Altered states of consciousness
in human development
Dr Alexander De Foe is an academic with 15 years of experience studying altered states of consciousness within the context of human lifespan development. He has designed numerous curricula focused on transpersonal psychology and parapsychology and is a leading researcher in the fields of cognitive and developmental psychology.
Consciousness throughout the lifespan
‘Transcendental’ or ‘transpersonal’ experiences have become commonplace in discourse amidst a renewed interest in the nature of consciousness around the world… but contemporary frameworks to study inner realms of experience are still emerging.
Current research projects
Phenomenology of altered states: Have you had a prior experience of altered consciousness, such as lucid dreaming, out-of-body experience (OBE), or other meditative state which impacted upon your sense of self or worldview? Participate in our research study here!
Alex is currently involved in numerous cognitive, developmental psychology, and consciousness studies in his role as a Lecturer within the School of Educational Psychology and Counselling at Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia.
Community impact and praxis
As Chair of the Australian Centre for Consciousness Studies, Alex leads contemporary work on broader mechanisms of understanding consciousness, synthesising traditional wisdom with modern knowledge, and curating cross-disciplinary initiatives to facilitate meaning-making about our place as human beings within the universe.
Our research and impact charter can be found on the ACCS web portfolio!
Personal development group
Alex also runs a personal / professional development group focused on counselling / healing approaches that are informed by deeper spiritual and existential awareness. This approach is ever-important amidst the meaning crisis.
Express interest below via email for further detail.
Profile
Biography
Blog available soon: Shared creative writing, analytical perspectives, and personal updates.
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Alex’s graduate qualifications include a master’s in counselling and PhD in experimental psychology from Monash University. His honours/PhD research was conducted on out-of-body experiences (OBEs), working towards a model of neurophilosophy of altered states in which mind-body dynamics are involved. He has interviewed/surveyed over 1,000 participants who have experienced altered states which featured a perceived “mind body split”. His doctoral research also involved experimental research on the body transfer illusion and other perceptual distortions of embodiment.
He has worked on major research projects including as a principal investigator on studies funded up to $1mil, focusing on basic principles of attention and perception. He has published over 30 refereed papers, many in leading and top 10% academic psychology journals. In total, he has supervised over 20 honours, masters, and PhD students on topics spanning cognition, consciousness, as well as within multidisciplinary areas (traditional Chinese medicine, philosophy, and psychiatry).
His teaching experience involves developing numerous coursework subjects in transpersonal/integral psychology, as well as being course convener for developmental and cognitive psychology coursework.
Graduate students
Working within a developmental approach to understand the impact of consciousness across the lifespan, including peak, mystical, and transcendental states as formative and pivotal experiences.
Supervision available within the PhD in Educational/Experimental Psychology degree as well as the new Doctor of Philosophy (Education-focused creative work) framework for more experientially-focused doctorate students.