Voice Dialogue (DV) is a great way to get to know your inner self directly by talking to them. In addition to this, the developers of VD, Hal and Sidra Stone (1993), believe that it is an extremely effective method to explore and eventually confront the different inner selves. As with any approach to personal growth, DV is not necessarily appropriate for everyone and should be viewed in the context of all the psychospiritual work you do. RV is a form of work that can be integrated into any therapeutic or growth enhancer system. It is not designed to replace anything but to add wealth to whatever you are doing right now.
THE BASIC COMPONENTS OF VOICE DIALOGUE
An exploration of our subpersonalities:
VD offers the opportunity to separate the subpersonalities of the total personality and treat them as independent and interacting psychic units or energy systems. By using VD, we directly engage these subpersonalities or voices in a dialogue without interference from a critical, embarrassed, or repressive protector / controller.
The role of the Ego:
DV definitely separates the ego from the protector / controller and the primary sub-personalities that work alongside it. The ego occupies a central physical space and the subpersonalities develop their conflicts around it. When different subpersonalities take control, the facilitator will signal this takeover and ask the subject to move to another space and engage directly with the subpersonality. In this way, the ego differentiates itself more and more clearly; that is, it becomes a more conscious ego.
Increased awareness:
VD introduces consciousness into our psychological makeup. There are physical spaces for each subpersonality, for the ego that coordinates and executes and, separate from all others, for our consciousness.
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF VOICE DIALOGUE
Identification of subpersonalities: Creating a psychic map
The first step in facilitating DV is the identification of subpersonalities. The facilitator encourages the subject to talk about life in general or about a specific experience that seems important. The conversation between them has several functions: it establishes or improves the relationship, transmits information and, most importantly for the DV process, gives the facilitator the opportunity to create a ‘psychic map’ of the territory.
Physically separate subpersonalities
When the facilitator (with the consent of the subject) speaks with a specific subpersonality, the subject must move to a different space in the room, which means changing chairs.
Facilitating subpersonalities
From this point on, the facilitator simply speaks to the subpersonality as if it were a real person. The facilitator can be empathetic and non-judgmental, ask questions when appropriate, or simply listen.
A basic principle of DV’s work is: any progress made is acceptable; specific problems do not need to be solved in one sitting. The conscious ego is responsible for solving any problem.
Separating the subpersonalities of the conscious ego
To separate a subpersonality from the conscious ego, encourage each voice to speak of the subject as a separate entity. After the session, we return to the conscious ego in its particular position, and the facilitator and the subject discuss the session in whatever way they choose.
More important details
Remain nonjudgmental: It is important not to judge. Voices are like people: if the facilitator is truly open and interested, they will flourish.
Relax and take your time: Subpersonalities, as stated before, are like people: they like to feel like they have your full attention and plenty of time to express themselves. A facilitator may have to sit quietly for quite some time before a vulnerable child can even speak. Often times, the voice that takes forty minutes to fully discover is the most important part of the personality.
Observing changes in energy patterns: Each subpersonality is a different energy pattern: each has a different facial expression, posture, and tone of voice.
Voice dialogue as an altered state of consciousness: The conscious ego and the protector / controller, which usually dominate consciousness, are temporarily put aside when given the opportunity to speak to other energy patterns. With this in mind, the facilitator will automatically take care when dealing with a voice. Therefore, the way the session ends is essential. It is important to return the subject to an ordinary state of consciousness.
Voice dialogue is not a substitute for personal reactions: DV should only be carried out in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.