This question may be obvious to some and tricky for others. A list below compiles the most common paranormal experiences to help you figure it out. However, whether or not you believe your experience is paranormal depends on your beliefs since they shape your perceptions of the environment.

Paranormal experiences (known as anomalous/exceptional experiences in the literature) are defined as: “uncommon experiences (e.g., synesthesia), or those that, although they may be experienced by a significant number of persons, are believed to deviate from ordinary experience or from the usually accepted explanations of reality according to Western mainstream science” ¹’². In other words, paranormal experiences are unexplainable occurrences that deviate from our normal perception of reality.

Additionally, the term "paranormal experience" implies that unexplained phenomena have a paranormal or spiritual cause or source. This is controversial since paranormal causation has not been scientifically determined, and its existence could “lead to the reexamination and reframing of numerous established laws and principles of science,” as per the American Psychological Association³.

Last, according to psychologists, discerning a paranormal experience consists of two things: the perception of an inexplicable anomaly/stimulus and the ascription of its causation to a paranormal source⁴’⁵. Studies also report that the belief in the paranormal is positively associated with having one or more experiences, while disbelief in the paranormal is associated with a rejection of paranormal occurrences ⁶’⁷’⁸. Thus, if you’re a skeptic, then you’re less likely to attribute the cause of an unexplained event to something paranormal.

However, we aren’t here to argue psychology, causation, or proof of the paranormal. I am here to focus on your experiences and beliefs, especially if you feel shocked, confused, or scared. This is because what you think matters and makes a difference in how you perceive your surroundings, which impacts your well-being. Ultimately, I will support you and your story and help you make sense of the world around you consciously and confidently.