A different way of listening: A relational approach to working with voices and dissociative parts in complex trauma

OBJECTIVE: To present a phase-oriented, relational approach to working with voices and dissociative parts in complex trauma that prioritizes safety, curiosity and internal cooperation over symptom suppression. METHOD: A single-case vignette (Fenix) illustrates early therapeutic tasks focused on stabilization and fear reduction towards internal experiences. Sessions 1-17 are summarized to show how a consistent, non-judgmental stance fostered time orientation, internal dialogue and emergent leadership of the Adult Self. RESULTS: Across treatment, aggressive commands softened, dissociative phobias decreased and internal communication increased, allowing the client to pause, reflect and respond intentionally. Crisis events (e.g. ER visits, hospitalization, suicidal/homicidal urges) were reframed as communications from the internal system rather than regressions, which reduced shame, promoted engagement and allowed adaptation to the pacing of the work. CONCLUSIONS: Within phase-oriented models such as structural dissociation, the work presented corresponds to Phase 1 (stabilization) and prepares the ground for later trauma memory processing and reconnection. The case illustrates how listening to voices-rather than silencing them-can reorganize internal relationships and reduce risk, aligning with existing literature on trauma-related dissociation and voice-hearing.