Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
'From a place of vulnerability': Experiences of Voice Dialogue to explore self‐criticism. |
| Authors: |
Indramohan, Sarmini (AUTHOR), Brown, Richard J. (AUTHOR), Reid, Katie (AUTHOR), Pugh, Matthew (AUTHOR), Bell, Tobyn (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice. Jun2026, Vol. 99 Issue 2, p386-404. 19p. |
| Subjects: |
Psychotherapy, Self-esteem testing, Empathy, Qualitative research, Emotions, Psychological adaptation, Descriptive statistics, Communication, Phenomenology, Interpersonal relations, Counseling, Self-perception, Patients' attitudes, Behavior therapy, Thought & thinking |
| Abstract: |
Objective/Background: Voice Dialogue is a method used to explore and understand different parts of the self. It involves direct communication between a facilitator and aspects of the self to enhance awareness, understanding and differentiation from inner voices. This study aimed to understand how people with low self‐esteem (LSE) experience a Voice‐Dialogue session focusing on self‐criticism (or the 'self‐critic'). Method: Nine individuals from a university setting underwent a single Voice‐Dialogue session that involved direct dialogue with their self‐critic and were subsequently interviewed about their experiences. The interview data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Findings: Three group experiential themes (GET) were generated: theme 1, 'transitioning between selves', highlights the importance of moving between chairs and embodying the self‐critic; theme 2, 'what makes the critic', explores insights into the self‐critic's origins and function; and theme 3, 'a change in relationships', describes adaptations in participants' self‐to‐self relating. Conclusions: The findings suggest the Voice‐Dialogue method, as a stand‐alone intervention, has therapeutic utility in changing clients' relationship with their self‐criticism. The findings are contextualised within broader theory and literature, and clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|
Copyright of Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| Database: |
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
