Exploring conservations about voice-hearing

Section A
A systematic review of the literature pertaining to voice hearer’s experiences of sharing their voice-hearing experiences with others is presented. Studies were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Thematic synthesis developed four themes: ‘telling others can mark a journey towards help’; ‘a need for safety and understanding’; ‘disclosure can lead to (feared) negative consequences’; and ‘sharing to reduce shame: a way to move forward with voices’. Clinical implications, methodological limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Section B
A qualitative study exploring how practitioners working in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) speak to young people about their voices is presented. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to explore the experiences of twelve CAMHS practitioners, culminating in the development of three themes and subsequent related subthemes. Results suggested that practitioners create space to explore voices with young people and attempt to ensure the safety of this space, yet they used a number of strategies to contain their anxieties. Clinical implications, methodological limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.