Psychotherapy For People Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

In this unique book, Andrew Lotterman describes a creative approach to the psychotherapy of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. Lotterman focuses on specific techniques that can be used in psychological therapy with people who have symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, ideas of reference, looseness of association and pressured speech. Formerly titled Specific Techniques for the Psychotherapy of Schizophrenic Patients, this edition updates research on the biology and psychology of psychosis and explores the many controversial issues surrounding diagnosis. It also includes two new chapters on the psychology and treatment of paranoia and on the experience of having a shattered self and the delusion of being the Messiah. Lotterman’s innovative approach aims to help patients with one of the most debilitating symptoms of psychosis: the collapse of language use. By restoring language as a way of communicating the patient’s meaningful inner life to himself and to others, the patient is then able to undertake a more traditional form of verbal psychotherapy. The book presents detailed case histories of patients who have benefited from this method, highlighting the specific techniques used and the psychological improvements that followed. The approach presented here complements medication-based treatments that have only had partial success, as well as other psychological approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy and social skills training. Psychotherapy for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia will be a valuable text for clinicians working with people suffering from psychosis, including psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, physicians and social workers. It will also be of great interest to academics and students.

Learn about a pioneering alternative to antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia! In Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment, Dr. Colin A. Rossfounder of the Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Traumapresents a new theory of the existence of a dissociative subtype of schizophrenia. Dr. Ross determines that some patients diagnosed with schizophrenia have symptoms closely related to dissociative identity disorderor multiple personality disorderand have a history of psychological trauma. In these cases, this unprecedented book proposes that the disorder is treatableperhaps even curableusing psychotherapy rather than drugs. Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment will revolutionize the profession of psychology with data, arguments, and a review of previously published literature to support Dr. Ross’s theory. Traditionally, schizophrenia is considered manageable only by a lifetime of psychotropic drugsexpensive, harmful, and often ineffectual. This book offers an alternative free of damaging chemicals to improve quality of life for patients with schizophrenia whose symptoms may be trauma-based. Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment offers specific, detailed ideas and research on: genetic studies showing that while there is a genetic connection, it is not prevalent enough for biology to be the only predisposing factor in all cases of schizophrenia a comparison of the definitions of psychosis, schizophrenia, and dissociationfrom the DSM-IV-TR and other textsto determine relationships between the three disorders proposed diagnostic criteria for dissociative schizophreniadissociative amnesia, depersonalization, the presence of two or more distinct personalities/identities, auditory hallucinations, extensive comorbidity, and severe childhood trauma the principles of psychotherapy for dissociative schizophreniawhen to start therapy, trauma therapy, how to establish communication with the patient, and therapeutic neutrality and more! With an extensive bibliography of literatures on trauma, dissociation, and psychosis, as well as numerous tables and case studies, this volume presents a strong case for a fresh methodology in the treatment of this psychological abnormality. The theory provided by Dr. Ross brings hope for recovery to individuals with dissociative schizophrenia. This one-of-a-kind book is a must-read for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals involved in research and/or treatment of schizophrenia. Its comprehensible text makes it useful for patients with schizophrenia and their family members as well.

About one person in a hundred will be diagnosed with schizophrenia at some time in their life. The condition can be severe and debilitating with symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and the loss of concentration, motivation and social skills. But schizophrenia is not a degenerative or life-threatening condition and in recent years improved knowledge and understanding, psychological treatments and more tolerable medication have greatly increased people's ability to manage their symptoms and live a 'normal' life. This straightforward, accessible and inspiring guide provides information on: - The myths and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia- The possible causes and how the illness is diagnosed- Medication and other treatment options; sources of support- Improving health and well-being- Employment - paid and voluntary- Complementary therapies - Counselling and psychotherapy The guide also includes the latest research findings and personal accounts of recovery by people with the diagnosis.

Group therapy for patients with psychotic experiences is one of the least known of the group therapies; it is also one of the most diverse. This collection presents a range of methods, models and settings for group therapy for psychoses, as well as exploring the context for this type of treatment. Group Therapy for Psychoses offers an international perspective on the current range of practice in the field, in multiple care situations, contexts and institutions; from acute units to therapeutic communities, rehabilitation groups, self-help, and groups of those who hear voices. Presented in two parts, the first covers the history, evaluation and research methodologies of group therapy, while the second explores specific examples of groups and settings. The book tackles misconceptions about the treatment of psychoses and emphasises the healing effects of group therapy. It underscores the importance of training for selecting and conducting groups of patients suffering from psychoses and suggests possible formats, approaches and perspectives. The book’s wide, reflexive and practical collection of chapters together demonstrate how group therapies can effectively help patients with psychotic experiences to overcome their difficulties on their way to recovery. The book will be of great use to clinicians working with people suffering from psychosis, including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, physicians and social workers. It will also appeal to group analysts, family therapists and CBT practitioners, as well as to all researchers in these fields.

"This valuable book presents a detailed method for psychotherapy with schizophrenic patients. Unlike much of the previous work on psychotherapy with schizophrenic patients, which has not focused on specific techniques, this volume concentrates on the particular details of working psychologically with patients who have such psychotic symptoms as hallucinations, delusions, paranoid ideas, ideas of reference, looseness of association, and pressured speech." "Dr. Lotterman clearly describes a technical approach that addresses what is psychologically unique about schizophrenic patients. Dr. Lotterman presents his view of the structure of the mind in schizophrenic patients and explains how that structure differs from that seen in neurotic and borderline patients. He then shows how psychotherapy technique should be modified in order to address this particular schizophrenic structure. For example, due to a process Dr. Lotterman calls deconceptualization, the schizophrenic's capacity to think in concepts deteriorates. Thoughts and meanings become compressed into sensations or perceptions; the socially shared common language is lost. As a result, schizophrenic patients have few words to describe their inner states, and traditional forms of psychotherapy, which depend so exclusively on the use of language, are robbed of their power. Lotterman suggests several ways to address this specific aspect of schizophrenic psychological structure, so that a more standard form of verbal psychotherapy can develop."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Shedding the lifelong identity of a mental patient, they no longer need case management but require help adjusting to major changes in their thinking and functioning. Kathleen Degen and Ellen Nasper describe group therapy that helps patients identify and cope with unexpected, intense feelings such as sadness or painful memories of childhood trauma, increase their interpersonal skills, and advance their sense of self beyond that of their label as mental patients.

An in-depth look at a much misunderstood practice, offering a fresh viewpoint on how this science can be a universally effective route to our better selves.

Positive Psychotherapy for Psychosis describes a new psychological intervention, which for the first time applies emerging research from the field of positive psychology specifically to psychosis. The book contains guidance on adapting the approach for use in individual treatments, and on providing part of the intervention, either as individual sessions or by integrating Positive Psychotherapy for Psychosis sessions into other treatments. Divided into two sections – Theory and the Intervention Manual – this book offers methodologically rigorous research, case studies and detailed aims and instructions for clinicians and therapists. The structured, step-by-step manual, for use with clients, includes downloadable handouts, session materials, activities, guides and therapist tips. The manual will be a practical, positive and innovative resource for mental health professionals, providing all the material needed to deliver this evidence-based approach that is designed to improve wellbeing and reduce symptoms experienced by people living with psychosis. Positive Psychotherapy for Psychosis will be of interest to mental health clinicians working with people with psychosis, as well as clinical and counselling psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, support workers and peer support specialists.