Voice Dialogue
What is Voice Dialogue?
Voice Dialogue is a powerful method for helping people understand themselves better and make sense of their inner motives. It is based on the idea that individuals are made up of different ‘selves’, ‘voices’, or ‘subpersonalities’. An example of this kind of 'self-multiplicity’ might be when a person says, “a part of me wants to change careers” or “I hate the way I criticise myself”. By allowing individuals get to know these parts of their self better, Voice Dialogue can help resolve internal conflicts, address relationship difficulties, guide decision-making, and manage distressing internal experiences such self-criticism and anxiety.
I have used Voice Dialogue techniques for a number of years. I am currently completing intensive training in this approach with Voice Dialogue UK. I am also leading a research study examining the effectiveness of Voice Dialogue in the treatment of eating disorders.
What can Voice Dialogue help with and what does it involve?
Elements of Voice Dialogue are used in a number of evidence-based therapies including Schema Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Voice Dialogue can be helpful in working with low mood, anxiety, relationship difficulties, some physical health complaints, life and performance coaching. Research studies are currently taking place to establish the clinical effectiveness of Voice Dialogue in the treatment of eating disorders and voice-hearing in psychosis.
A Voice Dialogue session begins by identifying an issue you want to better understand. Often, it will quickly become clear that a number of your 'selves' (which you may or may not be aware of) are playing a role in this issue. You will then be asked to switch positions and speak from the perspective of each of these selves. This process is designed to feel natural and very comfortable. After completing a Voice Dialogue session, individuals usually describe feeling more at ease, in control, and self-aware.
Depending upon your needs, Voice Dialogue can be used as a single, 'one-off' session or across several sessions.
