Psychologists' experience of working with people who hear voices and their views on the idea of voice simulation training: A qualitative study

Objectives

Research indicates psychologists typically lack subjective understanding of voice hearing. Voice hearing simulation training has potential to improve understanding, empathy and confidence among clinicians, but psychologists have had limited input into its development. This study investigated psychologists' and a psychotherapist's clinical experience of working with people who hear voices and their views and recommendations for voice hearing simulation training.

Design

This was a qualitative study.

Methods

Clinical psychologists and one psychotherapist (N = 17) participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcribed data.

Results

The Clinical Experience theme comprised of subthemes Barriers to engagement, Diversity of voice hearing experiences, Lack of subjective understanding, Curiosity about voice hearing, Empathy for voice hearers, Using personal experiences to relate to voices, Clinical experience increases knowledge, Importance of supervision and colleague's support, Benefits of experiential training, Limited training in non-psychosis settings and Clinical experience increases confidence. The Views on Voice Hearing Simulation Training theme comprised of subthemes Improves subjective understanding, Concern about distress, Discomfort as a strength of voice hearing simulations, Artificiality of simulation, Increases empathy and Over-estimation of understanding. The Recommendations theme comprised of subthemes Discuss artificiality, Co-production, Promote voice diversity, Support staff and Maximise inclusivity.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that clinical experience improves psychologists' confidence and knowledge, yet participants reported a lack of subjective understanding of voice hearing. Co-produced simulation training between individuals who hear voices and clinicians was anticipated to improve subjective understanding, empathy and therapeutic relationships, which could support a range of staff and improve quality of care delivered.