Relating therapy for people who hear voices: perspectives from clients,family members,referrers and therapists

Current psychological models of voice hearing emphasise the personal meaning that individuals attribute to the voice hearing experience. Recent developments in theory and research have highlighted the importance of the relationship between the hearer and the voice. This study aims to contribute to this area of research, by exploring the experience and usefulness of a new form of ‘Relating Therapy’ that aims to modify distressing relationships with voices. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ten participants and explored the experience and usefulness of a pilot of Relating Therapy: three therapists, three voice hearers, two relatives and two referrers. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three themes that emerged from the analysis are presented for discussion: engaging with the therapeutic model; developing a new relating style; and how change is described and defined by participants. This study is consistent with the growing body of theory and research that highlights the interpersonal nature of the voice hearing experience. It also offers tentative support for a therapeutic framework that aims to modify distressing relationships with voices as a means of bringing about positive change. Clinical implications and areas for future research are outlined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: ? Conceptualising the voice hearing experience within a relational framework may be normalising, hopeful and helpful for some clients. ? Similarities exist between social relationships and the relationship with the voice. ? Therapy that aims to modify distressing relationships with voices may be of benefit for some voice hearers.