Dr Dan Edmunds

EQI.org Home \| Dr. Dan L. Edmunds Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, USA DrDanEdmunds.com Dr. Edmunds seems to be a very interesting man who shares many of the beliefs found on EQI.org. Here are some notes from his writing and work. I am a little concerned with his possible affiliation to Scientology, though. One of his websites talks about his working as and advisor with CCHR - a Scientology thing. More about it is below. In any case here are some excerpts and copies of his writing and work. -- His writing about John Gottman Excerpt Gottman explains that, much of today's popular advice to parents ignores emotion. Instead it relies on child-rearing theories that address children's misbehavior, but disregards the feelings that underlie that misbehavior. More Edmunds' comments about the mental health industry Many times I have seen mental health professionals seek to only redirect behaviors without getting to the real root of the problem and seeking to understand just why a child feels the way they do. More From one of his books - The Roots of Distress Dr. Edmunds explores how social problems often evoke great emotional pain on individuals. Discusses (with case studies) the impact of trauma, familial dynamics, and social factors upon well being and our need to respond with loving, compassionate means. This is an iconoclastic and powerful book that challenges how our society deals with our youth and how we may be very well driving them 'mad'. A Few Stories About Dr. Edmunds' Work	EQI.org Home Page Core Components of EQI.org Other EQI.org Topics: Emotional Intelligence \| Empathy Emotional Abuse \| Understanding Emotional Literacy \| Feeling Words Respect \| Parenting \| Caring Listening \| Invalidation \| Hugs Depression \|Education Personal Growth Search EQI.org \| Support EQI.org EQI.org Library and Bookstore
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His Writing About John Gottman His notes on Gottman's writing about parenting - from humanepsychiatry.com/healingdoor.html Gottman provides an important outline towards opening the door to healing. Gottman explains that, much of today's popular advice to parents ignores emotion. Instead it relies on child-rearing theories that address children's misbehavior, but disregards the feelings that underlie that misbehavior. The ultimate goal of raising children should not be simply to have an obedient and compliant child. Most parents hope for much more for their children. They want their children to be moral and responsible people who contribute to society, who have the strength to make their own choices in life, who enjoy accomplishments of their own talents, who enjoy life and the pleasures it can offer, who have good relationships with friends and successful marriages, and who themselves become good parents. In my research I discovered that love by itself wasn't enough. We found that concerned, warm, and involved parents often had attitudes toward their emotions and their children's emotions that got in the way of talking to their children when the child was sad or afraid or angry. The secret to being an emotionally intelligent parent lay in how parents interacted with their children when emotions ran hot. - adapted from pp. 15-16, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman with Joan DeClaire. Gottman outlines the following five things neccessary for emotional coaching: Be aware of a child's emotions Recognize emotional expression as an opportunity for intimacy and teaching Listen empathetically and validate a child's feelings Label emotions in words a child can understand Help a child come up with an appropriate way to solve a problem or deal with an upsetting issue or situation. Edmunds writes: I have recommended the use of 'time ins' to help set the time and communication necessary to explore feelings. The use of 'dramatized grievances' as suggested by Psychologist John Breeding allow children to express emotions without fear of being judged. Parents and therapists must encourage children to develop adaptive responses, to let them take responsibility for developing a plan and understanding themselves. Emotion coaching is effective and works. Gottman has recognized the following in his research to occur: Children whose parents are "emotional coaches" - Are able to regulate their emotional states. - Are better at soothing themselves when they are upset. - Could calm down their hearts faster after something upsetting happens. - Have fewer infectious illnesses. - Are better at focusing attention. - Relate better to other people, even in tough situations like getting teased in middle school. - Are better at understanding people. - Have better friendships with other children. - Are better in school situations that require academic performance.

Edmunds' Writing About the Mental Health Industry Many times I have seen mental health professionals seek to only redirect behaviors without getting to the real root of the problem and seeking to understand just why a child feels the way they do. We must recognize emotions as an opportunity for us to have a trusting relationship with the child and it is an opportunity for teaching. We must validate the feelings and listen empathetically, while helping the child to develop for themselves goals and ways to cope with the problem at hand. My form of therapy is completely child centered. I do not come with an agenda to impose upon a child but rather encourage the child to explore for themselves, to coach them in the ways that they can provide for their own emotional healing. Adults are guides not dictators, and the fact remains that children do not have something just to learn from us, but we can learn from them. Edmunds gives an example of how he works with young people. He says someone came to him with some depression. Edmunds says,, "He needed someone to talk to and open up to, and so I took him to a bookstore/coffeeshop. We sat drinking cappucino and I allowed him to direct the conversation. Because I allowed him to direct the conversation and provided a comfortable atmosphere, we were able to share much together. At the end of the session he commented to me that I was one of the only people who he could trust and who respected him. Edmunds also says: I began to realize within myself that many of my own conflicts in the profession lie in the fact that like a child, I do not want to be controlled. No one wants to be dictacted to, they desire freedom and exploration. We need people who will guide us, not hover over us with a conception that they have all the answers. One of the most harmful things to children and actually to anyone is excessive criticism. When a child acts out there is a reason, but often those in the mental health profession and parents as well do not want to take the time to explore the emotions behind why a child acts out. It takes too much time and effort. It is much easier to criticize the child or to try to make the child 'stop' the behavior, whether this be through force, drugging, or both. It is important to enter the child's world, to develop a mental map of who the child is, why they are what they are, and where they are headed from here. We must avoid 'siding with the enemy' as Gottman points out. This means if there is something we don't care for that the child is involved with that we dont become so overly critical that we alienate the child and cause him to not want to build an emotional bridge of communication with us. People need to share in their child's dreams and fantasies. Imagination is positive, and children need these outlets even if they appear unrealistic to us adults. Sometimes, we adults need to share in the activities of children, we must make ourselves children so that children can relate to us. I recall working with a 5 year old child and he asked me if I would roll down a hill with him. To some mental health professionals with a 'stuffy attitude', this would appear absurd for an adult to do, but I joined him in his fun, and it created a bond with this child. I was able to speak with this child and the child would listen, not because I was the 'mighty' adult speaking but because I had entered his world with love and compassion. Children need to be empowered, not denigrated, they need to be respected, treated with dignity. Todays mental health profession is filled with money making schemes, and does not often hold the child's best interests in mind when business and money come to the forefront. This is what I call mental health system oppression. Edmunds says "People think that these individuals being 'experts' are there to help their children," but he suggests they would think quite differently if they "really knew what was going on behind the scenes." Then Edmunds concludes: There are only two real qualifications are a therapist- love and compassion. The very virtues that we should be teaching our children are mostly lacking in the mental health field today.
A Few Stories about Dr. Edmunds' work A 5 year old boy who had been given a diagnosis of autism began working with Dr. Edmunds. He was completely non-verbal when Dr. Edmunds encountered him. He came into the office and began to bang on the computer keyboard. In the main room of the clinic was a large pit of plastic balls. Dr. Edmunds told him, "I am going to have to scoop you up and throw you in the ballpit." He smiled and walked away, only to return to the keyboard with his hand outstretched towards the keyboard, not touching it, just grinning. Just as he touched it, Dr. Edmunds picked him up and said, "yep, to the ballpit with you." He giggled and smiled, and then returned to the keyboard again, but this time he did not touch it, he just fell into Dr. Edmunds arms and then for the first time spoke "throw me in." -- Alan was seen by most as an obstinate young man who had completed departed from any sense of reality. His hallucinations had earned him the diagnosis of a psychotic disorder not to mention he frequently displayed aggressive behavior. Reading the charts from before, it painted a monstrosity, but gave little detail to what Alan's experience might have been. When I first encountered Alan, I did not demand that he speak to me or that he not speak to me. I made no demands. I solely informed him that I was a supportive person who wanted to know him for who he is. This opened the door to intense dialogues. Together we explored questions about life that we both may have never thought much on before. The topics would drift to purpose, impermanence, suffering, the human condition. He related to me the pain of years of abuse, how he felt dehumanized and humiliated by the various people he thought would help him. He told me of his feelings of being alone, of being nothing. This feeling of nothing for him was an end at the time, but really it was the beginning. It was the door for him to question life, to question what he had been taught, to become. He related to me about his hallucinations, and his imaginary friends became mine as well. I asked about their habits, and their words. I noticed that these beings he saw were him at various points in time. As I met each of these beings, I learned something a bit more about the experience of Alan. Gradually as his emotional needs were met and he began to see himself once again as a singular person in the present moment of time and space, these beings began to depart. I saw in Alan the resilient human spirit and I will not forget him. (From "The Roots of Distress") -- I was contacted on one occasion to conduct an assessment and consult with a family in regards to their son who was in his early twenties who had been involuntarily committed by his father to a state mental hospital. As I entered the facility, I wondered how anyone in this place could not feel worthless, depressed, and mad. I entered to meet John. He appeared somewhat lethargic because of the cocktail of psychiatric drugs he was being given, but he greeted me warmly and with a smile. John began to immediately speak and told me how he was an African American infant who when he was around two years old was turned white. (John was quite pale in complexion). He then proceeded to tell me about the mind control he felt he was experiencing, that his freedom was taken away, he could no longer think for himself. I asked him who he felt was controlling his mind. His answer did not surprise me - it was his father. I later asked the mother if John's father was a racist and if John had been abused. The answer was yes to both; the father had been linked to racist organizations. The abuse began around the age of 2. It was clear that John had a powerful message, though surrounded in metaphor. To the person only wanting to categorize behavior and ignore experience, would they have known what John was seeking to communicate? -- Aaron was a delightful 10 year old boy with a great sense of humor and alot of creativity and imagination. However, Aaron looked at himself as a 'bad kid'. His step-mother was filled with negativity towards him and his parents were embroiled in constant conflict. Aaron had been sexually abused when he was 3 years old. The memories of his trauma continued to haunt him. Aaron developed a challenge of encopresis that was occurring on a daily basis and it only furthered the negative relationship with his step-mother. After getting to know Aaron, I began to realize that he felt stifled and was often told to be quiet and was never allowed to really express himself. He told me that he felt he could not be himself and he was afraid to share any of his feelings, he did not feel safe and secure. I saw his encopresis as a reflection of the negative emotions he so deeply wished to share and it was no surprise for me to learn that this seemed to only occur in his home environment. I felt it was necessary for him to build a trusting relationship with someone, and sought to build him up and encourage his resiliency. Though our periods meeting together were short, I hoped that it would be a period of respite, a period where he could truly be himself and express himself without any fear of judgment. I believe Aaron will face many more challenges, but I remain hopeful that pointing him to an understanding of the roots of his distress and challenges, and giving him a spirit of overcoming, and with his own innate strengths, that he will be able to survive the violence so sadly inflicted upon him. -- Initially, James was brought to me as he was having violent outbursts with peers. James had Downs Syndrome but was high functioning in many areas. I came to learn that James had been prescribed Paxil. I was convinced that because he had no prior history of violence that Paxil was contributing to the violence he experienced and I arranged for him to be seen by his physician to discuss this. The drug was discontinued and amazingly the violence discontinued. James was very religious and had a dream of being a minister. I thought of a creative way to help James feel that he could accomplish his dream. I organized for his ordination to a minor order in his church and James decided to put a small 'chapel' in his room where he could reflect. I taught James some meditation and relaxation exercises that he consistently used whenever he began feeling frustrated. I began spending some time with James in various community activities and helping to foster further skills. He is an amazing individual with much kindness and compassion and it appears that with the ability to feel that he was 'part of something' and making a contribution that most of what was looked at as problematic behavior resolved.

Internationally Renowned Existential-Humanist Psychotherapist for Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Professor of Counseling Psychology and Comparative Religion
Child Development Specialist/Behavioral Consultant
Psychological Evaluator/Associate

The European-American University

Lecturer, Speaker, and Public Intellectual
Consultant and Expert on Autism, Asperger's and Developmental Differences

Activist for Social Justice

Author of

CHILDREN OUR TREASURE: MEETING OUR CHILDREN'S TRUE NEEDS OUTSIDE OF THE BIO-PSYCHIATRIC PARADIGM

COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF A DRUG FREE APPROACH TO ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

THE ODDITIES OF RELIGION

as well as numerous articles on mental health reform, ethics in practice, autism/developmental differences, extreme states of mind (schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar), traumatic stress, and emotional health.

Speaker on local and nationally syndicated radio programs

Board Certified in Sexual Abuse Issues, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress

PSYCHOTHERAPY/COUNSELING FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS

RELATIONSHIP BASED APPROACHES-AUTISM/DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES SERVICES

DRUG FREE RELATIONAL APPROACHES TO ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

PSYCHOTHERAPY/ PSYCHO-SOCIAL INTERVENTION FOR EXTREME STATES OF MIND (SCHIZOPHRENIA, BIPOLAR)

MEDITATION/ RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

ASSISTANCE WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS AND DEPRESSION
FAMILY MEDIATION

EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY

WORKSHOPS/LECTURES/SEMINARS
TRAINING/MENTOR PROGRAMS

CONSULTATION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS, EDUCATORS, PARENTS, MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND OTHERS

PSYCHO-SOCIAL ASSESSMENTS

FORENSIC ASSESSMENTS (with specialization in situations of SSRI anti-depressant induced violence and suicidality and psychiatric drug adverse events and behavioral abnormalities)

FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENTS

FAMILY THERAPY/MARITAL COUNSELING

GLBT ISSUES

EXISTENTIAL THERAPY

CONSULTATION ON PSYCHIATRIC DRUG INDUCED MENTAL/EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE

MENTAL HEALTH REFORM ADVOCACY

DRUG FREE, PSYCHO-SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS FOR THE DIFFICULT CHILD

DISPUTE RESOLUTION/MEDIATION

"With much compassion and understanding, Dr. Edmunds has an innate ability to connect with distressed persons, aid them through challenges and seek to understand their experience. His work with autistic persons and persons undergoing extreme states of mind is unique and amazing. Dr. Edmunds is controversial and often iconoclastic as he is a critical thinker.

He believes that people's experience needs to be compassionately heard rather than being readily prescribed psychiatric drugs and labeled. Dr. Edmunds has not been afraid to speak out and tackle irrationality, oppression, and injustice. From his youth, Dr. Edmunds has involved himself in struggle for human rights and the dignity of persons. He has never been one to back down when confronted with a challenge, and he does not accept things at face value, rather he has a brilliant and critical mind of reason."

In 2006, Dr. Edmunds established the International Center for Humane Psychiatry to encourage ethics and compassion in the field of mental health and to address issues of psychiatric abuse and promote more humane and dignified approaches towards helping distressed persons. Since 2006, Dr. Edmunds has delivered workshops and lectures, conducted radio interviews, participated in rallies and protests, attended professional conferences and meetings focused on mental health, juvenile justice, and foster care reform and in promoting caring approaches for distressed individuals and meeting our children's true needs. In 2008, Dr. Edmunds began organizing the Humanist Center for Freethought and Social Activism to promote scientific inquiry, exploration of philosophical concepts, examination of comparative religion, and mythologies. In addition, to promote holding beliefs based on logic and reason rather than ascribing to dogmatism, authority, or tradition. The Center encourages the skeptical questioning of ideas, concepts, beliefs, and authority.

The Center also encourages social activism. The Center is committed to erasing oppression in all its forms and is dedicated to radical democracy where racism, homophobia, sexism, class divisions, and inequalities cease and where there is true justice, not just for an elite few. It strives for the liberation of oppressed persons, for basic human rights,civil rights, cultural freedom, and ecological responsibility.

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. on Facebook

Connect with Dr. Edmunds on Facebook and receive information on recent events and speaking engagements

He is an ally of the psychiatric survivor movement and a social activist promoting the need for understanding and equality and ending oppression in all its forms. His work is part of an emanicipatory movement to encourage freedom, dignity, and choice in the mental health system. In addition to his work as a psychotherapist, Dr. Edmunds conducts extensive study into the sociology of religion and belief, and has explored various religious groups (Jewish, Muslim, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Old Catholic, Roman Catholic, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Hindu, Baha'i, among others.) He has published a number of articles exploring religious belief and traditions.

He is the author of the recent book, THE ODDITIES OF RELIGION which critically examines religious dogmatism. Dr. Edmunds has explored meditation practices as well as ayurveda. Dr. Edmunds collaborates with a number of individuals in the holistic healing arts, among them Maya Winddancer Noble, a licensed acupuncturist and scholar of Oriental Medicine. Together, they have sought means to manage physical and emotional pain and encourage wellness. Dr. Edmunds completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida in Comparative Religion and Sociology. He completed post graduate coursework in Dispute Resolution through the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. He received his Master of Arts from the University of Scranton and earned his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling from the University of Sarasota. Dr. Edmunds lectures extensively and has been a guest on local and nationally syndicated radio programs broadcast in Los Angeles, CA; Melbourne, FL; Tampa/St.Petersburg/Clearwater, FL; Hartford, CT.

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds with the Dunkle Family at the opening of an exhibit on psychiatric abuse held in Center City, Philadelphia. The Dunkle family's daughter, Shania, sadly died in the office of her physician from a psychiatric drug.

MORE ABOUT DR. D.L. EDMUNDS' BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

BECOME A MEMBER OF ICHP

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION WITH DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

Dr. Edmunds speaking at event in Niagara Falls, New York, USA

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE:

January 20th: Radio Interview- Clearwater, Florida
March 26th: Scranton, Pennsylvania
May 26: Montrose, Pennsylvania
June 1: New York, New York
August 7: Ithaca, New York

DR. EDMUNDS' PRESENT AND PAST SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

BOOKS BY DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

BOOK REVIEW OF "DONT MIND ME" BY JUDITH HAIRE- CHIPMUNKA PUBLISHING, UNITED KINGDOM

EXCERPTS FROM SOME OF DR. D.L. EDMUNDS' BOOKS

ARTICLES BY DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

PURCHASE DR. D.L. EDMUNDS POSTERS, T-SHIRTS, AND OTHER MERCHANDISE

AUTISM, ASPERGER, DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES SERVICES FOR NORTHEASTERN PENNYSYLVANIA AND SOUTHERN TIER OF NEW YORK REGION- THE AUTISM ACCEPTANCE PROJECT- providing training and instruction to educators, parents, and others on understanding developmental differences, encouraging inclusion, and developing approaches that respect dignity, autonomy, and self determination.

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FURTHER INFORMATION ON NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AUTISM ACCEPTANCE PROJECT
The Northeast Pennsylvania Autism Acceptance Project helps autistic, Asperger, and developmentally different persons be able to navigate through the mainstream with dignity. It is focused on the principles of autonomy, understanding, tolerance, inclusion, self-determination, and meaning. Our objective is to provide education and consultation to special education departments, educators, parents, mental health professionals, and others that promote relational approaches and which are respectful to the person.

DR. EDMUNDS' ESSAY "RETURNING THE SOUL TO THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM" PUBLISHED IN THE AAINA JOURNAL OF THE CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY- PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

CENTER FOR FREETHOUGHT AND SOCIAL ACTIVISM

HUMANIST CENTER BLOG

DR. D.L. EDMUNDS FEATURED ON CIRCLES OF LEARNING FOUNDATION SITE, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR HUMANE PSYCHIATRY- UNITED KINGDOM- Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

PARENTAL INFORMED CONSENT AND PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS

DR. D.L.EDMUNDS MEDIA INTERVIEWS

DR. D.L. EDMUNDS FEATURED ON CRITICAL PSYCHIATRY NETWORK- UNITED KINGDOM

PARENTS FOR LABEL AND DRUG FREE EDUCATION

JOIN DR. D.L. EDMUNDS' CRITICAL PSYCHIATRY GROUP ON FACEBOOK

DR. EDMUNDS HAS BEEN RESEARCHING THE LINK BETWEEN ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS AND VIOLENCE AND SUICIDALITY PARTICULARLY AS THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) HAS ISSUED BLACK BOX WARNINGS ON A NUMBER OF THESE DRUGS. DR. EDMUNDS IS PRESENTLY CONSULTING IN REGARDS TO A CASE WHERE THE SSRI DRUG PROZAC CONTRIBUTED TO SUICIDAL AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR. DR. EDMUNDS OBTAINED A MEDICAL REPORT INDICATING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WAS A POOR METABOLIZER OF THE SSRI DRUG PROZAC MANUFACTURED BY THE ELI LILLY COMPANY. DR. EDMUNDS CONDUCTED AN INTERVIEW AT THE STATE PRISON WHERE MR. DANYSH IS CURRENTLY HELD. HE IS COLLABORATING WITH DR. YOLANDA LUCIRE, A FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST FROM AUSTRALIA. TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS CASE, PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW. THIS CASE WILL REQUIRE MUCH TIME AND RESOURCES, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THIS EFFORT, PLEASE E-MAIL DR. EDMUNDS AT THE E-MAIL ADDRESS LISTED BELOW:

Dr. Edmunds with Mr. Danysh and Juvenile Justice Advocate Knightgale LaCross

CASE OF KURT DANYSH

STOP ANTI-DEPRESSANT VIOLENCE FROM ESCALATING

E-MAIL

"(Dr. Edmunds) is gifted with intellectual curiosity, a well ordered mind and humility. Perhaps his best skills are his wonderful openness and ability to find calm even in the most troubled situation."-Eddy Regnier, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

"I have known Dr. Edmunds for about 10 years, and am very familiar with his work. In my opinion, he is man of high integrity. He is firm in his convictions and not easily swayed by political pressure or public opinion. Regarding theology, I think these qualities are quintessential as the spirit speaks from the inside out, and a truly religious man must have the courage to trust and follow his inner guidance. (Dr. Edmunds) is also a very clear thinker and writer. And shows plenty of initiative. I especially admire his devotion to defending and supporting the spirited nature of our young people. I know he has a wealth of experience working with people, and I know he communicates his ideas well. He is not a closed system, but able to listen and open to new ideas...Dr. Edmunds is a great ally... He has confronted folks within the mental health system for awhile and chose integrity and truth over security and passivity more than once." -DR. JOHN BREEDING, PH.D, psychologist and author of "Wildest Colts Make the Best Horses" and "True Nature and Great Misunderstandings"

"Dr. Edmunds has developed a strong rapport with (my child). He even waits at the corner of our street in anticipation of his visits. More importantly, over the course of the summer we saw a definite improvement in (his) socialization and behavior at home...I have been extremely impressed with Dr. Edmunds' extensive knowledge...I also appreciate the comfort we receive in learning of positive results he has achieved with other children. Although I have read extensively myself and spoken with his developmental pediatrician, Dr. Edmunds has been able to translate his theoretical understanding into practical steps that have helped (my child) and us."-S.J., Pennsylvania

"(Dr. Edmunds) message is so vital, and so inspiring."- H.M., United Kingdom

"I really like what you are doing and have done. Congratulations, and keep up the good work!" -Dr. Clancy D. McKenzie, M.D., Professor of Integrative Medicine, Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, author of the Unification Theory of Mental Illness

"I think (Dr. Edmunds) insights are RIGHT ON and deserve a place in canon psychological, growth, and child development texts. The patterns he describes and the reactions I experienced, and have witnessed others experiencing, could not have been more accurate and profound. I think a great goal would be entirely replacing the DSM with the patterns and reactions (Dr. Edmunds) observed because those present dilemmas that can actually be nurtured and solved.- J.K., California

I first learned of Dr. Edmunds in February 2006, when I read an article on the Internet that he had written: “The Value of a Relationship Approach to Autism.” In an age when psychiatry and psychology have tried to reduce man’s hopes, his goals and his emotions to the biochemistry of the brain, I found Dr. Edmund’s article to be a breath of fresh air and I wrote to him and let him know that.

He responded saying that as a mental health professional, “I have fought to return a conscience to the profession where we understand that our work is not to subdue and label individuals and function as 'social police' but to aid in resolving conflict, restoring relationships, and helping individuals to become empowered and find meaning in their lives. Bio-psychiatry does not understand this and is completely incompatible with such a conception.”

Since that time, Dr. Edmunds began working with CCHR and was invited to become a member of the CCHR advisory board (a Commissioner) and he accepted. In that capacity, he has been interviewed about his work with Autistic children for a CCHR radio show, “Take America Back” and has assisted several CCHR chapters in their activities. One activity was to serve as a keynote speaker at the Grand Opening of the CCHR traveling exhibit in Buffalo, New York. I was told that his speech there was inspirational and was very well received by the audience.

-Carla Moxon, Director of Field Activities
Citizen's Commission on Human Rights International

"I have since KNOWN all that you are working on and it gives me a great sense of hope to finally hear that people are understanding and working towards a better, more humane way to care and prevent the kinds of horror and de- humanisation of beautiful people like L.! Thank you!---M.M.
New Zealand

I read your paper with great interest and appreciation for your putting forth the issues with such clarity. I, too, work with children and am deeply concerned about the number of children who are on drug "cocktails" and the frequency with which parents are told medicating is the treatment of choice. Most of these children started with an ADHD diagnosis and an ADHD drug and then progressed to the "cocktail" and more severe diagnoses as their brain and bodies reacted negatively to the initial drug and subsequent drugs, much as you describe in your paper.

I have been forwarding the link to your paper to other mental health professionals I know.

If possible, your very important point about the NIH concensus report needs attention. As written it says " we have do not have an independent, valid test for ADHD. Some people may not know how to decipher this statement, especially if they are not already knowlegeable about this report. Thank you for your timely contribution. --R.P.
Clinical Psychologist
Illinois

"I admire your compassion and willingness to listen to the voice of children. I find your work very inspiring and it has helped my own family immensely!"

"I really appreciated attending your lecture. You really listened to my concerns and seemed interested in my child's well being which I have not always found from other professionals.

wanted to let you know that I have been reading and enjoying your articles to no end. My daughter is 13 and she actually has done some "cutting".... I will elaborate more later. Just know that what you are doing is truly helping my family. I do ride her alot and am not very positive with her like I should be."

Dr. Dan, Thanks for being there in my darkest times and giving me the courage and direction to overcome challenges and create a new and better life.

Thank you for your wonderful expertise in regards to autism. We have implemented many of your suggestions with great success.

My child experienced many nasty side effects from medication. We are relieved that we have escaped this nightmare and thank you for your words of encouragement and methods that have helped us to address our son's needs. Thanks!

--

SH- I suspect he wrote all of this next part himself

Professor Dr. D.L.Edmunds is a radical psychotherapist, a friend and advocate of psychiatric survivors, and a critic of the mental health establishment.

Dr. Edmunds is a voice for the marginalized and for the many who lack a voice within the psychiatric system. A person of deep compassion and principle, Dr. Edmunds is a noted psychotherapist, child development/behavioral specialist, Comparative Religion scholar, sociologist and counselor working with both children and adults.

Dr. Edmunds speaks truthfully and directly and has posed critical questions to the psychiatric establishment and to society as a whole. He has developed approaches towards helping distressed individuals that are compassionate and empowering and encourage self-determination and autonomy. He has been an advocate for social justice, informed consent, and for human rights in the mental health system.

Dr. Edmunds has become deeply concerned with the medicalization of human experience and how mental health services have often become 'mechanical', not seeking to truly be caring and empathic, limiting consumer choice, and often not providing informed consent. He has sought for care that is recognizes people's experience and treats them as people, care that is holistic,which recognizes the mind-body-spirit connection, and which takes into account issues of social injustice and how they impact our emotional well being and often shape our possibilities and who we become. Dr. Edmunds has challenged the mental health system establishment to respect persons experience and once again a common healing ground betwen the therapist and client. His writings have often focused on the need for building of community, holistic approaches, and the role of the family as well as social and political processes that lead towards emotional distress. He has challenged stigmatizing labels and exposed the violence that is often inflicted upon individuals by those who claim to be in the role of 'helper'. He encouraged a mental health system which does not force people into treatments that they do not want, which respects their dignity, and which allows their experience to be heard and validated.

Dr. Edmunds has also been a tireless child advocate particularly for traumatized children and those who in the juvenile justice system. He has volunteered much time assisting children in need.

JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM

KIDS IN COURT- Helping Juveniles being tried as Adults in the Court System

Dr. Edmunds has been interviewed on local and nationally syndicated radio programs in regards to these important issues.

Of Scottish-Irish descent, Dr. Edmunds was born in Tampa, Florida and spent much of adolescent years in Fort Collins, Colorado where he graduated from Fort Collins High School. As a youth, he was involved in a program for exceptional students and was awarded by the Fort Collins Coloradoan newspaper for his essay as a sixth grader on Ethical Reasoning. From his youth, he became active in community and civic affairs and social and political change. Dr. Edmunds seeks for a society that places people before profits and treats all with compassion and equanimity. He served as a director of the Students for Peace and Justice and was involved in various political campaigns as a teen including that of Colorado Governor Roy Romer, Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, and the Clinton campaign for President in 1992.

Photo of Dan L. Edmunds with Colorado Governor Roy Romer (who later served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and as Superintendent for the Los Angeles Unified School District)

In 1991, he served as the youngest legislative aide ever to serve the Colorado State Senate, serving in the office of State Senator (later U.S. Representative) Robert W. Schaffer. He later became the youngest registered professional lobbyist, being registered in the States of Colorado, Wyoming, and Arizona. He held his first press conference at the age of 16 being interviewed by the Fort Collins Coloradoan, KUSA-TV, and Columbine Cable Channel 14 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was a volunteer for the Larimer County, Colorado Office of Veterans Affairs. In 1992, he obtained the permission of then Mayor Nicholas Fortunato to develop the Ormond Beach, Florida Youth Commission. He served as a county campaign coordinator for U.S. Representative Corrine Brown's campaign in 1992 which allowed him to work within the African American community. This accorded him the opportunity to transport Martin Luther King III, the son of the slain civil rights leader, to an event at Bethune Cookman College and exposed him to diversity, civil rights, and social justice concerns. As a public intellectual and left libertarian, Dr. Edmunds continues to remain active in political and civic affairs and encouraging a society that is based on equality, peace, and justice. In 2008, Dr. Edmunds organized the Humanist Center for Freethought and Social Activism in order to encourage an end to oppression, promote ecological responsibility, freedom, equality, and respect for diversity.

State Senator Schaffer letter

Dr. Edmunds' lecture to Libertarian Party

He served as a volunteer for the REACH program, a program for children with developmental differences through Saint Brendan's Roman Catholic Church in Ormond Beach, Florida and also with the Peninsula Medical Center in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Dr. Edmunds is a graduate of Fort Collins High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, having also attended Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Religion with a minor in Sociology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. While at the University of Florida, he developed and coordinated a campus ministry and various community outreach programs. He also as part of his studies in Comparative Religion, visited and conducted study of various spiritual communities, among them- the "Rainbow Family", a community of individuals dedicated to non-violence and non-hierarchical egalitarianism; and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness ("Hare Krishna"). His undergraduate study in Comparative Religion included coursework in Church-State Relations, American Religious Diversity, American Religious History, African Religion, Islamic Civilization, Chinese Buddhism, Christian Mysticism, Cults, Sociology of Religion, and Asian Religion. As part of his minor in Sociology, Dr. Edmunds participated in coursework in Latin American Studies. He had many courses with Dr. Dennis E. Owen who studied American religious history and diversity and assisted in the compilation of information on various religious denominations in America. In 1995, he became a director of the Rose Garden Children's Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting physically, hearing impaired, and emotionally challenged children. Dr. Edmunds himself later became involved as a clinical director for a therapeutic equestrian program.

University of Florida

He received his Master of Arts from the University of Scranton and was inducted in 1998 to the Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology. His article, "The State of the Soul After Death According to St. John Chrysostom" which examined Eastern Orthodox Christian views on death was published in the University of Scranton's Diakonia journal for Eastern Christian Studies. Dr. Edmunds became exposed to issues of death, dying, and the bereavement process during his period as a chaplain and pastoral counselor for the elderly.

He completed post-graduate coursework in Dispute Resolution via the Department of Conflict Resolution and Analysis at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He received his Doctorate of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling from Argosy University of Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida. This program was identical that of the Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on spirituality. Dr. Eddy Regnier, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, a clinical psychologist, and a member of Dr. Edmunds' dissertation committee has remarked,"(Dr. Edmunds) is gifted with intellectual curiosity, a well ordered mind and humility. Perhaps his best skills are his wonderful openness and ability to find calm even in the most troubled situation."

Dr. Edmunds was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 2007 from St. James Theological Seminary for his humanitarian service and he serves as a Professor of Counseling Psychology and Comparative Religious Studies with the Seminary.

He is a member of the Board of Advisors and on the faculty of the European American University. He has lectured to various organizations and mental health professionals throughout the United States and served as a guest lecturer for a Sociology course at the University of Scranton. Dr. Edmunds' work has been utilized in a psychology course at the University of Minnesota and is featured on the Habermas Site hosted by the University of California-Dominguez Hills and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Dr. Edmunds has received guest lecturer invitations to speak at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan; Keystone College in LaPlume, PA; and Hodges University, Naples, Florida as well as to organizations in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, and Bosnia-Hercegovina. He was contacted by a physician of the People's Hospital of Xi'an, China in regards to his work with autism and developmental differences.

In 1997, he was ordained as a clergyman. He has served as a chaplain for the elderly as well as a home for disabled military veterans, many being assigned the labels of schizophrenia and post traumatic stress disorder. In 2005, he served as an interim pastor for a congregation of the United Church of Christ.

ORDINATION CERTIFICATE
LETTER OF FACULTIES IN LCAC

Dr. Edmunds has conducted critical inquiry into religion and belief and feels it is necessary to break down the dogmatism and barriers in belief that lead people to misunderstandings and violence. Dr. Edmunds is an advocate of humanistic thought and is a member of the Society for Humanistic Potential.

Dr. Edmunds' book THE ODDITIES OF RELIGION addresses the dangers of religious dogmatism and offers a critical examination of religion as well as humorous anecdotes from Dr. Edmunds' encounters with various religious groups.

Dr. Edmunds' knowledge in comparative religion, contemplative studies, beliefs, and studies of consciousness has not derived just from academic study, rather from the age of 13 he personally encountered and experienced various systems of belief, joining in the religious experiences of various faith communities- (Jewish {Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist}; (Christian {Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Old Catholic and Roman Catholic}; Buddhist; Hindu; Sikh; Muslim; Baha'i, and others). Dr. Edmunds has developed particular interest in Buddhist psychology and meditation and has participated in various programs at the Kadampa Buddhist World Peace Temple in Glen Spey, New York.

Dr. Edmunds has particular interest in how individuals construct meaning and a number of his articles and his research reflect this interest.

In 1999, he began collaboration with Bobbi Gagne, director of the Sexual Assault Crisis Team of Vermont. Beginning in 2000, Dr. Edmunds began work with community based agencies providing mental health services to children and their families. In 2001, Dr. Edmunds developed a local radio program in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre metropolitan area addressing parenting issues and mental health reform concerns. He has lectured extensively across the United States and in Canada and has been interviewed on nationally syndicated radio programs as well as local radio programs in Los Angeles, California; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Clearwater, Florida; Melbourne, Florida; and Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Edmunds was interviewed by Russian television in regards to the link between antidepressants and violence in youth and has been interviewed at various times by local television media.

After further training, Dr. Edmunds began work with autistic and developmentally different children. He has presently assisted over 80 autistic and developmentally different children as well as adults with Downs Syndrome utilizing relationship based interventions. He has developed the Northeast Pennsylvania Autism Acceptance Project encuraging autonomy, understanding, tolerance, inclusion, self-determination, and meaning for autistic and developmentally different persons. A colleague suggested that Dr. Edmunds was high functioning within the autism spectrum. Whereas Dr. Edmunds never chose to assume this label for himself, he has unique insight into the experience of autistic and developmentally different persons. He has authored the book "NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM" which discusses autism/developmental differences and gives examples of some of the breakthroughs and emotional connections Dr. Edmunds made in his work with these children. Dr. Edmunds has worked with autistic self advocates in seeking to understand their experience and be able to relate it to others.

Dr. Edmunds has successfully helped individuals experiencing extreme states of mind (those who have received labels of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychotic disorder, and bipolar) in being able to understand their experience, develop resiliency, and decrease their dependency on psychiatric drugs and in a number of situations in collaboration with their physicians be able to eliminate the use of psychiatric drugs. His article "Journey Through Madness" was completed in collaboration with three individuals who had been given the label of a psychotic disorder, one who had the experience of auditory and visual halluncination. Dr. Edmunds' work with this young person was not to repress his experience but to support and understand him and to determine the unmet emotional needs leading to his distress. In the same spirit as that of the late Dr. R.D. Laing, Dr. Edmunds has supported the development of communities for persons undergoing extreme states of mind where they can work through areas of distress in an environment where they feel safe, that is without force or coercion, and where they are not subjected to any 'treatments' they do not want. Similar to the Kingsley Hall experiment and the Soteria Houses, Dr. Edmunds spent 10 days in with a young man diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. Residing with other supportive individuals, the hierarchical structure between client and therapist was broken down and Dr. Edmunds took part in daily activities with this young person and sought to understand and validate his experience. Dr. Edmunds has been concerned about the psych-pharmacological complex where persons experiences are sought to be repressed by psychiatric drugs and understood. Dr. Edmunds is in agreement with the thought of Dr. R.D. Laing in that much of what is termed 'madness' is a persons attempt to live in an unlivable situation and as a result we should be seeking to support the person, not repress.

Dr. Edmunds is on the Board of Advisors for the Society for Laingian Studies. The Society for Laingian Studies is directed by Dr. Brent Potter and includes advisors who had direct collaboration with Dr. R.D. Laing such as Andrew Feldmar and Theodore Itten. The Society for Laingian Studies seeks to further the humane approaches towards understanding and helping distressed persons that was begun by Dr. R.D. Laing.
Society for Laingian Studies

In 2002, while completing doctoral studies, he dialogued with the now late Dr. Loren Mosher, M.D., founder of the Soteria Houses and former director of Schizophrenia Research for the National Institutes of Mental Health. He also had contact before his untimely death and was greatly influenced by the pioneering and humane work of Dr. Kevin McCready
who established one of the first drug free, psychosocial treatment clinics. He has collaborated with his friend and mentor, Dr. Clancy D. McKenzie, M.D., a psychiatrist and neurologist who developed the unification theory of mental illness, the delayed post traumatic stress disorder model for schizophrenia and depression. Dr. McKenzie studied with Dr. O. Spurgeon English, an esteemed psychoanalyst and the head of Psychiatry at Temple University. Dr. McKenzie's textbook on the Unification Theory of Mental Illness was nominated for a Pulitzer.

Dr. Edmunds' therapeutic work is integrative and creative but has some influences from existential-humanistic (Rollo May and Abraham Maslow) and transpersonal psychology (Stanislav Grof); the thought of the late Dr. R.D. Laing (particularly his work with Aaron Esterson) who promoted therapeutic communities aimed at treating mentally distressed persons with dignity; Stanislav Grof and transpersonal psychology; Eric Berne and transactional analysis; Bateson and games theory; Boszoromenyi-Nagi's family contextual therapy; Jungian psychology, Adlerian child guidance concepts; Carl Rogers and Person Centered Therapy; Dr. Silvano Arieti, Dr. Franco Basaglia and democratic psychiatry; the educational principles of New York State Teacher of the Year and author of 'Dumbing Us Down, John Taylor Gatto, among others. Dr. Edmunds has been greatly inspired by the work of his friend and colleague, Dr. John Breeding, PhD, a psychologist and author of "The Wildest Colts Make the Best Horses" and "True Nature and Great Misunderstandings" as well as the work of Professor Clancy D. McKenzie, M.D. In addition, he is pleased to work in collaboration with Maya Winddancer Noble, a licensed acupuncturist and scholar of Oriental medicine. Mrs. Noble completed a thesis studying schizophrenia from an Eastern perspective and she is the author of "Recipe for the World's Greatest Kids.". Dr. Edmunds has been particularly influenced by the philosophical ideas of existentialism (Camus, Sartre, Frankl), and Jiddu Krishnamurti and the political ideology of Professors Noam Chomsky and Cornel West.

In 2003, he received Board Certification in Sexual Abuse Issues from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is presently a member of the National Center for Crisis Management.

Dr. Edmunds received his Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling from Argosy University of Sarasota. His dissertation provided groundbreaking research on a social reinforcement based discipline plan for children given the label of ADHD than proved more effective than use of psycho-stimulant drugs. In addition, it demonstrated the efficacy of community based wraparound programs as an alternative to more restrictive settings. His doctoral study included coursework in Psychopharmacology, Adolescent Psychology; Brief Psychotherapies, Child and Adolescent Counseling; Pastoral Counseling; Models of Clinical Supervision; Theory and Practice of Motivation; Addictions Counseling; Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods; Multi-Cultural Counseling and Community Development.

University of Scranton

Argosy University of Sarasota

European-American University

Dr. Edmunds published his first book CHILDREN OUR TREASURE: MEETING OUR CHILDREN'S TRUE NEEDS OUTSIDE OF THE BIO-PSYCHIATRIC PARADIGM in 2006. This text addresses the subjective nature of th diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the hazards of psychotropic drugs, and means to meet the needs of distressed children in humane ways. CHILDREN OUR TREASURE was the expansion of a lecture delivered at the 8th Annual Conference of the ICSPP- International Center for the Study of Psychology and Psychiatry (founded by Dr. Peter R. Breggin) held in Flushing, New York in October 2005. Among other presenters at this conference were William Glasser, M.D. (Reality Therapy); Joseph Glenmullen, M.D., Clancy McKenzie, M.D., and Robert Whitaker, author of Mad in America.

Dr. Edmunds' other books include EXPERIENCE:THE SOUL OF THERAPY and ROOTS OF DISTRESS. ROOTS OF DISTRESS is an exploration of the social, familial, and political processes and methods of communication that can lead to emotional distress. ROOTS OF DISTRESS also explores ways we can transform ourselves and our society and explores the role of oppression in the lives of individuals. Dr. Edmunds also recently published THE ODDITIES OF RELIGION which is a collection of his direct experiences with religious groups and presents an argument against religious dogmatism and fundamentalism as well as encouraging rational and critical inquiry.

Dr. Edmunds has sought for reform and family rights in the child protective services and foster care systems. In February 2008, he participated in a meeting in Miami, Florida with advocates and foster care officials presenting needed reforms and means to meet our children's needs more effectively. Particularly in light of recent developments where two Luzerne County, Pennsylvania judges pled guilty to taking kickbacks for sending youth to detention facilities, Dr. Edmunds has been an advocate for juvenile justice reform as well as community based options for troubled youth.

In July 2008, Dr. Edmunds presented alongside Vicky Dunkle at an exhibit detailing situations of psychiatric abuse held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Dunkle sadly experienced the death of her daughter, Shaina, due to toxicity that developed from despiramine that was prescribed to her. Dr. Edmunds has been an advocate for individuals in situations where psychiatric drugs have induced violence, suicidal thought, or led to other adverse events.

Dr. Edmunds work has also focused on aiding persons undergoing extreme states of mind who have received the labels of schizophrenia and bipolar and he has frequently been a consultant in this regard. He has also assisted individuals who have developed various adverse emotional reactions to psychiatric drugs and has studied and written extensively on the harmful effects of many psychiatric drugs on persons' emotional health. Dr. Edmunds has worked in collaboration with physicians to help individuals reduce dependency on psychiatric drugs.

Dr. Edmunds' holistic and integrative work has become known internationally. His article,"Restoring the Soul to the Mental Health System" was published in the November 2007 Aaina Journal of the Center for Mental Health Advocacy in Pune, Maharashtra, India. His work is listed on the United Kingdom Critical Psychiatry Network. Dr. Edmunds has lectured extensively across North America.

He presented a paper entitled, "Thinking Outside the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm" at the 8th Annual Conference of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (founded by Dr. Peter R. Breggin, M.D.) held in Flushing, New York. Dr. Edmunds has published COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF DRUG FREE APPROACHES TO ADHD, CHILDREN OUR TREASURE, THE ROOTS OF DISTRESS, EXPERIENCE: THE SOUL OF THERAPY, and NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM and has written numerous articles addressing ethics in practice, child development, childhood trauma, drug free relational approaches, autism/developmental differences, schizophrenia and extreme states of mind, critical psychiatry issues, and spirituality/ consciousness studies. Dr. Edmunds and the International Center for Humane Psychiatry are also listed in Judith Haire's book, "DON'T MIND ME", a story of Ms. Haire's recovery from psychosis and trauma which was published in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Edmunds' review of DON'T MIND ME by Judith Haire, published by Chipmunka Publishing, United Kingdom

Dr. Edmunds has been an advocate of progressive democratic and alternative education (homeschooling, unschooling, Steiner schools, Krishnamurti, Montesorri, free schools) and was a presenter at the 4th Annual Alternative Education Resource Organization conference held in June 2007 at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. He has been inspired by the thought of A.S. Neill on education of young people and his Summerhill School in the United Kingdom. Dr. Edmunds believes it is necessary for us to inspire an education system where children have a zeal for learning and their individual differences and learning styles are encouraged and respected. As an educational advocate, he has offered testimony in a number of due process hearings where significant compensatory education was awarded to children.

Dr. Edmunds began his counseling work aiding children and adults who were victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. He has served as a chaplain and pastoral counselor, psychological associate and evaluator, therapist for community based agencies, assessment clinician for family court and juvenile probation; family mediator; autism specialist; and clinical director for a therapeutic equestrian program. He has provided expert testimony in child custody and juvenile hearings. He has assisted children and adults given serious psychiatric diagnoses as well as troubled adolescents, some of whom have been adjudicated delinquent. He presently serves as a psychological evaluator, a therapist for community based programs, and in private practice as an existential psychotherapist and developmental/ behavioral consultant in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Dr. Edmunds has contracted with various school districts and their special education departments to provide in service trainings as well as therapeutic assistance and consultation for their students.

Dr. Edmunds is on the Board of Advisors for the Citizen's Commission on Human Rights, a mental health watchdog organization. He has spoken at a number of CCHR events. On March 31, 2005, Dr. Edmunds attended the Fight for Kids Gala in Chelsea, New York City hosted by Ports 191 designer, Tia Ciabani and the Citizen's Commission on Human Rights to raise funds to create awareness of the the dangers of psychiatric drugging of children. Also in attendance were John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Arianna Huffington (of the Huffington Post), Danny Masterson, among others.

Citizen's Commission on Human Rights International

Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D. at retirement party of Mrs. Carolyn Warner, M.S., a psychotherapist and community advocate at the Inn at Montrose in Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

OPEN LETTER TO OPRAH WINFREY FROM INTERVOICE (International Network for Training, Education, and Research into Hearing Voices

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DR. EDMUNDS' INTERVIEWS ON VARIOUS RADIO PROGRAMS AND IN THE NEWS

Dr. Edmunds presented on the work of the International Center for Humane Psychiatry and the impact of current mental health practice on children on August 20, 2008 on the program THE MENTAL HEALTH EDGE WTAN-AM RADIO in Clearwater, Florida.

LISTEN TO PROGRAM

Dr. Edmunds was a presenter on the TALK OF CONNECTICUT WRDC-AM RADIO in Hartford, Connecticut on July 21, 2008 at 2:30pm addressing issues of informed consent and human rights in the mental health system.

WRDC-AM HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT RADIO BROADCAST WITH DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

DR. EDMUNDS INTERVIEW ON NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO PROGRAM 'TAKE AMERICA BACK'

DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN RADIO INTERVIEW WITH DR. D.L. EDMUNDS

LISTEN TO RADIO INTERVIEW - Melbourne, Florida radio interview with Dr. D.L. Edmunds regarding Psychiatry and Religion

Dr. Edmunds was a keynote speaker at the opening of an exhibit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on psychiatric abuse held July 13, 2008.

Youth Advocacy Program a relief to parents- Scranton Times

Police break up 'fight club' in Tunkhannock, PA

NAMI ENHANCES STIGMA- DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS LETTER TO THE SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE 5/2/08

Scholarship program for youth

DR. EDMUNDS IN THE SCRANTON TIMES REGARDING 'COPS AS COUNSELORS'

DR. EDMUNDS QUOTED IN NEWSLETTER FOR WIDER HORIZONS SCHOOL

TRAGEDY SERVES AS A REMINDER- WYOMING COUNTY NEW AGE EXAMINER

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RETURNING THE SOUL TO THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM BY DR. D.L. EDMUNDS- APPEARING IN AAINA JOURNAL OF THE CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY/ BAPU TRUST IN PUNE, INDIA

DR. EDMUNDS' ARTICLES FEATURED ON CRITICAL PSYCHIATRY NETWORK- UNITED KINGDOM

CHILDREN OUR TREASURE: MEETING OUR CHILDREN'S NEEDS OUTSIDE OF THE BIO-PSYCHIATRIC PARADIGM by Dr. D.L. Edmunds

DR. EDMUNDS BLOG- commentary on the current climate of the mental health system

DR. EDMUNDS ARTICLE ON AUTISM/DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES FEATURED AT HABERMAS SITE- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN (PARKSIDE) AND CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY- DOMINGUEZ HILLS

Dr. Edmunds' drug free relational work with children given the label of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is featured in a number of articles, among them

EXAMINING DRUGS FOR ADHD
, MEETING THE TRUE NEEDS OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED AS 'ADHD'- in this article Dr. Edmunds discusses ways to meet the needs of children who are having attentional and/or behavioral challenges (what is typically labeled as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Disruptive Behavior Disorder) without resorting to psychiatric drugging and refutes the misconceptions of those such as Barkley.

In addition, COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF A DRUG FREE RELATIONAL APPROACH, a study demonstrating the efficacy of a drug free social reinforcement based program as an alternative to psychiatric drugs as well as the benefits of community based wraparound programs as an effective alternative to more restrictive settings (such as residential treatment) can be ordered at the following:
ORDER TEXT

ENTERING OUR CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL WORLD- Dr. Dan L. Edmunds gives practical guidance on understanding our children's positive and negative emotions and ways to understand our children and provide to their needs as well as enhancing healthy familial communication.

BEING AND BECOMING:
Written from an existentalist perspective, this article explores the human condition, our existence, who we are as persons, and the ideas of meaning and relationship. Also examines how our definitions of 'success' shaped by familial and social processes have a major impact on our thoughts and actions.

HEARING OUR SERIOUSLY DISTRESSED ADOLESCENTS
Dr. Edmunds offers guidance in how to reach teens with serious emotional struggles and psychiatric labels (psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar), teens who would typically be considered for psychiatric drugs and/or treatment in institutionalized in a residential facility.

RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

THE VALUE OF A RELATIONSHIP BASED APPROACH TO AUTISM-
Dr. Edmunds explains the importance of relationship and helping autistic and developmentally different children to make emotional connections.Encourages an approach that respects the dignity and autonomy of autistic and developmentally different persons.

ENTERING THEIR IMAGINATIVE WORLD-
Dr. Edmunds addresses autism/developmental differences and relational approaches

AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES

HEARING OUR SERIOUSLY DISTRESSED CHILDREN-
an examination of how to help our children undergoing extreme states of mind and who have received serious psychiatric labels (schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar, post traumatic stress disorder) and explores community based alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and residential treatment.

CHILD'S PLAY: TREATING THE INSANITY OF THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM BY DR. EDMUNDS
In this article, Dr. Edmunds gives actual stories of abuses of children within the psychiatric system, the need for and the ways to evoke change and reform, and what we must do to truly value our children.

EXAMINING DRUGS FOR ADHD
Dr. Edmunds explores the stimulants and Straterra, hazards, and psycho-social means to reach children who have received the diagnosis of ADHD. This article examines current research and FDA warnings on the stimulant drugs. Explores the subjective nature of the diagnosis.

THE ROOTS OF DISTRESS: Dr. Edmunds explores how social problems often evoke great emotional pain on individuals. Discusses (with case studies) the impact of trauma, familial dynamics, and social factors upon well being and our need to respond with loving, compassionate means. This is an iconoclastic and powerful book that challenges how our society deals with our youth and how we may be very well driving them 'mad'.

PSYCHIATRIC POLITICS AND SOCIAL CONTROL:
Dr. Edmunds offers criticism of the medicalization of the mental health system, issues of psychiatric abuse, and proposes solutions to the current crisis in the mental health system.

EXPERIENCE: THE SOUL OF THERAPY
In this essay, Dr. Edmunds discusses how that it is important to understand the experience of individuals and that due to the medicalization of the mental health field, persons are often evaluated and treated as objects rather than human beings. Dr. Edmunds explores what actual mental health means and the need for the therapeutic relationship to be a journeying together.
MEANING AND RELATIONSHIP: THE HEART OF THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS
Dr. Edmunds examines how creating a place where two individuals can meet genuinely and the development of relationship are key components to emotional healing. Explores ways people create meaning and address human problems.

FAMILY DYNAMICS:
Dr. Edmunds examines the political and social processes within some family structures

TRUE FRIENDSHIP-
Dr. Edmunds explores the levels of friendship and the means of building and sustaining genuine relationships

WHAT IS RELIGION'S PURPOSE?- Dr. Edmunds examines what religion and spirituality should accomplish for individuals and others and the ways that religion and spirituality can become distorted and become to a person's detriment rather than benefit.

RITALIN AND ADDICTION

AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES
Dr. Edmunds discusses autism and developmental differences.
EXPLORING THE HOLISTIC PRACTICES OF INDIA- As part of Dr. D.L. Edmunds exploration of consciousness studies, alternative medicine, and comparative religion, he completed this essay which explores the holistic practice of Hindu ayurveda.

DR. D.L. EDMUNDS' OUTLINE FOR PRESENTATION ON ETHICS IN PRACTICE- This presentation has been delivered to various mental health agencies and considers the ethical implications in the helping profession.

"THE ODDITIES OF RELIGION"- Dr. D.L. Edmunds humorously explores religious dogmatism and encourages critical and rational examination of belief.

DR. D.L. EDMUNDS' LECTURE IN HONOR OR REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR AND ENCOURAGING RESPECT AND TOLERANCE FOR DIVERSITY.

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POST PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL- Center for Meaning and Relationship POST PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL- Center for Meaning and RelationshipPOST PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL- Center for Meaning and Relationship (book)
Print: $24.99

Download: $19.99

A compilation of articles from mental health professionals and psychiatric survivors challenging the bio-psychiatric paradigm.

CHILDREN OUR TREASURE: Meeting Our Children's True Needs Outside of the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm CHILDREN OUR TREASURE: Meeting Our Children's True Needs Outside of the Bio-Psychiatric ParadigmCHILDREN OUR TREASURE: Meeting Our Children's True Needs Outside of the Bio-Psychiatric Paradigm (book)
Print: $19.99

History of psychiatry, exploring psychiatric human rights abuses and the impact of psychiatry on children. Offers way to create a more humane mental health system. Discusses the hazards of psychiatric drugging of children and offers alternatives. Discusses the subjective nature of such diagnoses as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

THE ODDITIES OF RELIGION THE ODDITIES OF RELIGIONTHE ODDITIES OF RELIGION (book)
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A rational but also humorous look at religious belief. Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, psychotherapist and Comparative Religion scholar details his own personal experiences with religious belief

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS SPEAKS DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS SPEAKSDR. DAN L. EDMUNDS SPEAKS (book)
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Thoughts on social change, mental health reform, spirituality/meaning.

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAMNAVIGATING THROUGH THE MAINSTREAM (book)
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Relationship based approaches to autism, Aspergers, and developmental differences.

THE ROOTS OF DISTRESS: Exploring The Social And Familial Processes Leading to Emotional Distress THE ROOTS OF DISTRESS: Exploring The Social And Familial Processes Leading to Emotional DistressTHE ROOTS OF DISTRESS: Exploring The Social And Familial Processes Leading to Emotional Distress (book)
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Explores the roots of emotional distress and what is labeled as 'mental illness', seeing the roots being within social and political processes. Discusses the role of oppression in the development of emotional distress. Discusses ways to reach distressed persons with compassion, humanity, and dignity.

EXPERIENCE: THE SOUL OF THERAPY EXPERIENCE: THE SOUL OF THERAPYEXPERIENCE: THE SOUL OF THERAPY (book)
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exploring the the importance of experience in the therapeutic process.

DRUG FREE APPROACH TO ADHD- COMPREHENSIVE STUDY DRUG FREE APPROACH TO ADHD- COMPREHENSIVE STUDYDRUG FREE APPROACH TO ADHD- COMPREHENSIVE STUDY (book)
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study of the efficacy of a drug free approach to ADHD and the benefits of a community based wraparound program in preventing more restrictive treatment settings for troubled teenagers.