This is an introductory article to the issue titled "Integrative Psychotherapy and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness", developed with the intention of disseminating scientific knowledge on the field of human consciousness and its potential applications in mental health. For this issue, we have gathered experts from the fields of psychedelic-assisted therapy, neuroscience, psychology, and welfare technologies. By presenting therapeutic practices based on contemporary evidence, following the highest standards of research and clinical practice, we want to counteract the spread of misinformation and unethical approaches that can potentially harm individuals seeking alternative therapies or exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Context
This publication included in the special issue "Integrative Psychotherapy and Non-ordinary States of Consciousness" of the Journal of Consciousness and Perception Studies.
JCPS (Journal of Consciousness and Perception Studies) is an open-access scientific journal that delves into the intricate realms of consciousness and perception. With its innovative format, including video publications, JCPS offers a dynamic platform for the dissemination of both research and educational materials.
Dedicated to advancing our understanding of human consciousness and the complexities of perception, JCPS embraces a multidisciplinary approach, welcoming contributions from researchers across neuroscience, psychology, technology, philosophy, cognitive science, and related fields.
More information: http://www.eiocr.com
About the Author:
Diego Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Ph.D. is a professor of the Faculty of Technology and Science at Universidad Camilo Jose Cela (UCJC) and a researcher in the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Lab. His research is situated in the intersection of Cognitive Science, Complexity Science and Information Technologies. Particularly, in the application of both data-driven and ethno-phenomenological research in consciousness studies, the development of computational models of cognition, and the study of psychosocial dynamics in virtual worlds.
As a professor, he teaches for several programs such as: Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor in Computer Engineering, Bachelor in Business & Technology, and Master in Data Science.
He is also the coordinator of Consciousness Research at the SENSE-GARDEN Association, a non-profit organization based on Norway dedicated to the advance of Cognitive Science, Welfare Technology and Consciousness Studies. Additionally, he collaborates with the Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU).
He earned his Doctorate from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), and a Computer Systems Engineering degree from University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM). He also holds a Postgraduate degree in International Development Cooperation from the same university and a Postgraduate degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy from Universidad Española de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Additionally, he has pursued further studies in anthropology, cognitive sciences, psychology, and information technologies. He has also delivered talks, written publications, and developed projects on these subjects.
He has been a Research Fellow at the P2P Lab (Tallinn University of Technology) and at the University of North Carolina. He has contributed to institutions such as University of Toronto, CNRS, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and Universidad de Valencia.
He has also worked for several years in the IT industry as Software Engineer. He has founded several startups and projects, being a pioneer in the application of innovative concepts (such as blockchain and metaverse technologies) in social cognition. His work encompasses Cognitive Science, Peer Learning, Welfare Technology, Consciousness Studies, Complexity Science, Decentralized Systems, IT, Cognitive Anthropology, Mental Health, Social Dynamics, Biological Computing, and Software Engineering.
Contact: LinkedIn
