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Hearing Voices Past and Present: A User’s Perspective

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Abstract

If an idea at first is not absurd, then there is no hope for it (Albert Einstein) In this chapter historical perspectives on voice hearing are reviewed (the hearing of a voice or voices inaudible to others) and a critical examination of whether voice hearing is an abnormal experience, as currently suggested by most psychiatric practice, is conducted. Some of the popular myths about voice hearers and dangerousness are challenged, and perspectives on voice hearing held by voice hearers themselves are considered. It is suggested that mental health services in the United Kingdom adopt holistic, progressive and intellectually creative approaches towards the voice hearing experience.

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© 2002 Neil Harris, Steve Williams, Tim Bradshaw

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Davies, H. (2002). Hearing Voices Past and Present: A User’s Perspective. In: Harris, N., Williams, S., Bradshaw, T. (eds) Psychosocial Interventions for People with Schizophrenia. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4039-3759-9_2

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