Description

From the Session Abstract

Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs): Therapeutic benefits and consequences of disclosure

Historically, many names have been suggested for a variety of extraordinary experiences. The evolution, which travels from William James’s religious experiences to Rhea White’s exceptional human experiences (EHEs), will be traced and how our understanding of the nature of these experiences has changed over time. With White’s definition of EHEs, distinctions will be made between exceptional human experiences (EHEs) and spiritually transformative experience (STEs). To deepen understanding of potentially transformative experiences, White’s description of how an exceptional experience becomes an exceptional human experience will be presented, along with a Glossary of Terms as a way of creating a “language” of these experiences. With added understanding and appreciation for the importance and wisdom of such experiences, a deeper dialogue can occur around the beneficial aspects of disclosure and the creation of a “breathing space” for full expression of EHEs. Consequences of disclosure and potential for unhealthy side effects will be explored.

A brief review of work and life impacts of EHEs, along with current research will demonstrate how these experiences are currently being disclosed into the world. Braud’s “Rainbow of Experiences Model” and “the beyond that is within” and how this model extends current views of EHEs and STEs will conclude the presentation.