’s eBook, “Gazing into the Afterlife" at https://freebook.portaltohealinggrief.com

 
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