Willoughby Britton

Dr. Willoughby Britton, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at Brown University, discusses the often-overlooked risks of meditation. She emphasizes the need for understanding individual experiences and historical context in meditation practices. The conversation highlights potential adverse effects and the importance of harm reduction strategies. Britton also shares insights on navigating meditation retreats safely and encourages open dialogue about the complexities of both meditation and near-death experiences, all while advocating for mindful engagement with these practices.

Willoughby Britton, an associate professor studying meditation's psychological effects, and Pierce Salguero, a professor of Asian history and health humanities, explore the darker side of meditation. They discuss unexpected lab findings showing meditation may increase cortical arousal and recount alarming experiences like psychosis and cognitive loss reported by practitioners. Salguero connects these challenges to historical texts, revealing that warnings about meditation difficulties have existed for centuries. They emphasize the importance of recognizing risks and balancing practices.

Join Willoughby Britton, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Lab, and Jared Lindahl, a Visiting Scholar at Brown University, as they explore the often-overlooked adverse effects of meditation. They discuss their groundbreaking research on the Varieties of Contemplative Experience, shedding light on psychological and emotional risks. The conversation raises critical questions about responsibility, personal interpretation of experiences, and the need for better support in meditation communities. Discover meditation's complexities beyond the expected tranquility.