Group Therapy for Voice Hearers

Andrea D. Lefebvre, PsyD, LPC-ALPS, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Northwood Health Systems in Wheeling, West Virginia, and has lived experience as a former voice hearer. She is also a treatment team member of Quiet Minds, a first episode psychosis program in Northern West Virginia.Richard W. Sears, PsyD, PhD, MBA, ABPP, is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is an international speaker and author on mindfulness and psychotherapy.Jennifer M. Ossege, PsyD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Viewpoint Psychological Services, PLLC, a group practice offering counseling and psychological services. She also teaches at Xavier University and Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"Dr. Lefebvre, along with Drs. Sears and Ossege, has created a primer on how to facilitate hearing voices groups. This down-to-earth text offers sound advice for those new to working with this population in group settings. A well-designed research study has evolved into a relevant guide that inspires hope for better outcomes when engaging voice hearing clients in groups. Their empathic nature in dealing with individuals struggling with extraordinary experiences is a wonderful example of what should be the compassionate norm for clinicians."–Martin Cosgro, PhD, clinical psychologist and lead editor of The Widening Scope of Psychoanalysis: Collected Essays of Bertram Karon"This book expertly combines lived experience with research and clinical practice for a nuanced and engaging look at psychotherapy groups for voice hearers. With personal insights and humor, Lefebvre, Sears, and Ossege provide clinicians with a foundation from which to practice with compassion."–Marie Brown, MA, coeditor of Women & Psychosis: Multidisciplinary Perspectives and Women and the Psychosocial Construction of Madness"An amazing portrayal of voices and how to help those who experience them. This book demystifies group therapy for a population often deemed as inappropriate for such a treatment approach and provides new hope to both the patient and the clinician. The personal (and often humorous) case examples by Drs. Lefebvre, Sears, and Ossege make them and the topic relatable. Their openness, honesty, and clarity are a breath of fresh air!"–Josalyn N. Ice, PsyD, Crittenton Services Inc."I couldn’t put it down—this is a mesmerizing must read for every psychotherapist, especially those seeking to connect warmly and effectively with people who hear voices. The book seamlessly interweaves the perspectives of a researcher, a clinician, and a human being who has lived the experience of hearing voices."–Cynthia Lormor, PhD, Portage Path Behavioral Health

• 1. Considerations for Non-Voice Hearers 2. Voice Hearing 3. Essential Components 4. Importance of Ensuring Emotional Safety 5. Flexibility 6. Use of Group Process to Foster Healthy Attachments 7. Cultivating Self-Awareness 8. Encouraging Empowerment Among Group Members 9. Living Proof 10. Conclusions