There is a new perspective among many mental health professionals and those studying spiritual development that views states of crises as transformative breakthroughs that can hold tremendous potential for physical and emotional healing. In this book, foremost psychologists, psychiatrists and spiritual teachers address the questions: What is spiritual emergency? What is the relationship between spirituality, ‘madness’ and healing? What forms does spiritual emergency take? What are the pitfalls, and promises, of spiritual practice? How can people in spiritual emergency be assisted by family, friends and professionals?