Hostile voices and parts of the personality (Mosquera)

Processing with EMDR in recognition of hostile and destructive parts of the personality, clinical aspects, variations of cogitions and VoC, modifications of the EMDR process, case conceptualisation.

Working with hostile voices and parts of the personality in complex trauma and dissociative disorders.

Many dissociative clients have difficulties with voices that are hostile and critical, and make them feel bad about themselves. The internal conflict is sometimes so strong that the person will even have difficulties carrying on with an ordinary conversation. One factor that affects this conflict is how the patient deals with the voices or parts of the self. Patients who develop an understanding of the different aspects of self, including dissociative parts and voices usually do better than those who are avoidant or despise aspects of themselves.

Most approaches to helping people with hostile or critical voices have something to do with either trying to get rid of the voice, such as by taking drugs till it fades away, or trying to ignore the voice or distract attention away from it. One problem with these strategies is that they all involve avoiding issues or emotions the voice may be bringing up. A key aspect to the work with hostile parts of the personality and voices is to understand their function and the meaning behind their disruptive behaviors.

Some apparently psychotic symptoms can be better understood and treated as dissociative symptoms. In particularly, patients presenting with a belief in being controlled by an external force, or who hear hallucinatory voices that comment on their thoughts or actions or who have conversations with other hallucinated voices, can often be effectively treated from a dissociation perspective.

A progressive approach is needed with the most complex cases where internal conflict can lead to harmful behaviors for the self and others. In these cases, transforming conflict through dialogue, compassion and understanding is essential, however many clinicians may feel they lack the knowledge or tools to intervene effectively.

In this presentation we will explore essential principles and advanced EMDR therapy procedures based on both the adaptive information processing model and the model of structural dissociation of the personality. These advanced EMDR therapy procedures will be illustrated with numerous videos and case examples.

Learning objectives

Participants will be able to assess the function of hostile parts of the personality

Participants will be able to assess and describe dissociative phobias

Participants will learn tools to manage the internal conflict among voices and parts of the personality