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Voice Dialogue Method
[edit]What is Voice Dialogue?
[edit]Voice Dialogue, a method developed by American psychologists Hal Stone and Sidra Stone in the 1970’s (1989; 1991; 1993), is based on the idea that a person does not consist of just one ‘I’, but a large number of different ‘I’s’ (voices, parts, subpersonalities, energy patterns).
These different subpersonalities are approached separately by the Voice Dialogue facilitator. Each subpersonality has its own will, thoughts and feelings, as well as its own voice (Stone & Stone, 1989 et al). For instance, an Inner Child has a very different language, feelings and desires in comparison with an Inner Critic. Other examples are the controller, the pusher, the perfectionist, the vulnerable child, the nurturer, the rebel.
Certain selves have a function of protecting the Vulnerability (primary selves) whereas other selves are pushed away into the unconscious (disowned selves).
The selves are organized in polarities. By facilitating the different selves in a polarity a new middle position between the selves develops, that can choose between them. This middle position is called the Aware Ego, or the Aware Ego Process (Stone, S. L., & Stone, H. 2011).
The theoretical system behind Voice Dialogue consists of the Psychology of Selves and the Aware Ego which is based on the Consciousness Model.
Voice Dialogue has its roots in Jungian psychology and has incorporated influences from other methods such as Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Psychosynthesis, Psychodrama. It is considered part of transformational psychology (Robert Stamboliev et al, 2023).
Voice Dialogue can be applied in combination with other methods and integrated into different disciplines. The ultimate goal of the method is to get to know ourselves in all dimensions, to acquire more possibilities of choice from an increasingly aware ego (Dyak et al, 2012). Furthermore, the Voice Dialogue method is useful in working with couples. For actors it is an excellent expedient to examine and experience the energy patterns from which “characters” and roles emerge. Working with dreams and daydreams is part of the process (Dyak M., in Stone S.L., Stone H., 2012).
Consciousness model
[edit]The psychology of selves is based on the definition of consciousness. According to the psychology of selves, human consciousness consists of three parts (Stone and Stone, 2012): experience of energy patterns (selves), awareness and aware ego.
On their website Voice Dialogue International, Hal and Sidra Stone explain the Consciousness Model in following the way;
“Level One has to do with Awareness. Awareness is analogous to the witness state in meditation. It allows us to step back and view what is occurring inside and outside ourselves. It is not the mind and doesn’t involve thinking. It is not feeling. It is a simple view - a clear and unbiased picture of what is.
The second level of consciousness is the experience of the selves or simply the experience of life through the various selves.
Level Three is the Aware Ego Process. Awareness gives us the ability to step back and witness what is happening. The experience of the Selves gives us the ability to experience life and to think about life. The Aware Ego Process allows us to make choices based on what it receives from awareness and experience” (Stone and Stone 2012).
The Voice Dialogue method, based upon the above mentioned Consciousness Model, works with the following elements: 1. Part, Subpersonalities and Selves; 2. Awareness; 3. Aware Ego; 4. Consciousness; 5. Experience of Energy; 6. Vulnerability; 7. The Unconscious and 8. Facilitation (Stone and Stone, 2007).
1. Part, Subpersonalities and Selves
The personality consists of many different parts. Each part has its own values, willpower, thoughts and feelings, non-verbal communication. A part can also be referred to as: self, voice, side, energy pattern, behavior pattern.
2. Awareness
Awareness is the ability to witness without having to evaluate or think about what is being observed. It is an observing, non-acting position that can see the “whole picture.” In a Voice Dialogue session, it is literally the place next to the facilitator – while the facilitator summarizes the Voice Dialogue process- to be able to watch this from a distance. The effect of this is that the process is clarified for the client.
3. Aware Ego
The middle position between two subpersonalities, which arises when we separate ourselves from the primary subpersonality and learn to experience the disowned self. From this position one can experience these opposites and the tension between them. From here, conscious choices can be made about which subpersonality is given priority at a certain moment or how to deal with the underlying vulnerability. In this middle or center all subpersonalities are greeted without judgment and with respect. They are given the position beneficial to the whole.
4. Consciousness
In Voice Dialogue, consciousness is seen as a process, not an entity, that evolves on three different levels, Awareness, the experience of the different selves or energy patterns. See the Consciousness Model above. Consciousness is the awareness ánd experience of energy patterns, inside and outside ourselves (Stone and Stone 2012).
5. Experience of Energy
Voice Dialogue is also energy-work. Basically, the selves are energy patterns which we have developed throughout our lives, and as such are of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual nature. When working with these parts, one first will become aware of them, this happens experientially. Attention is paid to the bodily sensations (Stone, T., in Stone S.L., Stone H., 2012). The work with energy fields is essential (Stamboliev, 1992).
6. Vulnerability
An important base for the construction of the personality is the polarity of vulnerability and power. Between these two poles we live our individual life and relationships. The discovery of our vulnerability is often the start of the transformational process (Leys, M., 2018).
7. The Unconscious
Attention is paid to the unconscious by examining dreams and daydreams*. These are ways that the subpersonalities can manifest and present themselves. The subpersonalities can be understood in the light of the ‘Self’ in the Jungian tradition where it signifies the unification of the consciousness and unconsciousness in a person.
8. Facilitation
Voice Dialogue is done by means of a dialogue between the client and a facilitator. In this dialogue the facilitator engages with a client and his or her inner voices. The Voice Dialogue Facilitator is well versed in the theory of the Psychology of Selves and knows and understands its different elements: primary and disowned selves, vulnerability and power, instinctive and transpersonal energies, bonding patterns in relationships, dreams, archetypes, energetics and facilitation skills. In addition, the Voice Dialogue facilitator has been in and continues to be in an extensive process by working with these elements, experiencing them deeply and integrating them over time.
1. Mapping: This step refers to mapping the various personalities. The first step involves mapping out primary selves and disowned selves. Which 'voices' can be distinguished? There is now already more or less a sense of an underlying vulnerability.
2. Dialogue with the primary subpersonality
Giving a voice to the Primary Self. The primary subpersonality is important to survival, and has been crucial to one’s ability to survive and to protect his or her vulnerability. The vulnerability will therefore not (yet) be consciously felt.
3. Making contact with the underlying vulnerability.
This is the moment where we make contact with the underlying vulnerability. When the primary subpersonality is invited to manifest more and more, the vulnerability will naturally also manifest, because it has been protected by this primary subpersonality. During an initial session, it is safe to make contact with the underlying vulnerability through the dialogue with the primary subpersonality. After an initial session, the vulnerability can be addressed directly during any subsequent Voice Dialogue session.
4. Taking the position of the Aware Ego.
After making contact with the primary side and the underlying vulnerability, the client will be invited to the position of the Aware Ego. When this happens for the first time, we refer to the birth of the Aware Ego. This Aware Ego will then care for the vulnerability in an ‘adult’ way and will take over this role from the primary subpersonality.
5. Dialogue with the opposite pole, the disowned self.
During this step, the facilitator will enter into a dialogue with the opposite pole, most often the disowned self, that has up until now been blocked by the primary subpersonality. In this position, energy from the disowned self and other information will come to light. This will provide information about how problems to do with the primary self may be able to be solved in a different, perhaps more effective manner.
6. Taking the middle position of the Aware Ego.
The Aware Ego process takes place in the ‘middle position’ between the two poles, where it is important to pay attention to all feelings and bodily sensations that are present. In this new position, the client will be able to choose between the two poles as well as be able to care for the vulnerability in an effective way and to take responsibility for this. From this position, the client can further develop this new Aware Ego experience.
7. Awareness exercise.
The facilitator will invite the client to sit next to them after working with the subpersonality and the Aware Ego. From this viewpoint, the facilitator will offer a summary of the session. The client can view his or her own process once again from this contemplative position.
8. Development of the Aware Ego.
Here the client returns to the Aware Ego. The Aware Ego means that the client incorporates the awareness, experience and energy patterns of opposing subpersonalities and vulnerability into his or her consciousness. The summarization from the observer’s perspective has strengthened the Aware Ego. The client will now be able to take responsibility for his or her own vulnerability in everyday life from the Aware Ego and be able to make choices freely.
Applications of Voice Dialogue:
[edit]Over time Voice Dialogue is used in the fields of individual psychotherapy and relationship therapy, as well as in psychiatry, coaching and for personal development.
Topics:
Self Knowledge Solving internal conflicts Relationship issues, both private and at work Hearing voices Enhancing creativity Questions of meaningfulness Making choices and decisions Stress Self management Finding emotional and physical balance Vision development Prevention of burnout Recovery from burnout Addictions Intercultural issues Mourning and loss Trauma Sleeping problems.
Development of the work
[edit]Voice Dialogue over time is known in almost every part of the world. While Voice Dialogue has its origins in the early seventies with Hal and Sidra Stone, and was spread first and foremost by them, other teachers followed. Since the mid eighties psychologist Robert Stamboliev, one of the first students of ‘the Stones’ developed the method in Europe.
This work has led, among other developments, to the foundation of Voice Dialogue Europe. The work is leaving its mark in a growing number of fields. To name a few: personal development, psychotherapy, psychiatry, coaching, organizational development, counseling, relationships, conflict resolution, creative and performing arts, meditation, writing, intercultural communication. Voice Dialogue is now - in different degrees of depth - taught in a great variety of educational training programs, including University Master's programs. The method has inspired many other therapy forms: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Schema Ttherapy (ST), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and other methods that work with parts. It is particularly effective in the accompaniment of people who hear voices.
In developing Voice Dialogue, Hal and Sidra Stone were looking for an open system, without any hierarchy; therefore, not to certify practitioners was a choice they made very early in the process. In this way the work could spread easily. However, there were several drawbacks. Because of the lack of certification and quality control, more and more people offer Voice Dialogue sessions and courses after minimal or outdated training. This causes problems for someone who is looking for an experienced Voice Dialogue facilitator/teacher, and for many committed facilitators who have been involved in the work for years. So, for clarity and to protect the credibility of the term 'Voice Dialogue facilitator', a need was felt for the establishment of guidelines for maintaining quality criteria. Over the summer of 2008, a 'Think Tank' developed with the support of Hal and Sidra Stone. This group was formed by: Franca Errani and Giovanni Civita, Italy. Robert Stamboliev and Maria Daniels, Netherland. Geneviève Cailloux and Pierre Cauvin, France. Miriam Dyak, USA. J’aime ona Pangaia, USA. J. Tamar Stone, USA.
Requirements for the Voice Dialogue facilitator. According to the IVDA document the Voice Dialogue Facilitator has to be well versed in the theory of the Psychology of Selves and knows and understands its different elements such as: primary and disowned selves, vulnerability and power, instinctive and transpersonal energies, bonding patterns in relationships, dreams, archetypes, energetics and facilitation skills. In addition, the Voice Dialogue facilitator has been in and continues to be in an extensive process by working with these elements, experiencing them deeply and integrating them over time.
Because Voice Dialogue work is a process to which each facilitator brings a unique set of skills, talents, and life experiences, there is no hard and fast rule about how long such a developmental process will take. It can generally take between three to five years to become an experienced and transformative Voice Dialogue facilitator, if the person is already experienced with working psychologically with others. If the person has not yet developed good listening and interpersonal relationship skills, the process may very likely take more time. Here you find a list of facilitators who have undersigned the IVDA document.
Criticism
[edit]A much heard point of criticism is the absence of scientific proof of effectiveness of the Voice Dialogue method, and therefore the method is not considered to be evidence-based. Also other views representing another paradigma have been mentioned in popular scientific literature for example about inner voices in science how stuff works. Effectiveness of Voice Dialogue Presently, the criticism based on absence of research results seems to be finding an answer in the modest start of research. [see ‘Research’] The effectiveness of Voice Dialogue is currently being researched in different countries. Recent studies have shown effectiveness to other therapy forms such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in different psychological or psychiatric settings. (Corstens, 2004, 2019). See also Research.
Books and Articles
[edit]Brugman, K., Budde, J. & Collewijn, B. (2018, 11e druk). Ik ken mijn ikken. Ontdek andere kanten van jezelf met voice dialogue. Uitgeverij Thema, Zaltbommel.
Budde, J., Brugman, K. (2016). Coachen met Voice Dialogue, Handboek voor begeleiders. Uitgeverij van Schouten & Nelissen. Thema, Zaltbommel.
Cauvin, P, (2016). Becoming Who You Are With The Intelligence Of Self : Understanding One's Psychological Type And Developing Fully With Voice Dialogue, Balboa Press.
Dyak, M. (2014). The Voice Dialogue Facilitator’s Handbook, Part 1: A Step-by-Step Guide to Working with the Aware Ego. New World Library.
Leys, M., (2018), Oog in oog met kwetsbaarheid. Boom uitgevers, Amsterdam.
Stamboliev, R. (1992). The Energetics of Voice Dialogue: An In-depth Exploration of the Energetic Aspects of Transformational Psychology. Liferhythm.
Stamboliev, R, Roelands, A, Haringsma, G.G., Deckers, H. (2023) Voice Dialogue in Psychotherapy.
Stone, H., & Stone, S. (1989) .Embracing Each Other: How to Make All Your Relationships Work for You. Delos Publications, 1989, ISBN 1-56557-062-6
Stone, H., & Stone, S. (1989). Embracing Ourselves: The Voice Dialogue Manual. Delos Publications, ISBN 1-88259-106-2
Stone, H., & Stone, S. (1993) Embracing Your Inner Critic: Turning Self-Criticism into a Creative Asset. Harper SanFrancisco, San Francisco 1993, ISBN 0-06-250757-5
Stone, H., & Stone, S. (2000) Partnering: A New Kind of Relationship. New World Library, 2000, ISBN 1-57731-107-8
Stone, S.: (1998) The Shadow King: The Invisible Force That Holds Women Back. Backinprint, 1998, ISBN 0-595-13755-5
Stone, H. & Stone, S. (1991). Embracing Each Other. Novato: Nataraj Publishing.
Stone, H & Stone, S. (2007). The basic elements of Voice Dialogue, Relationship, and the Psychology of Selves. Their origins and development.
Stone, S. L., & Stone, H. (2012). The Voice Dialogue Anthology: Explorations of the Psychology of Selves and the Aware Ego Process. Delos Publications.
Research
[edit]Berchik, Zohar E., Adam J. Rock, and Harris Friedman. "Allow me to introduce my selves: An introduction to and phenomenological study of voice dialogue therapy." Journal of Transpersonal Psychology 48.1 (2016).Berchik
Chua, N., Serpell, L., Burnett‐Stuart, S., & Pugh, M. (2021). Interviewing anorexia: How do individuals given a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa experience Voice Dialogue with their eating disorder voice? A qualitative analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(2), 600–610. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2652
Corstens, D., Escher, S. Longden, E., Romme M., (2019). Accepting and working with Voices. The Maastricht; in Andrew Moskowitz, Martin J. Dorahy, Ingo Schäfer · 2019. In Psychosis, Trauma and Dissociation, Evolving Perspectives on Severe Psychopathology. Second Edition. Edited by Andrew Moskowitz, Martin Dorahy, Ingo Schäfer. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. Published 2019
Corstens, D., Romme, M. Talking to voices. From: ‘Directieve therapie’, 24 (March 2004), pp. 54 – 68. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://talking-voices.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/TalkingToVoices-DialogueMethod.pdf
Corstens, D., Longden, E., & May, R. (2011). Talking with voices: Exploring what is expressed by the voices people hear. Psychosis, 4(2), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/17522439.2011.571705
Corstens, D., Longden, E., & May, R. (2011b). Talking with voices: Exploring what is expressed by the voices people hear. Psychosis, 4(2), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/17522439.2011.571705
External links
[edit]Website Hal and Sidra Stone - Voice Dialogue International
Voice Dialogue Europe - Platform for European Voice Dialogue Community
The Voice Dialogue Method for voice hearers - Intervoice
References In progress
Further reading In progress