Emerging Research & Ideas

One of Trish’s professional interests is exploring emerging research and translating complex ideas into practical applications that support healing, growth, resilience, and relational well-being.

Her work is informed by developments across psychology, neuroscience, trauma recovery, spirituality, and the study of human consciousness.

This section highlights research, ideas, and perspectives that may deepen our understanding of healing, resilience, relationships, meaning-making, consciousness, and human potential.

While some of these areas are well-established within mainstream science, others remain exploratory and evolving.

Areas of Interest

Consciousness Studies

Exploring current theories, research, and perspectives related to the nature of consciousness, awareness, perception, and human experience.

Consciousness remains one of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of human existence. Researchers from fields including neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, biology, and physics continue to investigate fundamental questions about the nature of mind, perception, identity, and reality.

Below are several researchers and organizations whose work contributes to ongoing discussions in this area:

Dr. Anil Seth https://www.anilseth.com/
Neuroscientist known for his work on predictive processing and theories of conscious experience.

Dr. Donald Hoffman https://sites.socsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/
Cognitive scientist exploring theories of perception, consciousness, and the relationship between reality and conscious experience.

Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) https://noetic.org/
Research organization investigating consciousness, human potential, and the intersection of science and transformative experiences.

Essentia Foundation https://www.essentiafoundation.org/
Organization exploring philosophical and scientific perspectives related to consciousness and analytic idealism.

Dr. Michael Levin https://www.drmichaellevin.org/
Developmental and synthetic biologist studying intelligence, cognition, and problem-solving in living systems.

Dr. Marjorie Woollacott https://marjoriewoollacott.com/
Neuroscientist and researcher examining consciousness, meditation, spirituality, and human transformation.

The inclusion of these researchers and organizations does not imply endorsement of all perspectives or conclusions. Rather, they are included as examples of individuals and groups contributing to ongoing conversations and research related to consciousness and human experience.

Neuroscience & the Brain

Research on neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, attachment, memory, resilience, and the brain’s role in shaping our experience of reality.

Memory Reconsolidation

Emerging research on how emotional learning can be updated and transformed, creating new possibilities for healing trauma, anxiety, and limiting beliefs.

Predictive Processing & Meaning-Making

Understanding how the brain constructs experience, creates meaning, and continually predicts and interprets the world around us.

Interpersonal Neurobiology

Exploring the relationship between the brain, mind, body, relationships, and social connection, and how these systems influence wellbeing and resilience.

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Research into psychedelic-assisted treatments and their potential applications for trauma, depression, anxiety, end-of-life distress, and personal transformation.

Meditation & Contemplative Science

Scientific studies examining mindfulness, compassion, meditation, contemplative practices, and their effects on the brain, body, and overall wellbeing.

Non-Ordinary Experiences

Research related to near-death experiences, spiritually transformative experiences, mystical experiences, exceptional human functioning, and other experiences that challenge conventional assumptions about consciousness.

Books, Podcasts & Videos

The following are books, podcasts and videos from researchers, authors, clinicians, and thought leaders exploring the frontiers of psychology, neuroscience, consciousness, and human development.

Eckhart Tolle: The Secret to True Healing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugbqg2qpwx0

Growing Through Life’s Challenges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuMDBoCfK5Y

Dan Siegel’s “Flipping Our Lid” hand metaphor (video by Tara Brach) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY5EJNB1N5c

Trauma healing books I recommend:

  • Body Keeps the Score – by Bessel van der Kolk
  • True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart – by Tara Brach
  • Radical Acceptance – by Tara Brach
  • The Secret of the Shadow – by Debbie Ford
  • Bouncing Back (2013); – by Linda Graham
  • Resilience (2018): Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty, and Even Disaster – by Linda Graham
  • Resilient: How to grow an unshakable core of calm, strength, and happiness- by Rick Hanson & Forrest Hanson. (2018). (First edition.). New York: Harmony Books.
  • Hardwiring Happiness – Dr. Rick Hanson
  • Hauntings – by Dr. James Hollis
  • Living an Examined Life – by Dr. James Hollis
  • In an Unspoken Voice, and Waking the Tiger – by Peter Levine
  • My Grandmother’s Hands – by Resmaa Menakem
  • Legacy: Trauma, Story and Indigenous Healing  – by Suzanne Methot
  • Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
  • Trauma and the Body – by Pat Ogden
  • What Happened to You? – by Bruce D. Perry
  • The Pocket Guide to Polyvagal Theory – by Stephen Porges
  • Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: the Transformative Powers of Feeling Safe –  by Stephen Porges
  • Upside: The New Science of Post Traumatic Growth – by Jim Rendon.
  • When the Past is Present – David Richo
  • Widen the Window – by Elizabeth Stanley
  • From the Ashes – by Jesse Thistle
  • The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding & Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response – Dr. Ellen Vora

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