“I'm not telling an illness story. I'm telling a story of opportunity”: Making sense of voice hearing experiences

Abstract

Background/aim: Traditional approaches to voice hearing discourage the exploration of this experience. Current evidence suggests that understanding voice hearing experiences (VHE) facilitates recovery; yet, little is known about how voice hearers make sense of this phenomenon. This study aimed to explore how adults with lived experiences of voice hearing understand their VHE. Method: A phenomenological approach guided the study design. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants who attended the Hearing Voices Recovery Support Group in Sydney, Australia. Participants completed the Self- Identified Stages of Recovery questionnaire and the Revised Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover the ‘essence’ of this phenomenon. Findings: Understanding the voice hearing experience was characterized by an overarching theme of ‘tension and recalibration’. This overarching theme permeated each of five sub-themes: beliefs about voices; navigating the relationship with my voices; learning to live with my voices; rediscovering myself with my voices; and, influences to understanding my voices. Conclusion: This study highlights how voice hearer’s understanding of VHE evolves over time, and throughout phases of recovery. Clinical implications include early intervention to support individuals to: explore their VHE to derive personal meaning; navigate their relationships with voices to promote mutually beneficial relationships; and, regain a positive sense of self.