I attended a lecture by proponents of this movement last Thurs and then Friday saw a film on it. I am attracted to it in that it is connected to Dr. Marius Romme's organization in the Netherlands that seeks to see voicehearers as not psychotic and in need of meds but as rather people gifted with certain extreme states that can help them become whole people. My own journey with voices has progressed from having them demonic and interferring to being like my children who only want attention and dialogue now and then. Unfortunately I learned rather quickly that this movement has a rather strong antimedication agenda that conflicts with my own experience. Testimonies given by bipolar survivors going totally off their meds and so experiencing extreme states that impair them greatly in their lives. I don't think I agree with that. Some meds are effective, especially when combined with recovery-based approaches. I'm also a firm believer in meds for depression, as this has been a lifesaver for me. But having seen the devastating effects of bipolar disorder on my mom for so many years, her commitment to psych wards, and the stability provided by a carefully monitored drug regimen, I can't get onboard with the anti-med anti-psych ward movement. Mental illness is NOT a myth, and sometimes our brains just don't work right. That's not necessarily a disempowering view. It's embracing one's limitations without shame while continuing the quest for wholeness thru support groups and therapy.
http://www.hearingvoicesusa.org/
http://www.hearingvoicesusa.org/