Helen Schucman, Ph.D., was a clinical and research psychologist. A Course in Miracles was "scribed" by Dr. Schucman between 1965 and 1972 through a process of inner dictation. She experienced the process as one of a distinct and clear dictation from an inner voice, which earlier had identified itself to her as Jesus. William Thetford, Ph.D., was her trusted friend and colleague, and assisted and supported Dr. Schucman throughout the Course's scribing, including the events that led up to it. It was as if Helen had waited all her life for this particular moment, which triggered a series of internal experiences for her. These included heightened dream imagery, psychic episodes, visions, and an experience of an inner voice. This period of preparation culminated on the evening of October 21, 1965, when the now familiar voice of Jesus said to Helen: "This is a course in miracles, please take notes."