• Previous research addressing the question as to what is it like to live with voices over time suggests that people who experience distressing voices may undergo different stages of the voice hearing experience.

• However, findings from these studies have tended to be retrospective and based upon interviews and questionnaires with people taken at a specific point in time.

• Consequently, there appears to be a lack of evidence which tracks people’s experience of voices and how voices are managed over an extended period.

• The current study will follow a group of people from Early Intervention for Psychosis services that experience distressing voices over a period of three years.

• Participants will be interviewed and asked to complete a series of questionnaires about their experience of voice hearing every six months. It is hoped that findings will reveal if: 1) there are different phases of managing voices; 2) if there are, what are these phases; and 3) how might these phases impact on therapy? The study will also explore potential links between phases of managing the experience of hearing voices, beliefs about voices and relationships with voices.

• At the end of this PhD study, findings will be used to develop a model of the phases of managing voice hearing over time. It is hoped that the model will not only assist clinicians to understand and support people who experience distressing voices but also help to identify the optimum point at which a service user may engage with and benefit from psychological therapies.

For more information and to discuss taking part or referrals, please contact:

Leanne Bogen-Johnston (E: l.r.bogen-johnston@sussex.ac.uk)