Guidelines for Becoming a Voice Dialogue Facilitator

In bringing Voice Dialogue to the world in the early 1970s, Hal and Sidra Stone wanted to establish a Consciousness Model that wasn’t constrained by bureaucracy. Their decision to not certify practitioners was a choice they made very early in the process. What makes Voice Dialogue unique is not only it’s standalone ability but it’s capacity to be combined with other modalities as well. Consequently, the method could be applied in combination with other techniques and integrated into different disciplines.

As a result, the work has spread and is leaving its mark in a growing number of fields. To name a few: personal development, psychotherapy, psychiatry, coaching, organizational development, counseling, relationships, conflict resolution, creative and performing arts, meditation, writing, intercultural communication and film. Voice Dialogue is now – in different degrees of depth – taught in a great variety of educational trainings, including University Master’s programs.

Guidelines for Becoming a Voice Dialogue Facilitator

What makes Voice Dialogue work effective?

What skills are needed to become a Voice Dialogue Facilitator?

The Voice Dialogue Facilitator is well versed in the theory of the Psychology of Selves and the Aware Ego Process and knows and understands its different elements:

• Stones overview of the human psyche
• Primary and disowned selves
• Vulnerability and power
• the aware ego process
• Instinctive and transpersonal energies
• Bonding patterns in relationships
• Dreams
• Archetypes
• Energetics
• Facilitation skills

These elements are covered in:

Voice Dialogue Level One: Foundation Training

Voice Dialogue Level Two: Facilitation Training

Voice Dialogue Level Three: Practitioner Empowerment Training

Certificates of Completion are provided at the end of each training.

In addition, the Voice Dialogue facilitator has been in and continues to be in an extensive personal process by working with these elements, experiencing them deeply and integrating them over time.

The International Voice Dialogue Agreement, known as IVDA, aims to balance the need for evaluating proficiency among Voice Dialogue facilitators and teachers with the essence of the Psychology of Selves and the  Aware Ego process. While the guidelines are not rules or requirements for accreditation, they serve as helpful suggestions for individuals new to the practice.

Nature of Guidelines: The IVDA Guidelines are intended as flexible frameworks rather than strict credentials. They were formed by a collective of practitioners and  inspired by the practices and teachings of Voice Dialogue.

Ongoing Personal Process: Facilitators need to engage in their own personal Voice Dialogue development continually. This process can be unique to each individual and may take between three to five years for those already familiar with energetic or psychological work. Regular facilitation allows facilitators to explore their own selves, enhance awareness, and develop accountability in their relationships.

Key Skills for Facilitators:

Understanding the core elements of Voice Dialogue and the Psychology of Selves.

Must have a consistent facilitation practice.

Ability to assess client needs and recognize when to refer to specialists, ensuring safety and ethical practice.

Staying aware of transference and counter-transference dynamics in client relationships.

Development Process: Becoming a skilled facilitator includes initial training, regular sessions with experienced facilitators, facilitation under supervision, observing professionals, practicing peer facilitation.

Ethical Guidelines: Facilitators and teachers are guided by values such as:

Continuing personal Voice Dialogue practice.

Maintaining client confidentiality.

Clear communication about professional roles and limitations.

Referring clients when necessary and respecting client autonomy.

Avoiding romantic or sexual involvement with clients or students.

Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards in their practice.

Overall, the IVDA Guidelines acknowledge the complexity of facilitating Voice Dialogue while providing a foundational structure for ongoing professional development and ethical engagement within the community. We assume the good faith of aspiring facilitators in embracing these guidelines with integrity.