History of HVN

Bear Creek HVN is part of the Hearing Voices Network, a growing movement to re-think how we understand voices, visions, and other extrasensory perceptions.

The Hearing Voices Network began in the Netherlands during the 1980s as a collaboration between voice hearer Patsy Hage, psychiatrist Marius Romme, and researcher Sandra Escher. Hearing Voices Network groups arrived in the United States in 2005, and today there are Hearing Voices Network organizations in over two dozens countries.

The Hearing Voices Network (HVN) eventually expanded its scope beyond only working with voice hearers. We welcome those who experience visions, extrasensory perception, and other experiences that are often labeled as “extreme” or “unusual.” HVN groups also provide education and support for family members, friends, those providing mental health treatment, and the general community.

For groups following the HVN USA charter, we view our groups as part of a wider fight for social justice and human rights. We are informed by social movements addressing systemic oppression, including colonization, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and psychiatric oppression.

This video from Dr. Gail Hornstein outlines the uniqueness of the hearing voices approach. Please note this video is from 2012 — today there are many more groups in the United States!