This book draws on clinical research findings from the last three decades to offer a review of current psychological theories and therapeutic approaches to understanding and treating auditory hallucinations, addressing key methodological issues that need to be considered in evaluating interventions. Mark Hayward, Clara Strauss and Simon McCarthy-Jones present a historical narrative on lessons learnt, the evolution of evidence bases, and an agenda for the future. The text also provides a critique of varying therapeutic techniques, enabling practice and treatment decisions to be grounded in a balanced view of differing approaches. Chapters cover topics including: behavioural and coping approaches cognitive models of voice hearing the role of self-esteem and identity acceptance-based and mindfulness approaches interpersonal theory. Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Treating Auditory Hallucinations brings together and evaluates diffuse literature in an accessible and objective manner, making it a valuable resource for clinical researchers and postgraduate students. It will also be of significant interest to academic and clinical psychologists working within the field of psychotic experiences.

This book draws on clinical research findings from the last three decades to offer a review of current psychological theories and therapeutic approaches to understanding and treating auditory hallucinations addressing key methodological issues that need to be considered in evaluating voice hearing interventions. Mark Hayward, Clara Strauss and Simon McCarthy-Jones present a historical narrative on lessons learnt, a state of the art, and an agenda for the future. The text also provides a critique of different therapeutic techniques enabling practice and treatment decisions to be grounded in a balanced view of differing approaches. Chapters cover topics including: behavioural approaches cognitive models of voice hearing the role of self-esteem and identity acceptance-based and mindfulness approaches interpersonal theory. Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Treating Command Hallucinations will be of significant interest to academic and clinical psychologists working within the field of psychotic experiences.The book brings together and evaluates diffuse literature in an accessible and objective manner and will therefore also be a valuable resource for clinical researchers and postgraduate students.

Practical help for managing distressing voice hearing experiences Have you ever heard someone talking to you, but when you turned around no one was there? Voice hearing is more common than might be expected. Many of those who experience this phenomenon won't find it distressing, while some may find it extremely upsetting and even debilitating. Although the causes of voice hearing are many and varied, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be a highly effective treatment for distressing voices. CBT can provide a powerful and positive way of coping with distressing voices, helping people to live well, even though the voice hearing may continue. Written by experts, this accessible self-help manual takes those affected by distressing voices on a journey of recovery and healing, based on the latest psychological research. This fully revised and updated edition includes: * Clear explanations of what distressing voices are and what causes them * Techniques to explore and re-evaluate the links between self-esteem, beliefs about voices and feelings * Practical steps to reduce the distress that hearing voices causes * Consideration of the impact on friends and family, and advice for how they can help Overcoming self-help guides use clinically-proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme. Series Editor: Professor Peter Cooper

An invaluable guide to dealing with distressing voices from leading experts Hearing voices can be highly distressing and impact our health, well-being and day-to-day lives. This self-help guide explains what voices are, what causes them and how to cope with this distressing experience.. Using clinically proven cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, this book will help you to recognise the link between your thoughts, beliefs and relationships, and the distressing voices you hear. This book will help you to: * Understand the voices and cope with them more effectively * Explore and re-evaluate beliefs that you hold about yourself and the voices * Develop some assertiveness skills * Set personal goals for the future