This book investigates the application of the Dialogical Self Theory (DST) within the clinical practice of psychotherapy to address complex personality disorders and internal conflict. Authors Giancarlo Dimaggio and Hubert J. M. Hermans, a leading figure in the development of DST, synthesize psychological research with clinical methodology. They argue that the human self is not a singular entity but a dynamic, multi-voiced system of 'I-positions' that interact, negotiate, and sometimes conflict with one another. The text provides a framework for therapists to facilitate dialogue between these internal positions to promote psychological integration and symptom reduction.

Experts in the field of psychotherapy recognize this work as a foundational text for clinicians seeking to integrate dialogical approaches into their practice. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is best suited for mental health professionals and advanced students of psychology.