Facilitating Deeper Connection with Your Inner Selves
Voice Dialogue
Voice Dialogue was developed by psychologists Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone in the 1970s. And as they describe in their book Embracing our selves, Voice Dialogue is a "communications tool, as well as a method that can be used for getting to know ourselves better".
What It's About
Voice Dialogue is a really experiential way to meet and finally understand different Parts of yourself. It is based on the idea that each person is made up of a variety of inner "Selves" or "Parts", each with its own specific and sometimes contradicting desires, beliefs, and perspectives.
Some Parts of us take the lead in life, they shape how we think, feel, and act without us even realizing it. These are our Primary Selves, the ones that are in the driver’s seat. They might include The Perfectionist, The Pleaser, The Pusher, The Protector, The Inner Critic, or The Responsible Self. Meanwhile, other parts get pushed into the background, our Disowned Selves. These could be The Frightened Child, The Playful Child, or The Vulnerable Child.
We all have parts we identify with and parts we reject. But when we over-identify with certain Selves while ignoring others, it can lead to burnout, overwhelm, confusion and a very stressful and unhappy life.
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Voice Dialogue is about embracing all the Selves. The goal is to be present with and bring awareness to all these different Parts of ourselves and to understand how they influence and effect your life. By engaging in dialogue with these inner Selves, you can start to differentiate between them and observe their individual motivations and roles.
Guiding Inner Transformation
Everyday, we all struggle with different degrees of an internal conflict, or we feel scared and overwhelmed by some of our Parts, and this is totally normal! We often don't understand these Parts, for example the Part that's afraid to fail or be abandoned.
There's so much of ourselves that is in the unknown. And the good news is, you don't need to figure it out alone. As your facilitator I will guide you and securely hold the space for you to fully meet and experience these Selves.
This process is like finally turning on the light, you can see everything clearly and begin to understand what’s been happening inside of you. As awareness grows, the fear dissipates, and you can move forward again. Meeting your different Selves will likely be one of the most unique and powerful experiences of your life. And through all the twists and turns of this journey, I’ll be right there with you.
You are your own teacher and coach, the Parts of you that you have disowned and suppressed have insightful and life changing messages for you.
When you fully become a particular Part in the safe space of a facilitated session, you can fully explore the insights that are buried deep inside of you.
Different Session Types
Voice Dialogue sessions can focus on different entry points into your inner world. You can meet your Selves directly in response to specific life circumstances or explore them through dreams, body issues, or relationship dynamics. Each approach offers a unique way to gain insight, understanding, and self-awareness.
Dreams
Dreams have a way of speaking to us, and often reveal Parts of ourselves that we might not fully see in daily life. In a session, we can explore the different aspects of your dream — unpacking the messages, feelings, and Selves that show up. By engaging with these parts, dream work can bring deep insights, clarity, and a sense of inner alignment.
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Body
Our bodies hold deep wisdom, and symptoms or illnesses can sometimes be the voice of an unheard Part of us. In a session, we can gently explore the sensations, tensions, or discomfort in your body —listening to what they might be trying to express. By connecting with these Parts with curiosity and compassion, you may uncover insights, release stuck energy, and develop a more harmonious relationship with your body.
Relationships
Our relationships are powerful mirrors, often reflecting back the parts of ourselves we have disowned. The traits we admire — or struggle with — in our partners can reveal our disowned Selves. In Voice Dialogue, we explore these Selves with curiosity, uncovering how they interact in relationships. By recognizing the deeper dynamics at play, we can move from unconscious reactions to conscious connection, creating relationships that feel more authentic and fulfilling
Beyond Voice Dialogue:
Related Practices
Voice Dialogue is one way to explore your inner world, but many other approaches share similar principles.
You may have heard about Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy and Gestalt therapy.
Internal Family Systems
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With IFS, you never fully become the different Self or Part. You are always in a center point or Self, that then speaks to the different Part and then reports back what you have heard or said to the facilitator.
Somatic Therapy
A body-centered approach to healing that focuses on how emotions, trauma, and stress are stored in the body. Instead of just talking about experiences, it helps clients tune into physical sensations, movement, and breath to release tension and regulate the nervous system.
Gestalt Therapy
Emphasizes awareness of the present moment, personal responsibility, and self-exploration. It includes techniques such as the "empty chair" method, where different Parts speak to each other.
