Becoming a Lingwiz'd of Is

This essay continues the discussions started in the previous article [P W Jemmer (2007) Intrapersonal Communication – the Hidden Language. Bifrons Creativity Number 5 December 2007, pp 1 – 51]. It begins by summarizing the background to our understanding of the nature of self-talk and its relationship to self-awareness, in terms of meaning-making and shaping reality, both private and consensual. It goes on to show how the filtering of sensory data and resulting ”languaging” of human experience tends to build negative psychic structures which are limiting at best, and at worst, damaging, to a person’s individuation. Clinical studies on the role and effects of self-talk are presented, together with theoretical models of its modes of operation, both psychological and physiological. We then turn to Analytical and Humanist approaches to therapeutic utilization of internal dialogue and compare and contrast these with tools supplied by Neuro-linguistic Programming, and with meditation practices. The “creative” and metaphorical aspects of positive, lasting therapy based on utilization of intrapersonal communication are stressed throughout, particularly in the light of the idea of a “philosophical therapy for (and through) language”, and the conception of gaining a “perspicuous representation” to aid in clarifying a client’s worldview.