Spirit Release Trailblazers: Dr. Carl Wickland
- Brooklyn Hadfield
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
"The influence of these discarnate entities is the cause of many of the inexplicable and obscure events of earth life and of a large part of the world’s misery." – Dr. Wickland
Dr. Carl Wickland, a pioneering psychiatrist in the early 20th century, brought attention to a therapeutic approach that has intrigued and inspired generations: depossession therapy, also known today as spirit release therapy. In his groundbreaking book, Thirty Years Among the Dead (1924), Dr. Wickland documented his work with patients suffering from a variety of physical, emotional, and mental ailments that he attributed to the influence of earthbound spirits or negative entities attaching themselves to his clients.
Dr. Wickland believed that many of his patients’ symptoms stemmed not from traditional mental health disorders but from the interference of disembodied spirits who had failed to transition to the afterlife. In Thirty Years Among the Dead, Wickland states:
"Insanity, obsession, nervousness, and vague fears were all too often due to unseen forces of an invasive character. It was not uncommon for individuals to be haunted, not only by their own fears but by those of others who had passed away in similar states of mind."
He employed a unique form of therapy in which he worked closely with his wife, Anna Wickland, a gifted medium. Through Anna’s channeling abilities, Dr. Wickland facilitated direct communication with these earthbound entities, guiding them to release their attachment to the living and transition into the light.
While Wickland's methods were unconventional, his work highlighted the potential for spirit release therapy as a treatment for certain mental health conditions. His observations suggested that a considerable percentage of mental illnesses might be linked to spirit attachments, challenging the conventional medical understanding of his time. In his book Thirty Years Among the Dead, Dr. Carl Wickland included a compelling statement by Dr. E. N. Webster of the mental section of the American Medical Association:
"I often see the spirits who cause insanity. At times, I even hear their voices. Individuals who are often deemed hopelessly insane are frequently lost under the overwhelming control of a spirit or crowd of spirits. Post-mortem examinations frequently reveal no physical disorder in the brain or nervous system of such persons."
In Thirty Years Among the Dead, Dr. Carl Wickland recounts the remarkable case of a young woman named Mrs. M., who suffered from severe mental illness, including paranoia, depression, and relentless auditory hallucinations. Traditional treatments had failed to relieve her torment, leaving her family desperate for answers. During a spirit release session, Wickland’s wife, Anna, acted as a medium and connected with a male spirit who revealed himself as an angry, earthbound entity that had attached to Mrs. M. Unaware of his own death, the spirit was drawn to her vulnerable state and intensified her suffering. Through compassionate guidance, Dr. Wickland helped the spirit realize its predicament and transition to the light.
Following the spirit’s release, Mrs. M. experienced a profound and immediate transformation, her symptoms drastically diminishing as a newfound sense of peace took hold. Mrs. M.’s story not only highlights the remarkable healing potential that emerges when psychiatry and spirit release therapy are combined, but also inspires a deeper exploration of holistic healing approaches that acknowledge the unseen dimensions of human suffering.
During Wickland’s era, the concept of depossession therapy was not as obscure or controversial as one might assume today. In fact, it was part of a broader interest in spiritualism and metaphysical healing, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wickland remarked on how widely accepted spirit communication and depossession practices were, writing: "There was a growing realization that science and spirit were not in opposition but could instead offer complementary perspectives on the human condition." This perspective resonated with many practitioners, who were beginning to explore the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in healing.
Wickland’s work laid the foundation for modern spirit release therapy, a practice that continues to gain recognition in holistic and integrative health fields. His methods remind us of the importance of considering spiritual and energetic dimensions when addressing mental and emotional well-being. Wickland wrote passionately about his mission:
"It is the duty of every physician, every healer, and every seeker of truth to look beyond the veil and recognize that healing must address not only the physical and emotional but the unseen spiritual forces that influence our lives."
While the mainstream medical community today does not widely accept spirit attachment as a cause of mental illness, Wickland’s work remains a significant historical exploration of alternative explanations for psychological phenomena. His contributions are far from forgotten. Modern practitioners of spirit release therapy often credit Wickland as one of the earliest pioneers who dared to bridge the gap between science and spirituality.
Wickland’s work serves as a profound reminder that healing is a multi-dimensional journey. By acknowledging the influence of the unseen, we embrace a more holistic understanding of health and well-being, enabling us to better support even the most tormented individuals in our society. His legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to blending scientific inquiry with spiritual insight in their healing practices.
Resources for Further Exploration:
Wickland, Carl. Thirty Years Among the Dead.
Ireland-Frey, Louise. Freeing the Captives: The Emerging Therapy of Treating Spirit Attachment.
Sanderson, Alan. Psychiatry and the Spirit World: True Stories on the Survival of Consciousness after Death.
