Intermediate Level To The Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue By Murray Armstrong Donna Armstrong

1. Intermediate Level To The Basic Concepts ofVoice Dialogue By Murray Armstrong Donna Armstrong In this sample preview you will be viewing only 36 of the possible 112 slides available in the complete PowerPoint Presentation

2. We Welcome You as you journey into the unique and exciting world of Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process As seekers, we are looking for that something that will make a profound difference in our lives. We also need to feel a certain sense of safety as we explore new territory. You will already be acquainted with many of the concepts in Voice Dialogue, so you will find it comforting to know you already have a partial map as you explore Voice Dialogue territory. In Voice Dialogue, it the Aware Ego Process that will challenge you and open up the potential for a profound and transformative change to your life. We hope that this Advanced PowerPoint Presentation to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue will serve as a valuable resource as you begin this wonderful journey into Voice Dialogue. Our Mission Statement as facilitators and teachers of Voice Dialogue is: To offer the tool of Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process To re/member our wholeness. Murray and Donna Armstrong Voice Dialogue Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

3. Copyright 2003 Written & Published by: Voice Dialogue Edmonton - Creating Deeper Connections Inc. For our protection and the protection of the people you will be using this presentation with, do not replicate this presentation in any manner without the expressed consent of Murray and/or Donna Armstrong. Upon request, Murray or Donna will provide copies of this presentation either in CD format, overhead transparencies or hardcopy. To order copies of this Presentation: Contact:Murray or Donna Armstrong Website: www.voicedialogueedmonton.com Telephone: 780 489 - 6389 ISBN 0-9735173-4-4 Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

4. Endorsement “We are delighted to recommend this excellent Guide to anyone teaching Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process. Murray and Donna Armstrong have made good use of their strong academic backgrounds in this complete presentation of our work – a clear, thoroughly researched and well-organized curriculum for use in either a formal training or a classroom situation. They have collected and organized material from many sources and have scrupulously checked out all interpretations with us personally to be sure that their presentation of our ideas and our teaching accurately reflect our thinking.” Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

5. Using Voice Dialogue Power Point Presentation 1, 2, & 3 Background The content of these Guides/PowerPoint Presentations (PPP) is a compilation from Hal and Sidra Stones’ many audio and video tapes. This compilation organizes their material for greater accessibility and easier understanding. Purpose The Guides/PPP are an educational tool for both students and teachers of Voice Dialogue and can be used to learn as well as teach the basic theoretical conceptsof Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process. Because this is a Guide/PPP, our objective is to state the basic theoretical concepts of Voice Dialogue briefly and simply. To achieve a deeper understanding of the basic concepts, students will have to work with an experienced Voice Dialogue practitioner/teacher. The Voice Dialogue Processis a multi-dimensional, fluid process that is being described in linear language. Please remember it is essential that you experience the Voice Dialogue Process. You willnot be able to grasp the core of Voice Dialogue through these Guides/PPP only. For Students Guide 1& PPP 1 - Introductory Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue is for students who have little or no familiarity with Voice Dialogue. Guide 2& PPP 2 - Intermediate Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue is for students who have done some reading in Voice Dialogue and have been dialogued a number of times. Guide 3 & PPP 3 - Advanced Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue is for students who have done considerable reading in Voice Dialogue and had extensive dialoguing. Because the three Guides offer a concise presentation of Voice Dialogue theory, they can serve as a quick reference as you are reading books or listening to video or audio tapes on Voice Dialogue. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

6. (Continuing)Using Voice Dialogue Power Point Presentation 1, 2, & 3 For Teachers The Guides/PPP offer a framework in which to present the theory of Voice Dialogue. The Guides have been replicated in corresponding animated PowerPoint Presentations (PPP) to provide a multi-media tool that offers a dynamic presentation of the Voice Dialogue theory. The Guides can be used by the students to follow along with the teacher as the teacher uses the PPP. Teachers are responsible for designing their own workshops using their own experiential tools. The Guides/PPP can be integrated into each teacher’s workshop in whatever way helps present the theoretical aspects of Voice Dialogue. The theory augments the experiential learning. The Guides/PPP have been set into teachable units so that theory can be presented first with the teacher providing the accompanying experiential exercises. The introductory and intermediate levels are intended to give students a solid grounding in the theory of Voice Dialogue. By the end of the advanced level the student will have in-depth exposure to the basic concepts of the Voice Dialogue method. If you are doing an hour, half-day, or full-day workshop, the Guides/PPP are designed so that teachers can select a section that is appropriate for their presentation/workshop. It is extremely helpful to have participants read the Guides/PPP before taking any of the workshops so that they can familiarize themselves with the material. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

7. (Continuing)Using Voice Dialogue Power Point Presentation 1, 2, & 3 Guide 1 & PPP 1, the Introductory Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue, is intended to be used as part of a 15-hour workshop. Students will be given the opportunity to gain personal experience of the selves and the Aware Ego Process and incorporate the theory of Voice Dialogue into that experience. Guide 2 & PPP 2, the Intermediate Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue, is intended to be used for an 18-hour workshop. The information from Guide 1, indicated by a (*), is integrated into Guide 2. The black box () in the Guides and the happy face (☺) in the PowerPoint Presentations indicate new information. In Guide 2, the concepts of energetics and bonding patterns are introduced. Guide 3 & PPP 3, the Advanced Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue, is intended to be used for a 30–36-hour workshop. The information from Guide 2, indicated by a (*), is integrated into Guide 3. The black box () for the Guides and the happy face (☺) for the PowerPoint Presentations indicate new information. Flexibility Some information is repeated in certain sections of the Guide/PPP so that teachers have the flexibility to teach from a section without having to search for related information in another section. This is especially useful in presenting a brief talk or running a training group. Teachers and students, please use the Guides and PPP with the greatest flexibility for your own learning or teaching of Voice Dialogue. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

8. Important Information We do not recommend trying to process yourself or others without the proper training/supervision from an experienced Voice Dialogue practitioner. The physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of you, your loved ones and those in your care is paramount. Neither the Voice Dialogue method nor the Guides/PPPs should be used as a substitute for treatment by licensed health care or medical professionals. The authors must, and do disclaim any responsibility for your well-being and how you apply the information within. All names and examples in the three Guides & PPPs are from a synthesis of our clinical experience and any reference to any person living or dead is coincidental and unintended. In learning Voice Dialogue, it is essential that you experience the Voice Dialogue process. You will not be able to grasp the core of Voice Dialogue through reading alone. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

9. Intermediate Level to the Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

10. Introduction What is Voice Dialogue? • Voice Dialogue is a consciousness tool that can help us to become aware of our many different sub-personalities or ‘selves’ and how to consciously choose from the strengths and limitations of these selves. In particular, Voice Dialogue is a method for separating from our primary selves which leads to the development of the Aware Ego Process. • In consciousness work, we have a sense that some part of us is incomplete and is seeking wholeness. Human beings are not seen as being broken or ill and in need of being fixed. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

11. What is the Goal of Voice Dialogue? • The goal of Voice Dialogue is the development of the Aware Ego Process; that is, the ability to separate from the primary selves, embrace the disowned selves and be able to exercise conscious choice using the benefits and acknowledging the limitations of the selves. • In Voice Dialogue, there is no attempt to fix or change any of the selves. Instead, we are encouraged through an Aware Ego Process to learn about the gifts and limitations of each self and how to use, or not use them. • The minimum hope in Voice Dialogue is to get a map of the selves, experience some of the primary and disowned selves and obtain some awareness of the Aware Ego Process. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

12. What is the Theoretical Foundation of Voice Dialogue? • The theoretical foundation of Voice Dialogue is the Psychology of the Selves and the Psychology of the Aware Ego Process. This foundation developed from the many years of dialoguing and experiencing the reality of the selves and their interaction with each other. From the exploration of the energetics of relationship and how the selves manifest in the dream process, a new understanding of awareness and consciousness eventually led to the development of Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process. • The Stones are now combining the Psychology of the Selves and the Aware Ego Process under one title: “Voice Dialogue International, Teaching the Psychology of the Aware Ego and the Selves”. • Voice Dialogue is taught throughout the world because people from many different cultures have found the concepts and practices of Voice Dialogue helpful in making significant changes in their lives. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

13. Vision of Consciousness Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

14. What is Hal and Sidra Stones’ Model of Consciousness? • Hal and Sidra Stone have re-defined this ‘I’ or consciousness as having three parts: • Awareness - This comes first in the process to let us know that we are different from how we usually see ourselves. • Experience of the Selves - In Freud's concept, the ‘Ego’ is thought to be in charge of our lives. Hal and Sidra Stone believe that the ‘ego’ is actually a group of selves (primary selves) that operate our lives (operating ego). • Aware Ego Process - The Stones believe that once we can separate from our primary selves (operating ego), the ‘I’ who is sitting separated from the primary selves is the beginning of the Aware Ego Process. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

15. (Continuing) What is Hal and Sidra Stones’ Model of Consciousness? • By separating from a primary self, we begin to discover its corresponding disowned self. Previously, this disowned self only came out occasionally and often unintentionally. In the moment of discovering this disowned self, we now have a more complete Aware Ego Process because we have separated from the primary self and embraced the corresponding disowned self. The Aware Ego Process allows us to choose how much of either the primary self or the disowned self we want to use in any given situation. • In summary, consciousness is a process whereby we have awareness and experience of the selves and through an Aware Ego Process have greater choice in how we use the selves. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

16. Consciousness Model of the Psychology of the Aware Ego Process and the Selves Awareness Sees All, Judges Nothing Aware Ego Process Embraces the Selves and Awareness Primary or Opposite Self Disowned or Opposite Self Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

17. Basic Voice Dialogue Session Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

18. The Basic Voice Dialogue Session • The basic steps to aVoice Dialogue session are outlined below to provide a practical context in which to understand the theory presented in the Guides and PowerPoint Presentations. • Different facilitators may choose to do the steps in the facilitation process in a different order or choose not to do certain steps. It may take two or three hours to complete all the steps. Step One: Deciding Which Self to Dialogue • Identify the issue, distress, problem, or self the person wants to focus on. • Facilitator and person’s operating ego can co-decide which self to begin with. Person’s Operating Ego Facilitator Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

19. Step Two: Dialoguing the Primary Self • Have the person physically move over from the center (the operating ego chair) into the chair or space of the self to be dialogued (usually the primary self). • Facilitator asks the primary self questions that bring forth who that self is and its purpose in the person’s life. Operating Ego Primary Self Facilitator Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

20. Step Three: Separate from Primary Self into the Developing Aware Ego Process • When the dialoguing of the primary self is done, have the person move back into the center (the chair of the operating ego/developing Aware Ego process). • Facilitator takes the person through a separation process from the primary self just dialogued, making clear that this is the beginning of the Aware Ego process relative to this self. Center/ Operating Ego/ Developing Aware Ego Process Primary self Facilitator Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

21. Step Four: Dialogue the Opposite or Disowned Self • It is recommended that the facilitator dialogue the primary self for a number of sessions. The work with the disowned self usually starts when the primary self gives permission to the facilitator to work with a disowned self. The safety of doing no harm to the participant comes from respecting the position the primary self holds in the person’s life. With experience, the facilitator comes to know when to work with the disowned selves. • Now, the facilitator has the person move from the center chair to the opposite or disowned self. • Ask the disowned self questions that bring forth who it is and its purpose in the person’s life. Center/ Operating Ego & Developing Aware Ego Process Disowned or Opposite Self Facilitator Primary Self Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

22. Step Five: Separate & Embrace the Energy of the Selves in the Aware Ego Process • Have the person move back into the center chair. • The facilitator then guides the energetic separation from the opposite or disowned self while holding the Aware Ego process for the person. • The facilitator then assists the person in separating and embracing the energetic tension of the selves in the Aware Ego process. The facilitator may take the opportunity to use different methods to strengthen and enhance the Aware Ego Process. Disowned or Opposite Self Separation from the Two Selves in the Aware Ego Process Primary Self Facilitator Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

23. Step Six: Experience the Non-judgmental Position of Awareness • The facilitator may choose to do an awareness process in which the facilitator has the person stand far enough back so the person can observe the three places/chairs where the two selves were dialogued as well as the chair of the operating ego/developing Aware Ego Process. The facilitator then summarizes the Voice Dialogue session while the person witnesses and experiences the memory of the Voice Dialogue session from a non-judgmental, position of awareness. Awareness Operating Ego & Aware Ego Process Disowned or Opposite Self Primary Self Facilitator Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

24. Step Seven: Integration of the Voice Dialogue Session • As the final step in the Voice Dialogue session, the facilitator has the person move back to the operating ego/Aware Ego Process chair between the energy of the primary and disowned selves while our awareness retains the memory and learning of the experience and the facilitator debriefs the Voice Dialogue session. Disowned or Opposite Self Awareness Separation & Integration of the Two Selves & the Aware Ego Process with the Operating Ego Primary Self Facilitator Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

25. Psychology of the Selves Intermediate Level Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

26. Psychology of the SelvesAdvanced Level – Basic Concepts of Voice Dialogue What is a Self? • Each self is like a person who lives within our psyche. • Selves can be named in many ways, e.g., pusher, judge, good or bad mother, loving or cold father, controlling parent, rebel son and dutiful daughter. Selves can also be identified on a first-name basis of that culture such as Tom, Jane, Frederick, Jasmine, Krishneel, Jorge, Marisella, Annika, etc. • The selves have their own voices and unique way of expressing themselves. Voice Dialogue accesses the selves through dialoguing with the selves. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

27. (Continuing)Psychology of the Aware Ego and the Selves • Each self has its own perceptions, energy, beliefs, values, world-view, physical reactions, expressiveness, body postures, behaviours and voice, e.g., the perfectionist is precise and believes anything worth doing is worth doing perfectly, the pleaser wants other people’s needs satisfied to ensure there is harmony in our relationships and the controller likes to be in charge to ensure the person’s needs and wants are met. • The selves are neither good nor bad; they have both strengths and limitations, e.g., when our rule maker is funneled through an Aware Ego Process, it can give us the rules/expectations that allow us to live more smoothly with others and also honour our needs. • It is important not to judge, change or get rid of any self. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

28. What is the Purpose of the Selves? • The selves emerge to help us live our lives. • The selves define how we relate to the world, to others and to our self, e.g., our pusher would have us doing something all the time: raising a family, working long hours, getting involved in organizations, playing sports and/or doing hobbies. The benefit of this pusher could be that we can have a very rich and fulfilling life. The limitation of this pusher could be that we often feel exhausted and therefore experience many of the activities we do as ‘just another thing to get done’. • Our primary selves operate between our vulnerability and the world. They make it possible for us to function in our environment. Without them, we would become victims to others, e.g., our rule maker ensures we follow the rules so that others will accept us. • Clusters of selves develop around our vulnerable child in order to protect it, e.g., the independent, self-reliant selves can keep us emotionally unavailable so that we are not hurt by others. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

29. How do Personality and the Selves Develop? The Role of Personality and the Selves • As we grow, we need to develop a personality that enables us to manage our vulnerability while maintaining our essence. • For the Stones, personality is the primary selves or sub-personalities that define who we are in the world. The Stones call this the operating ego; that is, it is the team of primary selves that emerges to help us live our lives, e.g., the pleaser, perfectionist, inner critic, judge, pusher and rational selves. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

30. Development of Personality and the Selves: SUB-SELVES SELVES VULNERABILITY VULNERABILITY Essence of Our Psych Fingerprint Essence/ Psychic Fingerprint Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

31. ( Continuing)How do Personality and the Selves Develop? The Role of Vulnerability • The infant carries our essence, our psychic fingerprint, our uniqueness, that which makes us who we are. • The infant is born vulnerable. This initial state endures as the vulnerable child. • Vulnerability refers to the openness, sensitivity and sense of being undefended we all experience. It also refers to the pain, fear and grief we experience in life. • Vulnerability without protection may lead us to becoming a victim, being weak, or being attacked. • Being aware of our vulnerability versus being or becoming our vulnerability can throw us into our child self. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

32. ( Continuing)How do Personality and the Selves Develop? The Role of Vulnerability and Power • It is in our ability to embrace our vulnerability and power through an Aware Ego Process that allows the emergence of every feeling, thought and reaction and to cherish them as a valuable part of who we are. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

33. What are the Different Types of Selves that Comprise our Personality? • Selves can be either primary or disowned. • The primary self is the self that runs our life. It is 'Who we think we are'. People see us as that self and it becomes our identity, e.g., he or she is amiable, elegant, hard working, successful, relaxed, organized, fun-loving, responsible, discerning, or loving. • The disowned self is a self that is opposite to the primary self and has been hidden, repressed, denied and/or buried in a person's life because it is seen as unacceptable to us or others, e.g., if the primary self is the independent self, the opposite might be the dependent self. We are not usually aware of our disowned self. • It is important not to judge, change, or get rid of the primary or disowned selves. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

34. Mapping of Primary & Disowned Selves Rational Mind Emotional Self Pusher Relaxer Imperfect Self Perfectionist Pleaser Rebel Inner Critic Inner teacher Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

35. Thank you!For previewing thisIntermediate Level of the Basic Concepts for the Training of Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process and assisting us to continue our Mission as Voice Dialogue Facilitators and Teachers:In offering the tool of Voice Dialogue tore/member our wholeness. Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.

36. CLOSING We hope this Presentation has contributed to your understanding of Voice Dialogue and the Aware Ego Process. If you have feedback about this Presentation or would like more information, please contact: onna and/or urray Web site: www.voicedialogueedmonton.com Email: dmarm@telusplanet.net Phone: 780 489 6389 Donna & Murray Armstrong, Voice Dialogue - Edmonton, Creating Deeper Connections Inc.