One of the most common myths about psychosis treatment is that therapy cannot help. It seems to be a widespread myth both among treatment professionals and in the wider community. Luckily, the actual truth gives more hope. Multiple studies have shown that different therapeutic modalities can be helpful: CBT for Psychosis, ACT and CAT, to name a few. Pat Deegan said ‘Illnesses don’t recover. People do.’ It’s in the therapy room that people get to come be just that – people.
Defining Psychosis
The National Institute on Mental Health defines it as referring “to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.” Someone may hear things others cannot, hear things others cannot, or believe things others do not (ex. that they are Jesus or that aliens are invading). Some studies say that as many as 10-25% of the general population have heard voices at least once in their lifetime. It can be a one time event or it can happen as part of an ongoing mental health concern. Doctors may give a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or PTSD.
The Therapeutic Journey
Therapy for psychosis starts with the belief that recovery is possible and that hospitalization is not the only option. Every person’s recovery journey is different and a therapist will work with each person to help them identify what they need in their journey. Part of this work is identifying your values and strengths. What do you do well that you can build off of? What sparks joy in your life and is an essential piece of your life?
During therapy, you may spend time deciding who you need as part of your support team. Options include a psychiatrist, a peer support group, family members, religious groups, friends, case managers, or others. How much help you need and from who may vary over time. You may only ever see a therapist or you may add and change members as you grow and heal.
A big part of the work in therapy is having a safe space to process your experience and make sense of it. Experiencing psychosis can be scary. You may not call your experience psychosis. You may not identify with the Schizophrenia diagnosis the doctor gave. You may have found your own words to describe it. Your words are the ones we will use in therapy. Together, we’ll work to break the stigma and make meaning of your experience. Stigma casts shadows of shame and isolation upon those who grapple with psychosis. Therapy serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards understanding, acceptance, and empowerment. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate care, we’ll challenge the stigma surrounding psychosis, and create a room full of empathy, inclusion, and support.
In our work together, we’ll also work on increasing flexibility in how you see the world. We can all get stuck seeing the world in one particular way and have a hard time seeing other people’s point of view. We’ll work on expanding perspectives and seeing how we can make your perspectives work for you. How can you take your perspective and use it to build a life that matches your values?
Therapy includes so much more than is possible to fit in a blog. We’ll talk about your stressors, work on coping skills, and celebrate your wins. The therapy room will be a safe space to bring all of your experiences and create paths for working through them. In the transformative space of therapy, hope flourishes, resilience blossoms, and we’ll go together on a journey toward wholeness.
Resources:
Support groups:
https://www.hearingvoicesusa.org/
Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance: https://sczaction.org/
First Episode Psychosis Teams in Texas: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/behavioral-health-services-providers/coordinated-specialty-care-first-episode-psychosis
Roseate Therapy 
Leave a comment