The helpful side of hearing voices: finding meaning in diverse experiences
Untitled, Almada Negreiros
When we talk about hearing voices, the conversation often centers around challenge and distress. While these experiences are valid and important to acknowledge, there's another side to voice hearing that rarely gets attention: voices that bring joy, comfort, and practical help to people's lives.
A different perspective on voice hearing
Throughout my years of working with people who hear voices and learning from voice hearers in training sessions, I've been struck by how often people share stories about voices that make them laugh, offer guidance, or provide companionship. These experiences challenge the common narrative that hearing voices is inherently negative or frightening.
The many ways voices can help
People have shared with me how their voices:
Remind them of important tasks or appointments
Tell jokes that brighten difficult days
Offer encouraging words during challenging times
Share creative ideas or inspiration
Provide practical advice for solving problems
Keep them company when feeling lonely
A story inspired by many voices
(This story is a composite inspired by various experiences shared by voice hearers, not a specific individual's story)
A creative writer once described how her primary voice had a dry sense of humor and would often point out the absurdity in everyday situations. When she would get stuck on a paragraph, the voice would offer playful suggestions or gentle critique of her work. Over time, she came to think of this voice as a collaborator in her creative process rather than an intrusion.
Finding meaning in voice hearing
Each person's experience with voices is unique. Some people find that their voices:
Reflect parts of themselves they hadn't fully recognized
Connect them to cultural or spiritual traditions
Help them process complex emotions
Provide different perspectives on life situations
Offer insights they might have missed
Working with voices
If you hear voices, you might find it helpful to:
Notice which voices feel supportive or helpful
Consider what meaning these experiences might hold for you
Explore ways to work with both helpful voices and challenges ones
Share your experiences with people who will listen without judgment
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A note about different experiences
Everyone's journey with voice hearing is different. While some people find their voices helpful, others may have more complex or challenging relationships with them. Both experiences are true, and there's no single "right way" to relate to voices.