How do survivors of child abuse, bullying, chronic oppression and discrimination, and other developmental traumas adapt to such unimaginable situations? It is taken for granted that experiences such as hearing voices, altered states of consciousness, dissociative states, lack of trust, and intense emotions are inherently problematic. But what does the evidence actually show? And how much do we still need to learn?

Noël Hunter is a clinical psychologist working in private practice in New York City, USA. Her work focuses on the link between trauma and altered states, human rights, and alternative approaches to healing.