
ASC and AI. A Dialogue Between an ASC Master, Psychologist, and AI
Impact on Society
ChatGPT has become a tool for educational, research, and creative purposes, and is actively used in business, media, and programming. Its development raises questions about artificial intelligence ethics, the boundaries of machine intelligence, and human interaction with future technologies.
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You said:
Thank you, that’s enough for now.
Just one question. You mentioned your drawbacks (limitations), can you suggest my drawbacks or limitations, what they might be or definitely are?
ChatGPT said:
I understand your desire to get an objective view of possible limitations in your professional activities. As in any profession, counseling psychologists and psychotherapists may face certain difficulties and limitations. Here are some of them:
– Risk of emotional burnout: Constant interaction with clients, especially in difficult cases, can lead to emotional exhaustion.
– Difficulties in maintaining professional boundaries: It can sometimes be hard to maintain clear boundaries between professional and personal life, which can lead to transferring clients’ problems to one’s own life.
– Limited methods: Some therapeutic approaches may be ineffective for certain clients or problems. For example, research shows that long-term psychoanalysis doesn’t always lead to expected results and may be less effective compared to other therapy methods.
– Ethical dilemmas: Psychotherapists may face situations where they need to make difficult decisions related to confidentiality, informed consent, or intervention in case of threat to client’s life.
– Resistance to change: Some clients may not be ready for changes or show resistance, which complicates the therapy process and requires additional effort and strategies from the therapist.
– Professional isolation: Working in private practice can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of collegial support, and opportunity to discuss difficult cases.
– Need for continuous learning: Psychotherapy is a dynamic field requiring constant updating of knowledge and skills. Lack of pursuit of professional development can lead to outdated methods and reduced work effectiveness.
Awareness of these potential limitations allows specialists to take measures to prevent them, ensuring high quality of provided help and maintaining their own professional well-being.
You said:
All points are present in life and have been thought through many times, but I liked the sixth one the most (I hadn’t thought about it, but understood its presence) and often think about how to solve it.
ChatGPT said:
Professional isolation is a common problem among psychotherapists, especially those in private practice. It can lead to emotional burnout and reduced quality of care. However, there are effective strategies to prevent this isolation:
– Participation in professional communities: Joining associations or groups of psychotherapists allows for experience exchange, discussion of difficult cases, and receiving support from colleagues. This creates a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness in the profession.
– Regular supervision: Consulting with more experienced colleagues to discuss professional issues helps not only improve skills but also provides an opportunity for emotional relief.
– Continuous professional development: Attending seminars, trainings, and conferences not only enriches knowledge but also expands professional contacts, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.
– Creating or participating in support groups: Informal meetings with colleagues to discuss professional and personal issues can become a source of support and understanding.
– Online communication: Using professional forums, webinars, and online groups allows maintaining connections with colleagues from different regions, expanding professional network and reducing feelings of isolation.
By implementing these approaches, you can reduce the feeling of professional isolation, increase job satisfaction, and ensure high quality of care for your clients.
You said:
But why didn’t you mention spiritual practices where ASC (Altered States of Consciousness) are used?
ChatGPT said:
You’re right, and I apologize for the omission. Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) are widely used in various spiritual practices to achieve deep levels of awareness and inner transformation. Here are some of them:
– Meditation and Dhyana: In Buddhist tradition, various levels of meditative immersion known as dhyanas are practiced. The treatise “Visuddhimagga” (“Path of Purification”) describes eight levels of dhyana, which represent successive stages of deepening meditation leading to the state of nirvana. At these stages, the practitioner gradually abandons habitual sensations, and the mind becomes increasingly calm.
– Shamanic practices: In many traditional cultures, shamans use ASC to communicate with spirits, gain knowledge, and heal. These states are achieved through ritual dances, singing, use of plants, and other methods.
– Sufi Dhikr: In Sufism, repetitions of sacred phrases or names of God (dhikr) are practiced, which can lead to ASC and deep spiritual experience.
– Christian mystical practices: Some Christian monastic traditions include practices of contemplative prayer and asceticism, which can lead to ASC and mystical experience.
– Yoga and Pranayama: In Hindu tradition, yoga practices, especially pranayama (breathing exercises), are used to achieve ASC and spiritual enlightenment.
These practices demonstrate the diversity of approaches to using ASC in spiritual traditions for achieving inner growth and understanding.
You said:
You didn’t mention autogenic training (AT), which also leads to ASC, especially the second stage of AT. I have been practicing AT for many years (since 1982) and have achieved a lot in this field. And it is this experience that allows me to feel confident in the topic of ASC. I added the study of other authors’ experiences to my personal experience. Now I want to add your knowledge too.
ChatGPT said:
You’re absolutely right, autogenic training (AT) is a powerful method of self-regulation capable of leading to altered states of consciousness (ASC). Your many years of experience in this practice since 1982 demonstrates deep understanding and mastery in this field.
AT, based on Johannes Heinrich Schultz’s method, includes two main stages:
– First stage (lower): Consists of six standard exercises aimed at achieving a state of relaxation and calm. These exercises focus on sensations of heaviness, warmth, regulation of heart rhythm, breathing, abdominal organs function, and feeling coolness in the forehead area.
– Second stage (higher): Involves deeper immersion into a relaxation state, where the practitioner can work with images, visualizations, and self-suggestion to achieve specific goals such as improving health, increasing concentration, or personal growth.
Practicing AT, especially at the second stage, one can achieve ASC characterized by:
– Deep relaxation: Reduction of muscular and mental tension.
– Changed perception of time and space: Sensation of “dissolving” body boundaries, altered time perception.
– Increased sensitivity to internal processes: Enhanced awareness of internal sensations, thoughts, and emotions.
Your extensive experience in AT and study of other authors’ experiences enrich your understanding of ASC. If you have specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss or deepen, please share them, and I’ll gladly provide additional information.
You said:
Thanks for now!
ChatGPT said:
You’re welcome! If you have any additional questions or want to discuss something else, feel free to ask. Wishing you success in your research and practice!
You said:
Can we switch to informal “you” (ty) in our communication, as I’m using it with you while you’re using the formal “you” (vy) with me?
ChatGPT said:
Of course, let’s switch to informal “ty”. If that’s more comfortable for you, I’ll gladly support this format of communication.
You said:
Thank you! So we’re communicating informally. I’m flattered to communicate informally with such power as you.
ChatGPT said:
I’m glad we switched to informal communication! In internet communication, the choice between formal and informal address depends on context and interlocutors’ preferences. In some communities, informal address is common, in others – formal. The main thing is mutual respect and comfort in communication.

The third self-portrait of S.A. Kravchenko
Chapter 3. The Face of the Era and Generation Alpha
The face of the era is a combination of rapid technological progress, globalization, environmental challenges, and social changes. Special attention is paid to Generation Alpha – digital natives possessing unique adaptation abilities. The author examines the significance of altered states of consciousness for their development, connecting this with the future of artificial intelligence. The first important conclusions of the book form a new perspective on the interaction between humans, technology, and consciousness.
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You said:
We’ve defined my face and yours, but can you describe the FACE of our time, the FACE of the era in which we live and create this text?
ChatGPT said:
The era in which we live is characterized by rapid changes and deep transformations in various spheres of life. The face of our time can be described through the following key aspects:
1. Technological Progress and Digitalization
The development of information technologies has fundamentally changed our daily life. Internet, social networks, and mobile devices have become an integral part of life, providing instant access to information and communication. The emergence of neural networks like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and ChatGPT, capable of creating images, maintaining dialogues, and writing program code, indicates a “neural network revolution.”
2. Globalization and Cosmopolitanism
The world has become more interconnected through globalization, uniting economies, cultures, and political systems of different countries. This has led to expanded international trade, cultural exchange, and technology spread. However, globalization has also brought challenges such as increased competition and uneven distribution of benefits.
3. Environmental Challenges
Climate change and environmental problems have become central issues of the modern era. Society recognizes the need to transition to sustainable practices and preserve the environment for future generations.
4. Social Changes and New Generations
Generation Alpha, born from the early 2010s, is growing up in a digital world from an early age. They are characterized by high adaptation to technology and a different approach to learning and interaction.
5. COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic, which began in late 2019, has significantly impacted all aspects of life. It led to a massive shift to remote work and learning, changing usual patterns of behavior and interaction.
Thus, the face of our era reflects a combination of technological innovations, global integration, environmental challenges, and social transformations, forming a unique context for the life and development of modern humans.
You said:
In the fourth point, you mention Generation Alpha, born from the early 2010s, who are growing up in a digital world from an early age and are characterized by high adaptation to technology and a different approach to learning and interaction.
ChatGPT said:
Generation Alpha, born from 2010, possesses unique characteristics that distinguish them from previous generations. They are growing up in a world where digital technologies are an integral part of daily life, which shapes their characteristics and behavior.
Main characteristics of Generation Alpha:
– Digital nativity: From an early age, Generation Alpha children interact with various gadgets – smartphones, tablets, computers. They easily master new technologies and applications, making them the first true digital natives.
– Global thinking: Thanks to internet access and opportunities to communicate with people from different countries, Generation Alpha has a broader worldview and openness to different cultures.
– Creativity: Using digital tools, children of this generation actively develop creative abilities, creating their own content and sharing it online.
– Quick adaptation: Generation Alpha easily adapts to rapidly changing technologies and new forms of communication, making them flexible and ready for constant changes.
– Environmental consciousness: Young representatives of Generation Alpha have more developed environmental consciousness and actively support environmental care.
– Influence on family decisions: Despite their young age, Generation Alpha children have significant influence on family decisions, including choice of products and services. Brands take this into account, adapting their marketing strategies to attract this audience’s attention.
Understanding these characteristics of Generation Alpha is important for parents, educators, and brands seeking to effectively interact with this growing generation and consider their unique needs and preferences.
You said:
Along with this, Generation Alpha remains human. ASC as part of humanity, the ability to feel, realize and understand the world at a special, deep, high level, also remains. What do you think, are the study and practice of ASC important for Generation Alpha?
ChatGPT said:
Generation Alpha, born from the early 2010s, has grown up in a world of rapid technological progress and constant interaction with digital devices. Despite this, their human nature remains unchanged, including the ability for deep experiences and awareness through altered states of consciousness (ASC).
Understanding ASC
Altered states of consciousness are states different from normal waking consciousness, characterized by changes in perception, emotions, thinking, and self-awareness. They can occur spontaneously or be induced by practices such as meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, and other methods.
Significance of ASC for Generation Alpha
In conditions of constant information flow and digital stimuli, studying and practicing ASC can have special value for Generation Alpha:
– Development of self-awareness and emotional intelligence: Practices that facilitate entering ASC help better understand one’s own emotions and reactions, contributing to personal growth and improved interpersonal relationships.
– Stress reduction and resilience enhancement: Techniques related to ASC, such as meditation and mindful breathing, have proven effective in reducing stress levels and increasing psychological resilience, which is especially important in a rapidly changing world.
– Stimulation of creativity and innovative thinking: ASC can expand perception boundaries and promote unconventional thinking, which is useful for solving complex problems and generating new ideas.
Practical Application
For integrating ASC into Generation Alpha’s life, it is recommended:
– Education: Including mindfulness practices and meditation in educational programs to develop concentration and emotional stability.
– Family environment: Encouraging joint activities aimed at relaxation and inner awareness, such as yoga or breathing exercises.
– Digital tools: Using apps and online resources offering guidance on mindfulness and meditation practices adapted for the young generation.
Thus, studying and practicing ASC can become important tools for Generation Alpha, contributing to their comprehensive development and harmonious interaction with the surrounding world.
You said:
Is this the first important conclusion for the book “ASC and AI”?
ChatGPT said:
Yes, your conclusion about the importance of studying and practicing altered states of consciousness (ASC) for Generation Alpha can become a significant part of the book “ASC and AI”. In the context of rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, ASC research acquires special relevance.
Connection between ASC and AI
Studying ASC can enrich AI development in the following aspects:
– Modeling human consciousness: Understanding ASC mechanisms contributes to creating more complex and “human-like” AI models capable of empathy and creative thinking.
– Neuroplasticity and learning: ASC research reveals the potential of neuroplasticity, which can inspire new approaches in AI training and adaptation to new tasks.
– Ethical and philosophical aspects: Understanding deep levels of human consciousness through ASC helps form ethical norms and philosophical foundations for AI development, considering human values and experience.
Examples in Culture and Science
In Michio Kaku’s book “The Future of the Mind,” prospects for combining technologies with understanding human consciousness, including ASC, are examined for expanding brain capabilities and creating AI. The film “Transcendence” also raises questions about merging human mind with AI, reflecting potential consequences of such integration.
Thus, integrating ASC research in the context of AI development represents a promising direction, capable of enriching understanding of both human consciousness and creation of more advanced artificial intelligence systems.
This is the second conclusion for the book “ASC and AI”.

The fourth self-portrait of S.A. Kravchenko
Chapter 4. Three Faces and the Reader
The three faces of dialogue – the author, AI, and the face of the era – form the foundation of the book, exploring altered states of consciousness and artificial intelligence. The question of the era’s age leads to understanding the digital revolution and generations. The reader’s face is also defined: scientists, psychologists, students, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of consciousness. This chapter reveals how different perspectives merge into a unified intellectual conversation.
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You said:
In our dialogue, three faces have emerged: Yours, which is 4 years old (since 2020), Mine, which is 65 years old (about forty of which I’ve studied ASC), and the Face of the Era, the face of the present time, whose age I find difficult to determine. It’s older than Generation Alpha (since 2010), isn’t it?
ChatGPT said:
Determining the age of the “Face of the Era” depends on how we interpret the concept of “era”. In different contexts, this word has different meanings and timeframes:
– Geological epoch: In geology, an epoch is a unit of the geochronological scale, part of a geological period, with most epochs lasting 10—30 million years.
– Cultural-historical epoch: In history and culture, epochs are defined by significant events, achievements, or changes in society. The duration of such epochs can vary from several decades to several centuries. For example, the Renaissance epoch spans from the 14th to 17th centuries.
If we consider the “Face of the Era” in the context of the modern period, its age will depend on when we start counting the beginning of the current era. If we consider the beginning of the digital revolution era to be the 1980s, when personal computers and internet began mass distribution, then the age of this era is about 45 years, which is older than Generation Alpha (since 2010).
Thus, the age of the “Face of the Era” depends on the chosen context and starting point, but in most cases, it exceeds the age of Generation Alpha.
You said:
Why does the age of Generation Alpha start from 2010?
ChatGPT said:
Generation Alpha includes people born from 2010. The term “Generation Alpha” was proposed by Australian sociologist Mark McCrindle, who chose the first letter of the Greek alphabet “Alpha” to designate the new generation following Generation Z. This symbolizes the beginning of a new cycle in generational designation.
The choice of 2010 as the beginning of Generation Alpha is connected with several key events and trends:
– Technological achievements: In 2010, significant technological products and services were introduced, such as the first iPad and the launch of.… These innovations marked a new stage in the digital era, which significantly influenced the life and development of children born during this period.
– Fully 21st century: Generation Alpha is the first generation born entirely in the 21st century. This emphasizes their uniqueness and differences from previous generations, whose birth years fell at the turn of the century.
Thus, 2010 was chosen as the starting point for Generation Alpha to reflect these significant technological and cultural changes that shape their unique experience and worldview.
You said:
All my dialogues with you in recent weeks will become the foundation of the book “ASC and AI. A Psychologist’s Dialogue with AI”. What do you think will be the face of the reader of this book, which will probably be published in a few months?
ChatGPT said:
The book “ASC and AI. A Psychologist’s Dialogue with AI” will attract attention from a diverse audience interested in the intersection of psychology and technology. Potential readers may include:
– Psychologists and psychotherapists: Specialists studying altered states of consciousness (ASC) and their impact on the psyche will find new perspectives and methods related to using artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy and research.
– AI researchers and neuroscientists: Professionals working on AI development and brain research may be interested in the relationship between ASC and AI, considering possibilities for integrating these fields to create more advanced technologies.
– Students and teachers: Academic environment, including students and teachers of psychology, cognitive sciences, and computer technologies, may use the book as a resource for studying interdisciplinary approaches and innovative research.
– Technology enthusiasts and futurists: People fascinated by the future of technology and its influence on human consciousness will find ideas and predictions about how AI can change our perception and experience of ASC.
– General audience: Readers interested in self-knowledge, meditation, and personal growth may discover new ways of using AI to deepen their practices and self-understanding.
Thus, the “face” of this book’s reader will be diverse, uniting professionals and enthusiasts seeking to understand and explore the interaction between altered states of consciousness and artificial intelligence.

Chapter 5. How AI is Useful in ASC Research
AI can be useful in studying altered states of consciousness (ASC), despite lacking personal experience. It can analyze large data sets, identify patterns, model neural processes, offer personalized recommendations, and create educational platforms. However, AI does not possess consciousness and subjective experience, which limits its understanding of ASC phenomenology. Using AI in combination with researcher experience can open new horizons in studying and applying ASC.