The founder
The story of Gary Douglas and Access Bars
Gary Douglas is the sole creator of Access Bars and the founder of Access Consciousness. Born in the United States, Douglas worked as a real estate broker in Santa Barbara, California, before founding Access Consciousness in the early 1990s.
Douglas's background is not in medicine, psychology, neuroscience, or any healthcare field. He has no formal scientific training. His qualifications are limited to real estate, which may explain some of the controversies that surround his organization.
In 1993, Douglas filed for bankruptcy. Around this time, he began claiming to channel spirits (including Grigori Rasputin) and developed Access Consciousness. The Bars practice emerged as one of the system's central offerings.
Understanding Douglas's background helps contextualize Access Bars: it is not derived from research or clinical practice but from one person's personal experiences and philosophical ideas.
Timeline of Access Bars creation
A timeline showing the key events in Gary Douglas's life and the creation of Access Bars.
Before 1990
Gary Douglas works as a real estate broker in Santa Barbara, California.
1993
Douglas files for bankruptcy after a failed real estate venture.
1990s
Douglas begins claiming to channel spirits, including Grigori Rasputin.
Early 1990s
Douglas founds Access Consciousness and creates Access Bars.
Skim first
Key takeaways
The shortest useful version of this page.
Access Bars was created by Gary Douglas.
Douglas was a real estate broker with no scientific or medical training.
He founded Access Consciousness in the early 1990s.
He filed for bankruptcy in 1993.
He claims to channel spirits.
The practice is not derived from research or clinical experience.
Context matters for evaluating the claims.
The story of Access Bars
- Gary Douglas founded Access Consciousness.The organization began to develop and promote its ideas and practices.
- Douglas filed for bankruptcy after a failed real estate venture.This was followed by his claims of channeling spirits and developing Access Consciousness.
- Access Bars was introduced as a central practice.The Bars became one of the most visible and accessible Access Consciousness offerings.
- Dain Heer joined the movement.Heer became second in command and helped expand the organization.
- Access Consciousness expanded internationally.The practice gained visibility and drew scrutiny from government agencies.
The creator
Who is Gary Douglas?
Gary Douglas is the founder of Access Consciousness and the creator of Access Bars. Born in the United States, he worked as a real estate broker in Santa Barbara, California, before founding his organization.
Douglas has no formal training in medicine, psychology, neuroscience, or any healthcare field. His qualifications are limited to real estate, which may explain some of the controversies that surround his organization.
In 1993, Douglas filed for bankruptcy. Around this time, he began claiming to channel spirits (including Grigori Rasputin) and developed Access Consciousness. The Bars practice emerged as one of the system's central offerings.
Douglas continues to lead Access Consciousness from his base in the United States. He has written several books and produced many training courses and events.
Access Consciousness and Gary Douglas
Gary Douglas
FounderFounded Access Consciousness in 1990; created Access Bars.
Dain Heer
Co-founder and second-in-commandJoined in 2001; former chiropractor; helped expand the organization.
Simone Milasas
Worldwide business coordinatorJoined in 2003; developer of Access Consciousness courses.
Access Consciousness
Parent organizationProvides training, certifications, and events worldwide.
Timeline of Gary Douglas and Access Bars
- Gary Douglas works as a real estate broker in Santa Barbara, California.Douglas had no scientific or medical background.
- Douglas filed for bankruptcy after a failed real estate venture.This financial failure was followed by his claims of channeling spirits.
- Douglas founded Access Consciousness and created Access Bars.The Bars became one of the organization's key offerings.
- Dain Heer joined the movement.Heer helped expand Access Consciousness internationally.
- Access Consciousness expanded globally and drew scrutiny from government agencies.The practice faced investigations in France and other countries.
Different views of Gary Douglas
- Practitioner
Practitioners often describe Gary Douglas with admiration, viewing him as a visionary who developed transformative tools.
- Participant
Recipients may not be aware of Gary Douglas at all, focusing instead on the Bars experience.
- Student
Students learning the practice often learn about Douglas as part of their training and may adopt positive views.
- Facilitator
Facilitators may revere Douglas as the founder and speak of him in glowing terms.
- Balanced view
Gary Douglas is a self-made founder with no scientific credentials. The effectiveness of Access Bars is not established by his personal claims.
- Evidence view
Douglas's claims about channeling spirits and the mechanism of Access Bars are not supported by scientific evidence.
Douglas's personal history (including bankruptcy and claims of channeling spirits) has drawn criticism and skepticism.
Comparing Access Bars founders to other wellness founders
Here's how Gary Douglas compares to founders of other complementary wellness practices.
Gary Douglas
Access Bars
Real estate broker
No formal science or medical training
Mikao Usui
Reiki
Buddhist monk
No formal medical training
Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral
Visceral manipulation
Osteopath
Medical training
John Upledger
Craniosacral therapy
Osteopathic physician
Medical training
Reality check
Common myths about Access Bars creation
- Myth
Access Bars was developed by medical researchers.
RealityIt was developed by Gary Douglas, a former real estate broker with no medical training.
- Myth
Access Bars has ancient origins.
RealityIt was created in the early 1990s by Gary Douglas.
- Myth
Gary Douglas is a trained healthcare professional.
RealityHe has no formal training in medicine, psychology, or related fields.
- Myth
The creation of Access Bars was based on research.
RealityIt was based on Douglas's personal experiences and claimed spiritual guidance.
What to remember about Access Bars creation
Access Bars was created by Gary Douglas.
Douglas was a real estate broker with no scientific training.
He founded Access Consciousness in the early 1990s.
He filed for bankruptcy in 1993.
He claims to channel spirits.
The practice is not derived from research or clinical experience.
Context matters for understanding the claims.
Verdict
Our verdict on Access Bars creator
not-applicable
Access Bars was created by Gary Douglas, a former real estate broker with no scientific or medical training. He founded Access Consciousness after filing for bankruptcy and claiming to channel spirits. This context is important for understanding the practice's claims and evidence status.
What we know
- Gary Douglas created Access Bars.
- He had no scientific or medical training.
- He filed for bankruptcy in 1993.
- He claims to channel spirits.
What we do not know
- Whether his claims about channeling spirits are accurate.
- Whether his lack of training affects the practice's validity.
Understanding who created Access Bars helps contextualize its claims. Douglas's background is not a guarantee of clinical validity, but it's important information for evaluating the practice.
Bottom line
The founder matters
Knowing who created Access Bars (a former real estate broker with no scientific training who claims to channel spirits) helps you evaluate the practice's claims. Context matters.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
What is Gary Douglas known for?
He is known for founding Access Consciousness and creating Access Bars.
Has Gary Douglas faced any legal issues?
He filed for bankruptcy in 1993. Access Consciousness has faced investigations and reports to government agencies in France.
Does Gary Douglas have any medical training?
No. His background is in real estate.
Is Gary Douglas still leading Access Consciousness?
Yes, he continues to be the organization's leader.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. Access Consciousness - Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2024-01-01. Accessed 2026-07-17
Comprehensive overview of Access Consciousness, including history and key figures. Source for Gary Douglas background and bankruptcy.
Victor Garcia. Access Bars Consciousness : les documents secrets. L'Express, 2019-03-21. Accessed 2026-07-17
French investigative report on Access Consciousness, including training materials and Miviludes reports.
Access Consciousness. Access Consciousness Official Website. Access Consciousness. Accessed 2026-07-17
Official Access Consciousness website for information about Gary Douglas and training.
