The official podcast of the 13 th International Conference on the Dialogical Self #icds2026 Thessaloniki
Host : Prodromos Tarasis Psychotherapist
Sound Engineer and Mixing : Prodromos Tarasis
Music: Prodromos Tarasis
In collaboration with Logo Psychis Institute
Polina Roussou Internal Family Systems and the Dialogical Self Therapy Connection
In this podcast episode, psychologist Polina Roussou explores the intersection between Dialogical Self Theory (DST) and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. Roussou explains how IFS conceptualizes the human psyche as a multiplicity of autonomous sub-personalities or "parts," all organized around a core center of wisdom known as the Self. Distinct from conventional frameworks, IFS emphasizes embodied awareness and radical self-acceptance toward our most conflicted aspects, including protective managers and exiled, traumatized parts.
The conversation culminates in a live therapeutic demonstration where the host explores a personal "part"—a deeply creative yet exhausting internal driver. This session vividly demonstrates how offering compassion and recognition to our internal voices leads to a more balanced, integrated way of being. Ultimately, the discussion underscores that psychotherapy aims to unburden these rigid internal roles, empowering individuals to navigate the complexity of their identity with greater resilience and flexibility.
29 Aug 2026
Tsabika Bafiti The Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy Training
This podcast episode features Dr. Tsabika Bafiti presenting research on the transformative journey of training systemic psychotherapists. Examined through the lens of Dialogical Self Theory (DST), the discussion explores how trainees evolve beyond mere technical mastery to cultivate an internal "observer" position.
This shift enables therapists to navigate competing internal voices, detach from ingrained familial roles, and embrace vulnerability as a vital driver of learning. The research demonstrates that true professional maturity occurs when self-esteem is uncoupled from perfectionism, allowing clinicians to show up with genuine presence and authenticity. Ultimately, Dr. Bafiti emphasizes that periods of crisis and destabilization throughout training are not failures, but necessary catalyst stages for reorganizing internal dialogue and forging a resilient professional identity.
29 Aug 2026
Peter Zomer Bridging Complexity on Dialogical Self and Edgar Morin
This podcast episode features a conversation with Peter Zomer, a Dutch leadership development specialist and practitioner of Dialogical Self Theory (DST). Recounting his insights from an international conference in Thessaloniki, Zomer introduces the work of French thinker Edgar Morin, proposing complexity theory as a compelling framework to enrich and extend DST.
The dialogue emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary bridge linking psychology with sociology and biology, while addressing the practical friction of translating high-level philosophical ideas into contemporary business environments. Additionally, the speakers reflect on cultural shifts, contrasting traditional educational values with the modern prioritization of financial profit.
Ultimately, Zomer highlights recursion and direct engagement with complexity as critical tools for driving the future evolution of psychological research.
28 Aug 2026
Reinekke Lengelle Writing the Self: Narratives of Loss and Resilience
This episode featuring Dr. Reinekke Lengelle, professor at Athabasca University in Canada, as she explores the therapeutic power of self-writing. Grounded in her research and creative work, Dr. Lengelle discusses navigating loss, grief, and marital separation, introducing the transformative concept of a "good divorce."
Through the lens of Dialogical Self Theory, she illustrates how identifying and engaging with one's internal voices fosters psychological resilience and personal growth. The conversation highlights narrative writing as a crucial tool for identity reconstruction and the integration of complex emotional experiences. Finally, she previews her upcoming theatrical play and emphasizes the vital role of the academic community in supporting transformative narrative inquiry.
27 Aug 2026
Manuel L de la Mata Benitez Narratives of Identity and Migration in Cultural Psychology
In this episode from the podcast Professor Manuel L de la Mata Benitez discusses the importance of cultural psychology in understanding the migration experience. The guest analyzes how individuals experiencing social exclusion reconstruct their identity through alternative narratives that counteract racism and xenophobia. He highlights four key pillars for immigrant survival: social support, a self-reflective disposition, collective action, and personal agency. The discussion expands to the complexity of multiple identities and the particular challenges faced by second-generation immigrants in their effort to integrate. Finally, emphasis is placed on the need to transition from being a "victim" to a "survivor" who defines their own life.
27 Aug 2026
Angela Branco semiotic cultural psychology and dialogical self theory
In this episode, Professor Angela Branco analyzes the convergence between semiotic cultural psychology and dialogical self theory. Branco suggests that "I-positions" are rooted in deep emotional fields and values that guide our thoughts and actions, often beyond our conscious awareness. She describes the self as a dynamic system rather than a static structure, introducing the concept of the "radiating power" of certain identities, such as race or gender, which influence all other aspects of personality. Particular emphasis is placed on promoting a democratic self and a culture of peace through education, with the goal of transcending individualism. The discussion concludes with the need for the acceptance and celebration of diversity, proposing cooperation as the only path toward authentic happiness and social progress.
26 Aug 2026
Piotr Oleś Internal Conflict, Resilience, and Modern Authenticity
This episode presents a discussion from the conference on Dialogical Self Theory, featuring Professor Piotr Oleś and PhD candidates in psychology Michalina Marczewska and Gniewko Toruj. The speakers analyze how therapists help clients manage internal conflicts and contradictory voices, such as the tension between optimism and pessimism. The discussion expands to the concept of success for the younger generation, highlighting uncertainty and the need for authenticity in a world full of stimuli. Particular emphasis is placed on psychological resilience, which is cultivated through exposure to hardship and the presence of support networks. Finally, the dialogue highlights the value of internal dialogue as a key tool for personal growth and for processing traumatic experiences.
26 Aug 2026
Miguel Gonçalves Voices and Positions
In this episode, host Prodromos Tarasis sits down with psychology professor Miguel Gonçalves during a conference on the Dialogic Self for an illuminating conversation on psychotherapy, internal voices, and human connection.
In this episode, we cover:
An Integrative Approach: Professor Gonçalves shares his professional journey, detailing how he blends systemic, narrative, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into a flexible therapeutic practice.
Curiosity & Optimism: The vital role a therapist’s optimistic mindset and genuine curiosity play in truly understanding a client's world.
Clinical Flexibility: Practical insights and clinical examples illustrating why deep connection and adaptability matter far more than rigid adherence to a single therapeutic framework.
The Dialogical Self Theory: How this comprehensive framework unpacks our internal voices, personal narratives, and the subtle power dynamics present within the therapeutic space.
Tune in for a thoughtful dive into the evolving landscape of psychotherapy and the multi-voiced self.
25 Aug 2026
Beatrice Ligorio Education as Identity
In this episode, Professor Beatrice Ligorio analyzes the transition from the traditional, linear teaching model to a modern educational approach focused on active student participation. She argues that learning must be connected to personal identity and the development of agency, so that knowledge is meaningful and lasting rather than simple rote memorization. Ligorio emphasizes the importance of collaboration, the inclusion of neurodiversity, and the leveraging of knowledge young people acquire outside of school. At the same time, she highlights the role of the educator as a role model and facilitator rather than the sole source of information in the age of artificial intelligence. Finally, the text presents the school as a living organism and a community, which forms the foundation for shaping critically thinking and socially responsible citizens.
25 Aug 2026
Hubert Hermans The Birth of the Dialogical Self
In this interview, Dr. Hubert Hermans analyzes the creation of Dialogical Self Theory, which conceives human identity as a collection of multiple internal voices. The scholar describes his transition from standardized psychological measurements to a self-confrontation method, where dialogue between past, present, and future fosters personal growth. He argues that internal contradictions are not problems to be solved, but rather sources of meaning leading to a deeper, non-narcissistic unity. Furthermore, Hermans connects his theory to the challenges of modern society, proposing the acceptance of uncertainty and open dialogue as an antidote to dogmatism and polarization. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of empathic listening in clinical practice, urging therapists to see the individual beyond rigid diagnostic categories.
24 Aug 2026
Introduction
Welcome to Recording the Dialogical Self, the official podcast brought to you in collaboration with the International Conference on the Dialogical Self—#icds2026 in Thessaloniki.
I’m your host, Prodromos Tarasis, and in this series, we venture into the polyphonic mind. We’ll be sitting down with leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners to unpack how internal dialogues, cultural positions, and relational voices shape human identity. Whether you are a clinician, an academic, or simply fascinated by the multi-voiced nature of selfhood, join us as we record the conversations that define who we are.
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