Ample scientific evidence indicates that an active spiritual belief system such as Buddhism or any of the great faith traditions has a positive healing effect in all medical fields. Those who have a spiritual practice have better outcomes in medicine, surgery, mental health, and addiction. Spiritual belief systems have a role in healing the body, mind, and soul.

In my work as a psychiatrist during the last 40 years, I have been impressed with the power belief systems have in helping people manage harsh realities. To this end, I have developed a self-help model with

  • 10 steps,
  • 12 spiritual methods, and
  • 100 spiritual qualities

that I use myself and teach my patients. Its purpose is to help us expand our healing power, improve our pain management skills, and cultivate spiritual qualities.
"I really like the idea of being able to replace one’s ego with spiritual qualities. Dr. Shapiro shows us how to proceed toward that goal. He teaches us methods that lead to habits of peace, contentment and wellness. His Ten Steps make a wonderful resource for the individual seeker, and an excellent study for a small group."
Anastasia Moret, Occupational Therapist; Manager, Community Mental Health Program

The Northwest Institute for Healing Power (NIHP) is dedicated to teaching this model to a wider audience: those interested in doing spiritual work to stimulate their healing power.

This work appeals to:

  1. Healthcare Professionals interested in helping their patients increase their pain management skills and heal. The model supplements the healing practices of all medical specialties including mental health, addiction, and alternative healthcare.

  2. Healthcare consumers looking for help in managing any symptom, disease, or disability

  3. Spiritual Counselors

  4. Beginning or advanced seekers of spiritual knowledge

  5. Seekers in crisis

  6. People who want help with any pain or problem

  7. The intellectually curious

The model is for group or personal use. Healthcare professionals and spiritual counselors can teach the ten steps in a group or individual setting. The model is also suited for self-help groups or personal study.

Although NIHP no longer has physical space (as of January 2010), Dr. Shapiro offers classes and seminars as well as individual instruction by arrangement. The source material for this training is taken from Dr. Shapiro's book "Healing Power: Ten Steps to Pain Management and Spiritual Evolution.'

To schedule classes for groups of five or more at your location, or to arrange for a speech or individual instruction, please contact Dr. Shapiro at pjlpw@comcast.net. Workshops can be schduled by filling out this form.