The Hearing Voices support groups listed on the BC Hearing Voices Network website are hosted by different organizations around BC (for instance, healthcare and community support organizations). Because of this, each group is run slightly differently. However, you can expect some basic principles to apply:

  • Hearing Voices support groups are not treatment groups. Hearing Voices support groups are intended as safe, supportive spaces where people who hear voices, see visions, or have other unique sensory experiences can speak openly about their experiences without fear of judgment. Some people might find that attending the groups helps them to accept or learn new ways of dealing with their experiences, or helps them by giving them a sense of belonging to a community, but the groups are not designed as a treatment program.
  • Hearing Voices support groups are peer-led. Hearing Voices support groups are facilitated by people who hear voices, see visions, or have other unique sensory experiences. They are intended to be democratic and non-hierarchical: that is, no one is there to tell other group members the “right” way to think about their experiences. Every member is treated as an expert in their own experiences.
  • Hearing Voices support groups are confidential. The group facilitators do not record what is said during sessions, and group members are asked to keep information discussed during sessions confidential. Any limits to confidentiality (for example, if someone is in immediate danger) will be discussed at the start of every session.
  • Hearing Voices support groups are flexible and voluntary. You are always free to stop (or start) attending the group at any time. Participation is voluntary, and how much you would like to share in the group is up to you. If you would prefer to just listen, that’s okay! Group members are also allowed to talk about other parts of their lives at Hearing Voices support groups, not only voices and visions.
  • Hearing Voices support groups sanction the right to interpret your own experiences in any way. Some group members identify with a psychiatric diagnosis; others do not. All people who have unusual sensory experiences or beliefs are welcome at Hearing Voices support groups, regardless of which words they use to describe themselves or how they make sense of their experiences.

Still have questions about what to expect? You can also learn more about the Hearing Voices Movement or check out our FAQ. You can also contact us with a question.