"A shaft of light into the darkness" Arts Journal
"Inexplicably beautiful" The Guardian
"Sharp, witty and in places very funny" Northern Review
"Beyond categorisation" Artesian
"Sheer brilliance" Mail-Out
"Inexplicably beautiful" The Guardian
"Sharp, witty and in places very funny" Northern Review
"Beyond categorisation" Artesian
"Sheer brilliance" Mail-Out
PSYCHE is Aidan Shingler's mind-blowing account of the visionary potential of unusual states of consciousness. One person in every hundred is diagnosed schizophrenic. With striking imagery and compelling narrative, the author explores the spiritual and creative aspects of schizophrenia, the way people so labelled are treated by the psychiatric system, and how the senses of those experiencing psychosis are opened to paranormal stimuli. The book validates Psyche-sensitivity as evidence of humankind evolving before us, here and now, and emphasises its positive and transforming potential.
This website includes extracts from the book.
This website includes extracts from the book.
‘My reference to schizophrenia and psychosis are not meant to convey accord with current psychiatric orthodoxy; these terms are cited for expedience rather than agreement with clinical diagnosis. I use the phrase Psyche-sensitivity to counter prevailing assumptions and terminology.' Aidan Shingler
Click here to buy paperback PSYCHE
Price: £15.00
First published in 2016 by Thorntree Press
ISBN 978-1-9538821-9-6
Paper pack/perfect bound
40 original colour images
First published in 2016 by Thorntree Press
ISBN 978-1-9538821-9-6
Paper pack/perfect bound
40 original colour images
Reviews:
"This work and the manner of its presentation afford an alternative world view. The reader is taken on a remarkable guided tour of the author's life and philosophy. The combination of text and images is beautifully structured and paced. Through joy, laughter, and sadness Aidan Shingler validates the human spirit and encourages us all to strive to become ‘Reality Testers’." Prof P Barker
"By accentuating the positive aspects of the state of being that is so casually dismissed as 'schizophrenia', Aidan Shingler restores dignity and wonder to worlds we disregard at our peril. He leaves us in no doubt that others who have received similar diagnoses, but may not possess similar degrees of articulateness, may well be misunderstood - sometimes fatally - by the caring professions. Whilst this book will be a delight for anyone, it should be on the introductory book list of every person embarking on a career in mental health." Dr L Brown
"As a survivor of the mental health system and as someone who has worked as a professional in mental health, I can think of no better book to give an introduction to the often transformative and positive experiences of those labelled as mentally ill. Aidan Shingler so eloquently relates this in poetic words and stunning images that reveal this beauty alongside the depiction of the destructive reality of a cruel and abusive psychiatric system. I have now gifted over ten copies of this book to both those working in mental health or living with mental health labels and without exception they have experienced their own transformation and learnt to look closer at a spiritual human experience that should be revered rather than condemned. If your life is in any way touched by mental health, you appreciate witty intelligent art or want to read something totally original then I strongly recommend this amazing book." C Ingram
"This is a book of our times, one that offers hope, inspiration, and discovery; by unleashing the potency of the mind and its creative potential when freed from the personal boundaries and frames of reference the majority of us create for ourselves. It is an important book not solely because it deals with Aidan Shingler’s personal journey and reality (his adventure) but because it offers a better understanding of how to explore the many facets of mental health. By examining schizophrenia through art and writing, Aidan Shingler offers ideas of how, through self-expression, people can lead a more self-aware and authentic life, and thereby experience greater fulfilment, purpose and meaning. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to celebrate humanity and cognitive diversity, who chooses to accept themselves, embrace difference and transcend the mediocrity of the everyday in order to gain an enriched reality." Freewind
"By accentuating the positive aspects of the state of being that is so casually dismissed as 'schizophrenia', Aidan Shingler restores dignity and wonder to worlds we disregard at our peril. He leaves us in no doubt that others who have received similar diagnoses, but may not possess similar degrees of articulateness, may well be misunderstood - sometimes fatally - by the caring professions. Whilst this book will be a delight for anyone, it should be on the introductory book list of every person embarking on a career in mental health." Dr L Brown
"As a survivor of the mental health system and as someone who has worked as a professional in mental health, I can think of no better book to give an introduction to the often transformative and positive experiences of those labelled as mentally ill. Aidan Shingler so eloquently relates this in poetic words and stunning images that reveal this beauty alongside the depiction of the destructive reality of a cruel and abusive psychiatric system. I have now gifted over ten copies of this book to both those working in mental health or living with mental health labels and without exception they have experienced their own transformation and learnt to look closer at a spiritual human experience that should be revered rather than condemned. If your life is in any way touched by mental health, you appreciate witty intelligent art or want to read something totally original then I strongly recommend this amazing book." C Ingram
"This is a book of our times, one that offers hope, inspiration, and discovery; by unleashing the potency of the mind and its creative potential when freed from the personal boundaries and frames of reference the majority of us create for ourselves. It is an important book not solely because it deals with Aidan Shingler’s personal journey and reality (his adventure) but because it offers a better understanding of how to explore the many facets of mental health. By examining schizophrenia through art and writing, Aidan Shingler offers ideas of how, through self-expression, people can lead a more self-aware and authentic life, and thereby experience greater fulfilment, purpose and meaning. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to celebrate humanity and cognitive diversity, who chooses to accept themselves, embrace difference and transcend the mediocrity of the everyday in order to gain an enriched reality." Freewind
