Abstract

This study investigated ostensible psi phenomena from the perspective of 14 licensed and experienced clinical therapists. Techniques and methods best suited to work with psychic experiences were explored. The participants represented a cross section of professional degrees and licenses, and had clinical experience in spontaneous psychic phenomena. A qualitative approach to the collection of data was employed, using semi-structured interviews. Using a frequency distribution based on similarity of content, attitude and beliefs, the responses were divided into three types: common, less common and emergent. Participants reported client-psi experiences in various forms, such as, extra sensory perception, telepathy, psychokinesis, survival or apparition investigations, clairvoyance, precognition, and discussed reactions encountered among clients. The most significant findings support previous scientific research, which indicates that most people are not prepared to accept psi experiences. The professional environment can be a positive place to explore the meaning of the experience and further self-knowledge. The distinction between normal psi and psychopathology and how mainstream therapeutic techniques can be modified to work with psi phenomena were also discussed. The interviews suggested that it is more important to assess the overall functioning of clients and work with the meaning of the experience rather than to verify it. A training model for therapists working with psi was constructed.