Combating Destructive Thought Processes: Voice Therapy and Separation Theory

by Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D.

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 his 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 critical inner voices -- which limit humans.

Firestone's technique, grounded in clinical research, helps the client to reveal these voices quickly, recognize their source, and begin the path to a meaningful life. In addition to laying theoretical foundations, this book emphasizes the use of voice therapy in direct practice with couples, parents, and individuals and expands these theories to consider existential and social concerns such as death anxiety and ethnic conflict.