Internal dialogue

Internal dialogue is a process of intrapersonal autocommunication, that is, continuous internal communication with oneself. It is based on reflection - attentionman on himself, his state and experience, as well as their rethinking. The concept of internal dialogue is related to the ability of the human mind to represent the different positions of the participants in the dialogue.

Different scientists explain the internal dialogue in different ways. For example, adherents of the theory of transactional analysis, developed by Eric Berne, connect the inner dialogue with the three ego states of a person. According to this theory, in each person it is possible to distinguish three these-states: the Child, the Adult and the Parent. And the inner dialogue is the interaction of these ego states.

In this case internal dialogue is considered in a broad sense: in fact, the forms of internal dialogue canto enumerate all our dreams and reflections, dreams and fantasies. Internal dialogue can be associated with altered states of consciousness (not all of which, by the way, are pathologies), forced loneliness, used as a psychotherapeutic and psycho-technical device.

In a narrow sense internal dialogue is considered as part of the phenomenon of human self-awareness. He assumes the existence of at least two divergent points of view that a person develops in the form of an internal dialogue.

Classify internal dialogues is not easy, there is different criteria by which they can be divided into groups. Internal dialogues can be conscious orunconscious, aimed at self-knowledge or self-justification, spontaneous and specially designed. But for a simple philistine, not a psychologist and not a psychotherapist, the most interesting will be the classification according to the criterion of norm - pathology.

The fact is that a mental conversation with oneselfmany can be perceived as the first step on the way to "go to the roof." But is it really so? Of course, internal dialogue can have a pathological character, in which case it is necessary to consult a specialist. But it can be quite constructive and even useful.

So, we already mentioned that Psychologists and psychotherapists can use internal dialogue as a diagnostic tool, and for psychotherapeutic purposes. Specially designed models of internal dialogues are used, say, in some NLP techniques and in Gestalt therapy.

This term is also used in esoteric. For example, Carlos Castaneda believed that internal dialogue is a tool that helps a person create and fix his picture of the world. But at the same time he prevents a person from perceivingnew information. Therefore, the most important step, allowing to change his picture of the world and get shamanic knowledge, Castaneda considered stopping the internal dialogue.

To stop the internal dialog Castaneda suggested using such techniques,as meditation, contemplation, listening to the surrounding sound, control of movements, as well as the so-called gait of power. This walk is walking with bent fingers, in which the main focus is on peripheral vision.

you see, different researchers mute in different ways approaching the interpretation of internal dialogue, but one important conclusion we can still make. Internal dialogue is not necessarily a sign that you are not all right with your head. Internal conversations with oneself can beare characterized by a mature, evolving personality, they can be turned into useful ones, using for self-knowledge and self-development. But in the case of internal dialogues of a pathological nature, it is impossible to do without the help of a specialist.