In this fascinating interview with researcher and author of At Heaven's Door, Peters highlights how Shared Death Experiences (SDEs) bridge science, spirituality, and therapy. He shares his journey from initial resistance to advocating for shared death experiences (SDEs), recognizing their therapeutic value for grieving individuals and caregivers as a new way to approach death, grief, and relationships with the deceased.
Peters identifies four types of SDEs- Sensing a presence during a death, Witnessing phenomena like lights or spirits, Accompanying the dying into the afterlife, and Assisting in their transition. Peters recounts his own SDE with his father, which brought healing through a vivid life review and strengthened continuing bonds—a concept he champions over “letting go.” Through his Shared Crossing Project, he gathers research to destigmatize SDEs and integrate them into end-of-life care, emphasizing how mindfulness enhances receptivity to these profound experiences.