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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Convergence of voices: assimilation in linguistic therapy of evaluation.

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This paper shows the convergence of voices in psychotherapy in the context of the assimilation model. Convergence is the link between patients' voices within the community of voices. The main aim of the paper was to explore (a) how convergence (and divergence) is shown during sessions and the usefulness of convergence for the process of assimilation; (b) if a well-structured patient is able to track the sociohistorical antecedents of his/her main voices; and (c) if, at the end of the therapy, the self becomes richer and with more resources. For this aim to be realized, a case study of a patient, Maria, treated with linguistic therapy of evaluation for 14 sessions, was analysed by using the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale (APES). Three main problematic experiences or non-dominant voices were identified with the APES: inability to do things, dizziness and tiredness. Maria's main dominant voices were to cure, solve and overcome problems, to be always doing things and to cope. Results showed a convergence but no divergence of voices as early as session 3. Results also showed how continuity-benevolence assumptions were broken and that, at the end of therapy, the patient's self became richer due to assimilation through the dialogue between non-dominant and dominant voices. Discussion emphasized these results, which are especially representative of a well-integrated patient who showed a healthy multiplicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.