On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Avik digs into a provocative lens on bipolar experiences with author and facilitator Sean Blackwell. We unpack “bipolar awakenings,” trauma, kundalini/energy blocks, and Sean’s approach to bipolar breathwork inspired by holotropic methods. This episode challenges purely biomedical narratives and explores how safe containers, skilled facilitation, and embodied processing may help people make meaning from intense states—without romanticizing risk. If you’re navigating diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or rethinking mental health through mind–body–spirit, this conversation offers context, cautions, and next steps.
About the Guest :
Sean Blackwell is the author of Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder and a certified holotropic breathwork facilitator. He leads retreats and coaching focused on integrating intense states sometimes labeled bipolar, drawing from transpersonal psychology and somatic practice.
Key Takeaways:
-
The guest frames some “bipolar” episodes as spiritual emergencies that require containment, grounding, and skilled support—not dismissal.
-
Trauma processing and somatic release may correlate with symptom shifts; the guest uses breathwork to surface and resolve stored material.
-
Distinguish projection (paranoia, grandiosity) from internalization (turning attention inward) to move from crisis to integration.
-
Kundalini/energy language is used metaphorically to explain blocks and releases; scientific validation remains debated.
-
Safety first: structured environment, trained facilitators, post-session integration, and continued medical supervision as needed.
-
The guest’s “bipolar breathwork” adapts holotropic methods (faster breathing + music) to invite emotional catharsis in a controlled setting.
-
Lived experience matters: the guest’s own hospitalization catalyzed his current model and methods.
-
For clinicians: consider multidisciplinary collaboration—biological, psychological, and spiritual lenses can co-exist.
-
For listeners: educational only; always consult licensed professionals before changing treatment.
-
Resources: book (free PDF on guest site), retreats, and a free 30-minute consult.
Some statements reflect personal belief and experiences and are presented as individual views, not medical advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals for medical conditions.
Connect with the Guest :
-
Website: www.bipolarawakenings.com
-
Book: Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder
-
YouTube channel and information on international retreats
Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch
-
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
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.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com