Combating Destructive Thought Processes

Book excerpt: What keeps people from living in ways that satisfy their individual needs and priorities? In this book, noted clinical psychologist Robert W. Firestone sets forth the theory - synthesizing psychodynamic and existential approaches to the psyche - underlying his voice therapy methodology. From childhood, Firestone maintains, humans are prevented from experiencing an individuated life by the pressures of society and destructive interactions within the family. The goal of voice therapy is to uncover the insidious forces - represented by internal messages, called voices - that limit humans. Firestone's technique, grounded in clinical research, helps the client to reveal these voices quickly, recognize their detrimental source, and begin the path to a meaningful life.