Robert Firestone

Professional Life
Robert W. Firestone was born in Brooklyn on September 8, 1930. He attended the University of Denver and received his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1957. Firestone focused his attention on schizophrenia during his early years, but later directed his efforts toward inner negativity when he became affiliated with the Glendon Association, an organization devoted to addressing violence, abuse, and suicide. Firestone maintained a private practice for over two decades before he aligned himself with the association.

Along with his daughter Lisa Firestone, Robert Firestone developed three critical tools that identify someone at risk for violence and suicide:

1. The Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT)

2. The Firestone Assessment of Self-Destructive Thoughts (FAST)

3. The Firestone Assessment of Suicidal Intent (FASI)

Firestone is also a contributing psychologist to many websites, and the author of numerous articles and books. He was a pioneer in the exploration of neurosis and his research on negative thoughts helped form the basis of Voice Therapy, a therapeutic technique that aims to transform self-destructive behaviors.

Contribution to Psychology
Voice Therapy evolved over decades of research and work. Firestone continues to mold and shape this creative therapeutic technique and trains clinicians throughout the world on its uses and applications. Voice Therapy is a process by which a client is taught how to recognize their “Inner Critic.” By speaking in the second person, rather than the first person, a client begins to hear the destructive and harmful criticisms that they direct inward. Voice Therapy allows a client to acknowledge how hurtful and maladaptive these words are when spoken to another and ultimately, to themselves. Through this awareness, a client can begin to see the results of their negative self-talk and learn techniques to change their inner dialogue. This method of therapy is a highly effective way to delve into a client’s negative belief system and identify unhealthy communication and behavior patterns. Once these have been discovered, the client and therapist can work together to develop a plan for change.

There are three specific elements of effective Voice Therapy:

1. The first step is to discover and reveal the negative thought patterns for what they are. Once identified, the client is encouraged to find the link between the negative thoughts and the affect they create.
2. The second step involves exploration into the insights gained and becoming aware of what reactions the verbalization of the voice elicits.
3. Thirdly, this newfound knowledge is used to develop voice regulated behaviors that will combat negative thoughts and actions.