UFOs and Alien Encounters

It's crucial to remember that UFOs and alien abductions are more than mere blurry images and lights in the sky; they are experiences shared by countless individuals.

The phenomenon of UFO sightings and alien abductions likely predates modern society. According to Erich von Däniken, author of Chariots of the Gods, such occurrences have been part of humanity's story since its inception. While many academics tend to dismiss his arguments, they invite deeper scrutiny. John E. Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist, approached the testimonies of those who claimed to have been abducted with an open mind, finding that their experiences did not align with any DSM mental health diagnosis. This raises questions about why some might dismiss these accounts as too bizarre or fear that they could be subjected to similar experiences.

If you’re not a mental health professional, it’s understandable to hesitate before making judgments. However, Mack's evaluations were more balanced than most. Consulting five different doctors would likely yield five varied diagnoses, potentially including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or dissociative identity disorder.

When uncertainty arises, the tendency is often to label individuals with bipolar disorder.

Unfortunately, very few genuinely take the time to listen to the experiences of those seeking help. Most individuals simply want to be acknowledged and to know they aren’t losing their minds.

The truth is, those who seek help are often not the ones who are mentally unstable; typically, those struggling with their sanity do not recognize their issues.

Most people possess an innate ability to discern authenticity and can differentiate between attention-seeking behavior and those who genuinely wish to share their experiences without facing ridicule.

If you find yourself dismissing someone or talking over them, it may be a reflection of your own issues. Listening requires a willingness to set aside your own objections while they speak.

As someone trained in diagnosis, I recognize that it would be inappropriate to evaluate anyone solely based on their statements in a decades-old video. Below, you’ll find several examples of such videos. They serve as a small sample of the broader phenomenon. The reality is far more complex than it might appear, and it’s essential to gather more data than just a handful of individual accounts. Many may think there are only a couple of people involved, but the truth is, this spans across millions.

If this were any other matter, with millions claiming similar experiences, it would be classified as an epidemic. With an increasing number of reports, some might argue that it's spreading like a contagion, possibly due to a growing number of people encountering these phenomena. The U.S. government has also indicated that UFO sightings are rising significantly. What does that imply? Does it mean that if you haven't experienced something, you’re not among the chosen ones?

Or perhaps the increase is a result of a societal shift that makes sharing such experiences safer.

We are only just reaching a point where society is prepared to accept that pilots have reported seeing strange lights while flying. This is merely the beginning; imagine the implications if people start seeking legal action against the government for their involvement in abduction scenarios. There’s narrative evidence to support such claims. If you consider Haim Eshed's assertion that UFOs are indeed extraterrestrial and that the U.S. government is complicit, then this discussion is just warming up.

The Stories Behind the Phenomenon

You might find yourself watching the videos below and reluctantly acknowledging that the individuals featured had genuine experiences, though you may still hesitate to accept that they encountered aliens. Perhaps you think it's a manifestation of psychological or social phenomena.

At some point, as the evidence for the reality of UFOs grows, Occam's Razor will point to the simplest conclusion: they are indeed extraterrestrial in nature.

I assert, with my qualifications, that no psychological or social explanation sufficiently accounts for the phenomenon of alien abductions. John E. Mack, a psychiatrist, expressed similar sentiments. The truth is that individuals from various parts of the world, including remote areas of Africa and the U.S. before the advent of television, have reported such experiences, as evidenced by Mabel White's narrative.

Marilyn Armstrong's account includes descriptions of the little blue Greys, which are not commonly known enough for someone in a remote area to fabricate.

So, either Carl Jung is correct about a collective unconscious and the possibility of telepathy among humans, or we are indeed dealing with extraterrestrial beings. It's important to note that neither Mabel White nor Marilyn Armstrong sought attention or profit from their experiences. They were composed, reflective individuals, normal by any standard I can discern.

They did not receive book deals or invitations to conventions. This was a time long before TikTok and YouTube. The backlash they faced was significant, and we should be grateful they persevered in sharing their stories.

Their willingness to speak out may speak volumes about their character.

While one might argue that Barney Hill gained some notoriety from sharing his experience, as seen on the game show To Tell The Truth, any compensation he received likely paled in comparison to the ridicule he endured. Producer and journalist Bryze Zabel, known for Dark Skies, depicted Barney Hill in a character role, echoing the sentiments he expressed:

> “I am a black man married to a white woman in the 1960s. I don’t need any more negative attention.”

Did Barney and Betty Hill benefit from their experiences? Not in any meaningful way.

The UFO Community

Occasionally, a new name or face appears in the UFO community. While millions claim to have been abducted, how many cases or reports are genuinely known? How many countries are represented?

Some early figures in the field continue to share the same stories repeatedly. This isn’t meant as criticism, but it seems Linda Moulton Howe often reiterates the same points from her previous works. Her messages are vital and need to reach a wider audience, as many may not be familiar with her findings.

However, the UFO community is tightly knit, and new participants often find it challenging to break in. This situation isn't necessarily a conspiracy but rather an economic reality. The audience remains niche, and it takes a remarkable performer to gain visibility. Writers are plentiful, and few are profiting from book deals, especially in an era where self-publishing is prevalent. Unless a writer achieves a significant breakthrough or possesses a prolific output akin to Stephen King, making a sustainable income through traditional publishing is unlikely.

Given my background in mental health and counseling, one might think I would be in high demand to help resolve cases and listen to narratives. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. There exists a closed circle of gatekeepers. Without sufficient experience with 'experiencers,' gaining entry to this sphere is nearly impossible.

How does one acquire experience with experiencers without access to a dedicated space and promoting a practice that invites those who have encountered UFOs, abductions, near-death experiences, and paranormal phenomena? Quite frankly, advertising such a practice could jeopardize one’s professional credentials.

Before I became a counselor, I envisioned working with military veterans, trauma survivors, paranormal experiencers, and those who had near-death experiences. My family has a history of military service, and I have faced trauma myself. However, one doesn't need to experience trauma to understand its impact or to have empathy.

Some suggest that trauma may heighten sensitivity to the paranormal. I cannot discern how this works; however, it seems to be a common pathway for shamans. Various cultures have ritualized trauma to bring supernatural elements into their societies! While I have my share of past trauma and have experienced the paranormal, it raises the question of whether there's a causal relationship or mere correlation. Not everyone who has faced trauma experiences the paranormal.

After years of hard work, obtaining my master's degree, and gaining my license, I thought I was ready to help.

I joined MUFON, though I initially hesitated due to doubts about my own sanity stemming from my experiences. Occasionally, I still wonder if I am simply delusional. Trauma can complicate one's perspective. After all, who else would pursue a career with limited financial reward and prestige, while also ensuring they aren't re-traumatized by the stories of others seeking healing?

Vicarious PTSD is indeed a recognized phenomenon.

When I was initially rejected from working with experiencers for lacking experience, it reinforced my feelings of inadequacy. I was left wondering, “Why?” I analyze people and data for a living, producing medical reports and opinions daily. How could I not be deemed qualified?

You might assume that if I were ineffective, I wouldn’t still be in the field, but that’s misguided thinking. The community mental health sector faces a shortage of qualified professionals and an overwhelming demand for services, so perhaps my presence is merely a reflection of that scarcity.

But I am qualified, and I am also an experiencer. Encouraged to reapply, I faced further rejection for the same reason, with no clear criteria provided to justify the denial. It’s important to note that I do not plan to pursue this avenue again, as I’ve gained enough from my experiences to move forward independently.

I have too many commitments to seek additional grief, and my experience illustrates an essential truth: being an experiencer or having qualifications does not guarantee acceptance by the wider community. All societies and cultures grapple with inclusion and exclusion, and this reality affects everyone.

Sharing this perspective carries risks. I do not fear facing the consequences of being disgruntled; that concern has passed. My reluctance to speak out stems from a desire not to disparage anyone. Perhaps I am flawed, or perhaps they see something I don’t. It’s simply how it is.

I am intrigued, however, by how one gains experience with experiencers when the primary organization that works with them is unwilling to provide access or training.

What makes experiencers so special and problematic? Reports indicate that millions have encountered abductions. There’s no lack of work or competition for resources. MUFON relies on volunteers, as does Opus. The only reason I may not fit in with Opus is my lack of an office to work with clients, which is fair enough.

I am not wealthy enough to provide free services! Still, I dream of opening my own office, either in a physical location or virtually. Perhaps in retirement, I’ll have the freedom to travel and counsel clients in a mobile setup. It's a hopeful vision.

Experiencers are not exclusively affluent. No one wealthy enough to fund an office or pay for counseling exists in this context. If they were, there would be no shortage of academics and therapists eager to work with them, regardless of stigma.

Another factor in the medical community's reluctance to engage with experiencers is the realization that there are no easy solutions or medications to alleviate their experiences!

When does someone become “crazy”? It’s possible to drive oneself to that state while navigating the complexities of securing a role that offers no financial reward and minimal prestige. Worst-case scenario: what if the skeptics are right, and this is all a farce? If enough qualified individuals infiltrate the organization, could they uncover it as merely another cult?

Or perhaps those at the top are also struggling with their own traumas and experiences.

Defending UFO and paranormal phenomena can indeed drive one to insanity. People often become vocal when they feel unheard, particularly if they are struggling. Initially, many may express their frustrations, but eventually, they might resign themselves to the futility of the situation.

While I’ve pondered numerous ideas on this topic, my stance remains unchanged: UFOs are real. Aliens are among us, interacting with humanity. There are games at play—both on the part of humans and extraterrestrials. I lack sufficient knowledge to critique their motives fully, but I would entertain the idea that, like humans, aliens are simply doing their jobs, interacting with other beings, driven by various economic, social, and psychological factors.

It would be disheartening to discover that the afterlife operates on the same principles of popularity and status as our earthly existence.

If you remain skeptical about UFOs being extraterrestrial, it may stem from a lack of personal experience, unwillingness to confront memories of abductions, or being hindered by exclusive social dynamics. This last point has become apparent through the numerous closed-door congressional sessions interviewing witnesses and experts. Is this a cult or something genuine? That's for you to decide.

Recommended:

Close Encounters of the Hollywood Kind

How I searched for the truth about UFOs by writing fiction, and learned our world really is stranger than you imagine.