“Lifting the veil”: a qualitative analysis of experiences in Hearing Voices Network groups.

Abstract

The present study explored participants’ experiences of attending Hearing Voices Network groups. We interviewed 11 participants about their experiences of the groups using semistructured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: (1) Discovery, relating to initial group attendance; (2) Group structure, consisting of the key ingredients of the group; (3) Acceptance, reflecting an acceptance of their experiences; (4) Hope, exploring hope in the group; and (5) Group benefits, focusing on benefits derived from the group. The study extends previous research about the role of peer facilitation in hearing voices and supports existing research on the importance of hope, acceptance and coping in recovery within voice-hearing.

Keywords:

• Hearing voices groups
• group psychotherapy
• psychosis
• peer support
• qualitative research methods