
Even among mental health clinicians, the communications of individuals experiencing psychosis have historically been considered mysterious, bizarre, and invalid. These judgmental, inaccurate interpretations and accusatory attitudes can cause iatrogenic trauma, a significant obstacle to recovery. Healing the Distress of Psychosis focuses on practice-based and evidence-informed interventions to effectively understand and communicate with people who are experiencing psychotic symptoms. The text thoughtfully describes: the experience of psychosis, as well as the unique intervention method of fostering the therapeutic relationship; and the psychotic thought process from neurological, linguistic, and existential-psychological perspectives. Mental health professionals, individuals with lived psychotic experiences, and their family members and loved ones will find this book to be a strong and accurate voice that highlights the past and present disappointments in mainstream public mental health treatment, while delivering hope in creating a secure, self-determined life.
How can mental health clinicians move beyond pathologizing psychosis to establish meaningful, healing communication with individuals experiencing these symptoms? Shannon Dunn, a practitioner in the field, argues that the historical tendency to dismiss psychotic speech as irrational creates iatrogenic trauma that hinders recovery. The book presents a framework for understanding the psychotic thought process through a synthesis of neurological, linguistic, and existential-psychological perspectives, advocating for a shift toward empathetic, evidence-informed intervention.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Professionals and those with lived experience frequently cite this text as a necessary corrective to the dismissive attitudes often found in clinical settings. Experts highlight the book as a valuable resource for clinicians seeking to improve their bedside manner and therapeutic efficacy when working with complex psychotic presentations.
Page Count:
386
Publication Date:
2018-09-24
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190858753
ISBN-13:
9780190858759
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