FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by 'Hearing Voices'?
I want to go to a Hearing Voices Group - where and when do I go?
Is this an 'alternative' treatment?
Why isn't there a group in my area?
I'm finding it really hard to cope with my voices - what should I do?

1. What do you mean by 'Hearing Voices'?

'Hearing Voices' is a term coined to represent the experience of what is also called 'auditory hallucinations', or hearing things that other people cannot. People with a range of different diagnoses may hear voices, including Schizophrenia, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Schizo-Affective Disorder, and mood disorders with psychotic features. Some people don't hear distinct voices, but may hear music, animals, odd noises or unidentifiable sounds. These are all included in the experience.

The meaning of 'Hearing Voices' has also expanded to include other sensory experiences besides hearing - such as seeing things or visions, smelling or tasting, and physically feeling sensations of touch in or on your body.

Using the term 'Hearing Voices' is also intended to be a respectful term for those people who live with this experience, as it is framed from the voice hearer's experience (that is, 'I hear the voices...even if you do not'), rather than from a clinician's point of view ('I can't hear anything, therefore you are hallucinating').

2. I want to go to a Hearing Voices Group - where and when do I go?

We have a full list of current hearing voices groups on our site - just click on the 'groups' button in the toolbar. It's best to call the contact person first to check that the group will be running when you want to attend.

3. Is this an 'alternative' treatment?

No, but it is relatively new. The first Hearing Voices group was started by Professor Marius Romme, a psychiatrist in Holland, based on research he conducted into voice hearing. Many groups are facilitated by psychologists or social workers when they start, but over time, voice hearers are supported and encouraged to take over the role of facilitator. There are probably now more groups in the world run by voice hearers than by mental health 'professionals'. In Victoria we plan to start facilitating groups with pairs - a mental health worker and a voice hearer - working together. As the voice hearers are ready to take over, we will support them to do so. We do not advocate stopping other treatments you may be receiving, but we do encourage you to try this approach as an addition.

4. Why isn't there a group in my area?

We would like there to be a hearing voices group in every neighbourhood and town. Unfortunately we're just a very small team who couldn't possibly run this many groups. Instead, we work to encourage local mental health, carer and community services - and individual voice hearers - to start their own groups. We offer training and support to get groups started and to keep them going. Ultimately though, the decision to start a group is up to services and individuals in each area.

If there's no group in your area, we have two suggestions. Firstly, we'd be happy to support you to start one - just contact us to talk it over. Secondly, you can approach local services and ask them to start a group. Again we'd be happy to talk this over with - just give us a call.

5. I'm finding it really hard to cope with my voices - what should I do?

If you are feeling unsafe right now we strongly urge you to talk to someone you trust. This could be a family member, friend or a mental health professional. If you're not sure who to talk to, we also recommend Lifeline. You can call Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14. Their volunteers are very well trained and compassionate people who know how to help.

If you're feeling safe but looking for new ideas and strategies, we recommend you start by reading more on our site. The resources page has some great ideas and tools, and so does our links page. If there's a group in your local area (click here to find out), why not go along? It makes a huge difference to share your struggle with others who have been in your shoes. Of course, you can also call or email Voices Vic if you'd like to know more.