Finding Harmony: Navigating the Landscape of Auditory Hallucinations

When working with someone experiencing active auditory hallucinations, the pressing question becomes: what is your realistic goal? Engaging with the individual can be a challenge, as they may be deeply distracted, lost in a dialogue with the myriad voices that populate their mind. It’s as if they exist in a world where multiple conversations compete for their attention, rendering them almost oblivious to your presence.

Attempting to convince them that their reality is not real can feel like an uphill battle. In the most challenging situations, they may even respond with antagonism to such a challenge. Should one dare to confront their delusions? In more favorable circumstances, however, the individual may exhibit a willingness to entertain the notion that perhaps these voices are not a true reflection of reality.

Yet, all of this occurs prior to the stabilization that medication can offer, complicating the path forward. In such instances, it is crucial to consider what a realistic goal and objective might be. Is it feasible to aim for the eradication of hallucinations? Perhaps not. Instead, a more attainable objective may be to help them manage these experiences.

But what comes next? The answer lies in listening closely to the dialogues unfolding within them. If they articulate the conversations occurring between the voices, revealing a state of inner conflict, the initial aim should be to reduce this turmoil. The less inner conflict there is, the better the outcome tends to be.

It is essential to evaluate the content of the voices’ conversations. If command hallucinations emerge, these warrant a more thorough assessment due to their potential implications. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a sense of harmony among the voices, encouraging them to collaborate towards a shared objective of health and wellness for the individual. In the noise and chatter of an overwhelming internal conflict and chaos, this remains a potential possibility, a semblance of mitigation amidst the tumult.

(c)2024 John Piedrahita