Navigating inconsistent consumption preferences at multiple levels of the dialogical self

Abstract

This chapter argues that one of the main advantages of the dialogical self approach in psychotherapy is that it offers, in the concept of I-positions, a more effective way of approaching the multiplicity within the person. The I-positions offer a way of talking which neatly sidesteps the problem of reification inherent in such older concepts as subpersonalities, and ego states and parts. The main advantage of I-positions is that there is no suggestion with them of subordination, of their being lesser in some way than the whole person. The transpersonal is a vast realm for psychotherapy, counselling and coaching, and it has been emerging as a really important aspect of the therapeutic engagement over the past 30-odd years. The chapter illustrates the point that dialogical work can lead us into some very deep areas, and may suggest ways of working which are theoretically quite unusual.