Marina Smirnova
Marina
Smirnova
Full Professor, Specialization Director
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Director of Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH) Specialization
Campus:
- Saybrook University
- College of Social Sciences
- Department
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Humanistic Psychology
- Institution
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Saybrook University
- Biography
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Ave, Learners, Visionary Scholar-Practitioners, Heart-Centered Leaders, and Wisdom Keepers,
Welcome!
My name is Marina A. Smirnova. I was born on Sakhalin Island (the Far East of Russia), and, well over twenty years ago, I made the U.S.A. my home. My journey has been enriched by earning a Bachelor degree in Music Education (Minsk State Pedagogical University, 1996), a Master of Arts degree in Counseling (Central Michigan University, 2003), and a PhD degree in Psychology, with Transpersonal Psychology Concentration (Sofia University, formerly Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 2013).
I started my teaching path at the age of 18 as a K-12 music teacher. In 2013, I began my contribution to Saybrook University. In 2016, I became an Assistant Program Director for the Department of Humanistic and Clinical Psychology; in 2017-an Interim Psychology Chair. Currently, as a core faculty member of the Department of Humanistic Psychology at Saybrook, I serve as a Full Professor of Psychology and the Director of Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH) Specialization, as well as an Associated Faculty in the Clinical Psychology (CP) degree program. I am a recipient of two recent Saybrook University awards: Presidential Award for Excellence (November 2021) and Exemplary Humanistic Educator Award (August 2024). My interests are deeply humanistic and fully transpersonal in nature, and, therefore, I often study in-person at the Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California.
Outside of the halls of academia, I support human beings in their quests for biopsychosocial-spiritual vitality, fulfillment, vibrant longevity, transformation, Exceptional Human Abilities (EHAs), and Exceptional Human Functioning (EHF). I have a deep sense of appreciation for evolutionary and archetypal astrology; contemplative spirituality; mystical, esoteric, and wisdom traditions of the world; and contemplative practices. My current overarching focus is on Exceptional Human Abilities (EHAs) and Exceptional Human Functioning (EHF), as well as on safe superintelligences.
Additionally, I focus on cultivating Vibrant Longevity, as well as on integrating and embodying Exceptional Experiences (EEs), Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs), and Exceptional Human Abilities (EHAs), including experiences/abilities associated with reality-shattering encounters with Non-Human Intelligences (NHIs). My heart-centered art and interests include: (1) evolutionary and archetypal astrology, as well as developmental psychology and intuitive spiritual support and guidance; (2) transpersonal ways of knowing, embodiment, ascension mentoring, and spiritual consultation; (3) extreme, deeply evocative, resourceful, regenerative, and visionary transpersonal/holotropic states; (4) John E. Mack's transpersonal research on Non-Human Intelligences (NHIs) encounters and human transformation; (5) Stan Grof's expanded cartography of the psyche, holotropic states of consciousness, and GROF® Breathwork / Holotropic Breathwork®; (6) C.G. Jung's transpersonal legacy, Joe Campbell's heroic journey, and James Hillman's acorn theory and alchemical teaching; (7) Yoga Nidra, Qigong, Tai Chi, psionics, remote viewing, mythology and personal mythology, dreamwork, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, and the alchemy of ascension; (8) consciousness calibration work by David R. Hawkins, (9) the biology of personal empowerment by Bruce H. Lipton; (10) Enneagram; (11) Gene Keys and Dream Arc (by Richard Rudd); (12) shamanism, indigenous traditions, and heart-centered spirituality; and (13) other embodied spiritual approaches that engage inner resources to optimize fulfillment, vibrant longevity, functioning, and joy.
I live and create in Sedona, Arizona.
Warmly, with Joy,
Marina
Marina A. Smirnova, PhD
- Areas of Expertise
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Area Expertise Consciousness & Spirituality Studies Consciousness Studies / Altered States of Consciousness Personal Mythology Spirituality Creativity Studies Arts and healing Dream Studies Dream Studies Psychology Transpersonal Psychology - Education History
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Degree Institution Year Bachelor in Music Education Minsk M. Tank Pedagogical University, Minsk, Belarus 1996 Master of Arts in Counseling Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 2003 PhD in Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology Concentration Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University), Palo Alto, California 2013 - Community Involvement
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Role Organization Smirnova, M.A. (2025, March 14-16). Served as a GROF® Legacy Training (GLT) co-facilitator at the 3-day GROF® Breathwork workshop offered to the public at the Sane Living Center, Ojai, CA. Smirnova, M.A. (2025, January 13-17). Served on the Holotropic Breathwork® facilitators' team at the 5-day immersive Holotropic Breathwork® intensive offered at Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA Peer Reviewer International Journal of Transpersonal Studies (IJTS) Peer Reviewer The Journal of Humanistic Psychology Peer Reviewer Possibility Studies and Society journal Kalamazoo Valley Community College Adjunct Humanities Instructor, Department of Humanities Saybrook Hypnosis Society Presenter and contributor American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Presenter and contributor - Media Exposure
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Appearance - Presentations
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Title Location Date Smirnova, M. A., & Reid, D. B. (2026, March 22). Hypnotic Biohacking: Therapeutic Utilization of Embodied Communication for Enhancing Vitality and Longevity. Workshop co-presented virtually at 2026 Annual American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Scientific Meeting, Washington D.C. March 2026 Smirnova, M. A., & Willmarth, E. K. (2026, March 21). Imagination as the Regenerative Time Machine: Healing the Past and Spontaneous Imaginal [i.e., Past-Previous] Life Experiences in Clinical Hypnosis. Workshop co-presented virtually at 2026 Annual American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Scientific Meeting, Washington D.C. March 2026 Smirnova, M.A. (2025, November 13). Hypnosis & the Art of Spiritual Transformations - Marina A. Smirnova, PhD. Virtual Presentation for Saybrook Hypnosis Society. November 2025 Smirnova, M. A. (2024, November 9). Exceptional Human Experiences: Optimal Lifelong Learning and Exceptional Human Performance. Session presented virtually at the 30th Annual Conference of the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education. November 2024 Smirnova, M. A. (2024, June 19-20). The Art of Spiritual Transformation through Embodied Vulnerability: Reflecting on Dr. John E. Mack's Transpersonal Research on Alien Encounters. Session presented at the 15th International Conference on Religion and Spirituality in Society, Rome, Italy. June 2024 Smirnova, M. A. (2024, May 19). Longevity and Ascension: Creative Awakening and Spirituality in the Embodied World. Session presented at the Southern Oregon University Creativity Conference. May 2024 Smirnova, M. A. (2024, April 21). On Reality-Shattering Experiences: Conscious Preparation, Experience, and Integration. Earth Origins-VI Conference in Sedona, Arizona. April 19-21, 2024 Smirnova, M. A. (2024, March 8). Standing the Ground of the Heart: The Alchemy of Ascension and Transformation in Contemporary Communities of Learning. Professional presentation at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Michigan Academy Science, Arts, and Letters. March 2024 Santo, C., & Smirnova, M. A. (2023, September 28). Self-Care: Simple Steps Toward Optimal Wellbeing. A Faculty Ambassadors presentation offered to the entire Saybrook University community. September 2023 Smirnova, M. A. (2023, May 18). Composing Your Hallelujah: Vibrant Longevity as a Creative Masterpiece and a Modus Vivendi. Session presented at the Southern Oregon University Creativity Conference. May 2023 Smirnova, M. A. (2023, March 17). Soul and Imagination in 21st-Century Sanctuaries of Learning: Humanistic and Transpersonal Pedagogy. Professional presentation at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Michigan Academy Science, Arts, and Letters. March 2023 Smirnova, M. A. (2022, October 21). Approaches and pedagogy for global education: The alchemy of student engagement. Workshop presented at the 27th Annual Conference of the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education, Schoolcraft College, Livonia, MI. October 2022 Smirnova, M. A. (2022, July 14). Unveiling, Retrieving, and Redeeming Creativity and Creative Living in Midlife: An Inward Gaze. Session presented at the Southern Oregon University Creativity Conference. July 2022 Smirnova, M. A. (2022, March 11). The risk is on me!: Cultivating creative risk taking in online and/or hybrid classrooms. Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Conference. March 2022 Spaeth, D., & Smirnova, M. A. (2020, March 21). Saybrook Insights: Episode 1: Beauty and the Hero’s Journey. Interview with Saybrook President Dr. Nathan Long for Unbound. March 21, 2020 Smirnova, M. A. (2019, September). The Holy Spirit as the Essential, Truth-Centered Context of Human Life and as an Infinite, Non-Linear Field. Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Conference. September 2019 Smirnova, M. A. (2018, April). Mythopoetic and Archetypal Sensibilities in the Halls of Ivy: Considerations for International Relevance. Workshop resented at the 25th Annual Conference of the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education, Dayton, OH. April 2018 Graber, L., Willmarth, E., Rosemond, K., & Smirnova, M. A. (2017, October). Music of the Soul: The Art and Science of Transformative Hypnotic Relationships, Mutual Regulation, and Gene Expression Modulation. Workshop co-resented at the 68th Annual Workshop and Scientific Program of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH), the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL. October 2017 Smirnova, M. A., Willmarth, E., & Zarren, H. (2017, March). Galvanizing and Cultivating Wellness-Oriented Epigenetic Changes in Adolescents and in Adults Trough Mindful, Embodied Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Experiences in Clinical Hypnosis: A Practitioner’s Guide to Epigenetic Psychology Theory, Research, and Practice. Workshop co-presented at the 59th Annual American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Scientific Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. March 2017 Smirnova, M. A. (2016, April). Archetypal Intelligence for Teachers and for the Art of Teaching. Workshop presented at the 23rd Annual Conference of the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education, Schoolcraft College, Livonia, MI. April 2016 Smirnova, M. A., & Willmarth, E. K. (2015, March). Clinical hypnosis and gene expression modulation: Theoretical, clinical, and empirical Insights into the “top-down” pathways to healing and wholeness. Workshop co-presented at the 57th Annual American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Scientific Meeting, Jacksonville, Florida. March 2015 Willmarth, E. K., & Smirnova, M. A. (2013, March). Mesmer, Music, and Movement: Integrative Approaches in Mind-Body Medicine. Workshop presented at the 55th Annual American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) Scientific Meeting, Louisville, Kentucky. March 2013 - Publications
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Chapter Smirnova, M.A. (2020). Holistic benefits of clinical hypnosis. In C. L. Fracasso, S. Krippner, & H. L. Friedman (Ed.) Holistic treatment in mental health: A handbook of practitioners' perspectives (McFarland Health Topics) (pp. 119-126). Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland.
Smirnova, M.A. (2020). Holotropic Breathwork in a Clinical Setting. In C. L. Fracasso, S. Krippner, & H. L. Friedman (Ed.) Holistic treatment in mental health: A handbook of practitioners' perspectives (McFarland Health Topics) (pp. 127-135). Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland.
Journal Smirnova, M.A. (2025). Review of the book "Rapid hypnosis: The clinician’s guide" By Dr. G. Filo. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 67 (2), pp. 191-192.
Smirnova, M.A. (2024). A Twenty-Year Retrospective and Tribute: Transpersonal Bestowals and Legacy of John E. Mack, M.D. October 4, 1929—September 27, 2004. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 56 (1), pp. 1-5.
Smirnova, M.A. (2024). Musings on Keith Thompson’s New Book, "The UFO Paradox;" Reflections on Cosmic Requisitions, Transpersonal Ordeals, and Other Entrancing Mysteries of Earthside Living. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 56 (2), pp. 227-232.
Smirnova, M.A. (2022). Review of the book "Becoming an existential-humanistic therapist: Narratives from the journey". The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 54 (2), pp. 207-210.
Smirnova, M. A. (2022). Review of the book "Psyche unbound: Essays in honor of Stanislav Grof" by Richard Tarnas and Sean Kelly (Eds.). The Humanistic Psychologist, 50 (2), pp. 320-321.
Smirnova, M.A. (2022). Review of the book "Evocation: Enhancing the psychotherapeutic encounter (with transcripts and cases of Milton H. Erickson)" by J. K. Zeig. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 64 (3), pp. 279-280.
Smirnova, M. A. (2014). Review of the book "Neurolinguistic psychotherapy: A postmodern perspective" by Lisa Wake [Review of the book Neurolinguistic psychotherapy: A postmodern perspective, by L.Wake]. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 56 (3), pp. 308-309.
Magazine Saybrook University with M.A. Smirnova, C. Kerson, S. McLain, & A. Dance. (2024). How To Manage Stress During an Election Year Using Integrative Medicine. UNBOUND: NUTRITION & WELLNESS. https://www.saybrook.edu/unbound/how-to-manage-stress-during-an-election-year-using-integrative-medicine/
Chrissy Callahan with Marina A. Smirnova, PhD. (2026). Spiritual Psychologist Reveals: This Is What It Means if You Keep Seeing Deer Outside. PARADE. https://parade.com/living/deer-spiritual-meaning-symbolism
Other Smirnova, M. A. (2013). Atonement with the Dreadful Manifestations of the Sacred in Holotropic Breathwork: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the Breather’s Embodied Experience and the Meaning Arising Within and Out of It. (Doctoral Dissertation). Palo Alto, CA: Sofia University. . doi:UMI Number: 3557624
Smirnova, M. (with Adams, Z., & Akhrymuk, S.). (2012). Research Edition Translation into Russian of TA-285-Body Insight Scale (BIS) by Rosemarie Anderson. Menlo Park, CA: Mind Garden. .
- Research
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Heuristic Self-Search Inquiry (HSSI)
- Professional Skills
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(1) integrating reality-shattering spiritual experiences arising within and out of dreams, visions, visitations, visionary journeys, and encounters with Non-Human Intelligences (NHIs), (2) potentiating Exceptional Experiences (EEs) and cultivating and integrating Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs), Exceptional Human Abilities (EHAs), and Exceptional Human Functioning (EHF), (3) cultivating the art of transformation and the alchemy of ascension, (4) offering transpersonal/spiritual counseling, mentoring, guidance, facilitation, and consultation, (5) working with expanded, resourceful, regenerative states of consciousness, as well as facilitating GROF® Breathwork / Holotropic Breathwork®, (6) investigating and cultivating vibrant longevity, spiritual vitality, attitudinal vitality, wholeness, and creative living, IN HER COMMITMENT to PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE, MARINA A. SMIRNOVA, PhD, FULFILLED the FOLLOWING HUMANISTIC-TRANSPERSONAL EXPERIENTIAL TRAINING INTENSIVES, (1) August 3-7, 2026: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Yoga Nidra: Rest, Restore, and Remember Who You Are"—in-person intensive with John Vosler, (2) July 15-21, 2026: The Monroe Institute, Faber, VA—"Remove Viewing I"—in-person intensive with Joe McMoneagle, Deryl Winchester, and Marinda Stopforth, (3) May 22-25, 2026: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Tibetan Yoga and the Subtle Body"—in-person intensive with Dr. James Bae, (4) December 19-21, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Natural Healing: A Spiritual Journey of Return"—in-person intensive with Michael Ventura and Margaret (Mar) Harrsen, (5) December 15-19, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"The Art of Improvisation: From Sound to Song"—in-person intensive with multi-instrumentalist and record producer Shahzad Ismaily, (6) December 5-7, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Soul is a UFO: Understanding and Embracing Transcendence"—in-person intensive with Dr. Jeffrey J. Krippal, Kevin Cann, and Josh Cutchin, (7) December 1-5, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Creative Tai Ji Experience: Change, Transformation, Metamorphosis"—in-person intensive with Master Chungliang Al Huang, (8) November 28-30, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"The Essential Qigong of China: The Energy, the Movement, and the Stories"—in-person intensive with Master Chungliang Al Huang, (9) October 6-10, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Vibrant Silence: Qigong, Breath, and Meditation"—in-person intensive with Jim Gallas, (10) March 28-30, 2025: The Monroe Institute, Faber, VA—"Remove Viewing Basics"—virtual international intensive with Joe McMoneagle, Beth Vaughan, and Deryl Winchester, (11) March 14-16, 2025: Served as a GROF® Legacy Training (GLT) co-facilitator at the 3-day GROF® Breathwork workshop offered to the public at the Sane Living Center, Ojai, CA, (12) January 13-17, 2025: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—Served on the Holotropic Breathwork® facilitators' team at the 5-day immersive Holotropic Breathwork® intensive, (13) July 29-August 2, 2024: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA—"Holotropic Breathwork®: Expanded States of Consciousness"—in-person intensive with Stacia Butterfield, (14) March 2008-present: Clinical Hypnosis training offered by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), (15) March 2008-August 2012: A 2-year certification training in Transpersonal Psychology and Holotropic Breathwork® with Dr. Stan Grof and Grof Trainspersonal Training, Inc. (GTT), (16) August 2008-May 2012: Shamanic/indigenous healing arts and breathwork training with Dr. C. Michael Smith, Crows Nest Center for Shamanic Studies, Dowagiac, Michigan., (17) June 22-25, 2023: Sedona Performing Arts Center, AZ—"Pure Human: Breakthrough! Retreat"—Gregg Braden's 4-day in-person intensive with breathwork, (18) July 29-30, 2023: Sedona Creative Life Center, AZ—"The Biology of Personal Empowerment"—in-person intensive with Dr. Bruce H. Lipton
