About us
Have you ever heard a voice when no one was there or know someone who does? Do you see things or know someone who senses presences or energies that others don’t seem to notice?
THE HEARING VOICES MOVEMENT
We are a part of the International Hearing Voices Movement (HVN). This movement has supported people who hear voices and experience other unusual phenomena for nearly 40 years. It has spread across more than 30 countries, providing spaces where people can share experiences, explore their meaning and learn from one another.
This movement is incredibly important for those have unusual audible or visual experiences. Contrary to popular belief, these experiences are not evidence of a brain disease or defects to be silenced or cured. Although they often cause considerable distress, with understanding, guidance and practice, most people can learn to manage them and and explore their potential for personal insight, creative expression, the exploration of consciousness, spirituality and more.
History is full of people who have described their inspiration in terms of voices, visions, muses or unusual experiences. Just a few examples include musicians and songwriters John Lennon, David Bowie, Michael Jackson and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; scientists Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr; writers and filmmakers J.K. Rowling and George Lucas; and historic figures such as Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Socrates, Descartes, Nietzsche and Rudolf Steiner.
THE INTERVOICE CHARTER
Our group follows the principles and values of Intervoice and the International Hearing Voices Movement.
These include:
- Self-definition: Everyone has the right to interpret and understand their experiences in their own way, without having a psychiatric label imposed on them.
- Meaning over illness: Voices and visions can have personal meaning and may be understood in psychological, spiritual, cultural or other ways.
- Relationship and coping: The focus is on exploring our relationship with these experiences and developing ways of managing them, rather than assuming they must be eliminated.
- Lived experience first: Peer connection, mutual respect, empathy and shared exploration are central.
A PLACE FOR EXPLORATION
This is an independent space outside the medical or any other authoritarian framework. We are not here to diagnose, treat or cure one another. We are here to share stories, explore experiences, exchange ideas and find meaning in the extraordinary.
You don’t need to share anyone else’s beliefs or have a ready-made explanation for your experiences. Curiosity, mutual respect and a willingness to explore are enough.
WHEN AND WHERE
We meet every Wednesday evening, online using Zoom
Everyone welcome. No referrals required.
For further information
Tim
Phone: (03) 9812 2728
Email: PinkPantherMovement@gmail.com
Website: https://pinkpantheractivists.au/wp/hearing-voices-network/
Upcoming events
1
Past events
6
