Paranormal experiences are borderline experiences

Wahn, Wirklichkeit oder Embodiment-Phänomene?

Abstract

Borderline experiences not only include extreme experiences, such as extreme exertion, pleasure or pain, but also experiences that cannot be classified into usual categories. These include the so-called paranormal experiences. They enjoy little acceptance in academic psychology and psychiatry, however, and, despite their frequency, are still a taboo topic in society. The Parapsychological Counseling Center therefore helps people to deal appropriately with “paranormal” experiences. Case studies from the Parapsychological Counseling Center are discussed. As a scientific discipline, parapsychology addresses such borderline experiences in an interdisciplinary manner. Two systemic descriptive models are outlined. Intervention strategies for spontaneous paranormal experiences are discussed on the basis of these models. Since it has been found that persons affected who turn to the counseling center also offer their own interpretations and “explanations”, the question arises as to how these resources can be used to help clients.