In-person at the BHRC on Wednesdays from noon to 1pm
Experiences such as hearing voices, seeing visions and altered states of consciousness are natural parts of being human, and they are real. Sometimes these experiences are hurtful or frightening. Sometimes they are funny or enlightening. There are many ways to understand these experiences, and the Hearing Voices Movement is here to create suitable spaces for people to explore and understand them, free from judgement and labels.
Portland Hearing Voices is an Oregon based education and support effort dedicated to promoting mental diversity and supporting the voice-hearing community in the Portland and surrounding areas. We promote public education, discussion groups, training, and community support related to hearing voices, seeing visions, and having unusual beliefs and sensory experiences often labeled as psychosis, bipolar, mania, paranoia, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders. We aim to reduce fear and misunderstanding, foster hope and understanding, question stereotypes, promote holistic health options, overcome isolation, and create a more inclusive community.
We have a mental diversity approach that reaches beyond narrow medical diagnosis and treatments, and we explore creativity, spirituality, trauma, and sensitivity in our experiences. We are proud of who we are and we are not crazy. We help each other learn from and live with our mental differences. We struggle with emotional distress and pain while also valuing positive sides of what we go through. Non-judgmental; people taking medication, not taking medication, and considering options are welcome.
We ask the question, What do these experiences mean to you? and welcome a variety of diverse personal interpretations and ways of coping. Throughout history the mysterious meaning of “madness” such as hearing voices, wild energy states, visions, and seeing coincidences has defied any final explanation, and we seek to create greater understanding through dialog and community-building in a non-judgmental and respectful atmosphere.
We refer people to community resources and counselors who share our perspective and who offer accessible services. We also support people in learning to take greater control of their lives, including exploring coming off medications safely. (Portland Hearing Voices does not offer medical advice or treatment.)
Portland Hearing Voices is led and managed by people with lived experience of hearing voices, different realities, and psychiatric diagnosis. We are currently all-volunteer and seeking funding and resources. Kate Hill is Director of Portland Hearing Voices; Will Hall founded the group and is Assistant Director.