Finding Hope in the Lived Experience of Psychosis
Finding Hope in the Lived Experience of Psychosis

Author: Patte Randal

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2022-06-30

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1000608786

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This book offers first-person accounts of the experience of psychosis from the inside and the outside, through the eyes of two doctors, one of whom has experienced psychosis and both of whom have worked for decades in the field of psychiatry. Underpinned by rigorous academic analysis using an evocative duo-ethnographic approach, the book explores the cultural and subcultural influences from childhood onwards – both traumatic and resilience-building – that have shaped their lives. Both authors reflect on strategies they learned early in life for dealing with challenges, each managing to function at a high level while avoiding awareness of their vulnerability. They reflect on the potential dangers of using their expertise and position of power in psychiatry simply to diagnose mental illness and prescribe medication. The differences and similarities in the authors’ stories provide a productive tension highlighting the complexities of this paradigm shift that is happening in psychiatry. Written in the form of two interacting memoirs, this book is of great interest to researchers, clinicians, and practicing psychologists, as well as a general audience with interest in psychosis.

Reconceptualizing Schizophrenia
Reconceptualizing Schizophrenia

Author: Sarah Kamens

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-04-14

Total Pages: 197

ISBN-13: 0429619316

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This volume presents a novel, international research study that reconceptualizes schizophrenia through an investigation of ways in which the first-hand experiences of those with a diagnosis differ from conventional diagnostic definitions. Offering insight into the history of psychiatric taxonomies in general and the invention of the schizophrenia diagnosis in particular, Reconceptualizing Schizophrenia maps the emergence of uncertainties about the empirical and conceptual status of contemporary diagnostic systems. Particular focus is given to the heterogeneity problem, or the problem of wide empirical variation within and between disorder categories. At the heart of this book are interviews with mental health service users with psychotic-disorder diagnoses in New York City and Jerusalem. Through a detailed portrait of their existential and socio-institutional worlds, the book unveils a way of being-in-the-world characterized by the experience of feeling profoundly vulnerable and unsafe in an inhospitable world as well as foreclosed from belonging to one or more human communities. As this psychological portrait of urhomelessness unfolds, the reader becomes slowly aware of the relationships between psychotic experiences – often thought to be bizarre or ‘un-understandable’ – and the timeless ways in which all humans seek to dwell in the world. Making an important contribution to the phenomenological-existential literature on psychosis, and demonstrating interdisciplinary and transcultural approaches to understanding anomalous experiences, this volume will be of great interest to researchers and scholars of transcultural psychiatry, clinical psychology, and critical theory.

Soul Connection with Horses
Soul Connection with Horses

Author: Suzanne E. Court

Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Published: 2024-07-26

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1803415827

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Working with horses as equal partners in the equine-assisted space while respecting their intuitive wisdom leads to life-changing psycho-spiritual understandings, learning and healing. Soul Connection with Horses: Healing the Mind and Awakening the Spirit through Equine Assisted Practice introduces concepts of awakening and spaciousness as understood in many spiritual traditions and demonstrates that horses effectively model awakening for humans. Through this approach horses help re-establish natural bonds and intuitive ways of knowing that have become obscured by conditioned thought and ineffective individual narratives. Horses show us that we can trust our intuition and learn how to live from the soul while making meaningful connection with ourselves, other people, animals and the natural environment. By considering how horses experience the world through their senses, how they process emotion and how they express their needs, we see that they live through the same social, psychological and spiritual paradigms as humans. Following equine assisted therapy and learning practices through to their logical conclusions, horses naturally lead us to questions of “who am I?” and “what is life?” They help us transcend non-functioning personal stories as we step out of ineffective ways of thinking and being and discover connection and wholeness. This book invites equestrians, equine assisted practitioners and seekers of spiritual connection, to walk in the hooves of the horse, to experience the horses' worldview and to access your own soulful wisdom.

The Psychosis Survival Handbook
The Psychosis Survival Handbook

Author: Cherry Johsnton

Publisher: Istone books

Published: 2024-09-12

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13:

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The Psychosis Survival Handbook offers a compassionate and practical guide for individuals experiencing psychosis, their families, and caregivers. This comprehensive book walks readers through the early signs of psychosis, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and providing strategies for long-term recovery. Featuring real-life examples, expert advice, and actionable steps, it... The Psychosis Survival Handbook offers a compassionate and practical guide for individuals experiencing psychosis, their families, and caregivers. This comprehensive book walks readers through the early signs of psychosis, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and providing strategies for long-term recovery. Featuring real-life examples, expert advice, and actionable steps, it equips readers with the tools to manage psychotic episodes, prevent relapses, and build a supportive environment for recovery. Whether you're navigating the complexities of psychosis for the first time or seeking to improve long-term care, this guide provides the roadmap to stability and hope.

Moving On
Moving On

Author: Roz D'Ombraine Hewitt

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-03-28

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 042991637X

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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.

Recovering from a First Episode of Psychosis
Recovering from a First Episode of Psychosis

Author: Chris Jackson

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-05-07

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 1315460718

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Despite years of research, debate and changes in mental health policy, there is still a lack of consensus as to what recovery from psychosis actually means, how it should be measured and how it may ultimately be achieved. In Recovering from a First Episode of Psychosis: An Integrated Approach to Early Intervention, it is argued that recovery from a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is comprised of three core elements: symptomatic, social and personal. Moreover, all three types of recovery need to be the target of early intervention for psychosis programmes (EIP) which provide evidence-based, integrated, bio-psychosocial interventions delivered in the context of a value base offering hope, empowerment and a youth-focused approach. Over the 12 chapters in the book, the authors, all experienced clinicians and researchers from multi-professional backgrounds, demonstrate that long-term recovery needs to replace short term remission as the key target of early psychosis services and that, to achieve this, we need a change in the way we deliver EIP: one that takes account of the different stages of psychosis and the ‘bespoke’ targeting of integrated medical, psychological and social treatments during the ‘critical period’. Illustrated with a wealth of clinical examples, this book will be of great interest to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and other associated mental health professionals.

Living with Psychosis
Living with Psychosis

Author: Hugh Peter Hardin

Publisher: owubooks

Published: 2024-10-10

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13:

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"Living with Psychosis: Finding Light in the Darkness" is my story—a journey through one of the most difficult and confusing experiences of my life. My name is Hugh Peter Hardin, and I’ve lived through the disorienting, terrifying, and often isolating world of psychosis. This book is not just about what I went through, but about how I found my way out of the darkness and began to heal. I still remember the day reality started to slip away. It wasn’t sudden, but gradually, I found myself trapped between two worlds—one rooted in reality, and the other a chaotic, distorted version of it. The thoughts, the paranoia, the fear of losing control were overwhelming. But as terrifying as psychosis was, the hardest part was not knowing how to make sense of it all, or if I would ever feel like myself again. In "Living with Psychosis", I share my experiences with raw honesty. I open up about what it’s like to live through psychosis, the fear, the confusion, and the struggle to find a way back to reality. But more importantly, I talk about my recovery—how I learned to manage my mental health, rebuild my life, and find light in what felt like an endless darkness. This book is for anyone who’s going through a similar journey, whether it’s you or someone you love. It’s for those who feel like they’re drowning in their own mind, unsure of where to turn next. Through my story, I hope to offer not only understanding but hope. You’re not alone. There is a way forward, and healing is possible. Along the way, I share the tools and strategies that helped me, from mindfulness and emotional regulation to the importance of a strong support network. I also offer advice for caregivers—those who want to help but may not know how to support someone living with psychosis. This journey has taught me that recovery isn’t a straight line, but it’s possible. And through it all, I’ve learned that even in the darkest moments, there is light. "Living with Psychosis: Finding Light in the Darkness" is my way of reaching out to those who feel like there’s no way out, and I hope my story can serve as a reminder that you are stronger than you think and that healing is within reach.

Surviving, Existing, or Living
Surviving, Existing, or Living

Author: Pamela R. Fuller

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-06-26

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 1135039704

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For professionals working with people who experience severe psychosis, increasing empirical evidence for the benefits of psychotherapy for psychosis has been especially welcome. Given the limitations of medication-only approaches and the need for an expanded perspective, including for those diagnosed with schizophrenia, Surviving, Existing, or Living takes a fresh look at severe psychosis, offering a heuristic model for understanding psychosis along a continuum of severity, from the extreme experience of acutely impairing psychosis to a more enriched life experience. Pamela Fuller emphasizes that facilitating recovery from psychosis requires appropriately and effectively matching the type and timing of interventions to client readiness and capabilities. The need to consider each individual according to which of three primary issues/phases preoccupy the person with psychosis is essential for tailoring treatment. She identifies these phases as: Surviving Phase – preoccupation with survival Existing Phase – preoccupation with restriction of life experiences in order to cope Living Phase – preoccupation with quality of life and relationships Surviving, Existing, or Living examines the rationale for these three phases, and provides details of phase-specific treatment interventions as well as a 'how to' guide for facilitating engagement and for determining 'what to do when,' including with those experiencing acute, severe psychosis. Rich clinical case examples are provided to highlight concepts and the types of interventions. Trauma-specific and group interventions for psychosis are also described, as well as ways to foster resilience in the professional who works with individuals with psychosis. Surviving, Existing, or Living offers a detailed guide to help individuals experiencing psychosis move from suffering to recovery, beyond surviving or existing toward more fully living. The book will be essential reading for professionals in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, counseling, medicine, social work, nursing, occupational, recreational, and vocational therapies, experience-based experts, and students.

Finding Hope in Hopelessness
Finding Hope in Hopelessness

Author: Anthony P. Acampora

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2022-05-26

Total Pages: 101

ISBN-13: 1666738972

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Eric Oakes and Anthony P. Acampora tap into their many years of experience in the mental health and addiction-recovery industry. They provide powerful insights on overcoming adversity by providing numerous strategies from a clinical and faith-based perspective. This conversational platform puts into focus the hearts of two seasoned professionals who see things differently but are willing to listen and collaborate for the mutual goal of helping people find hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology

Author: Graham Davey

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-11-29

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 042960758X

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Clinical Psychology, Third Edition offers an introduction to clinical psychology as it is operating on the ground – delivering clinical interventions, supervision, consultation, leadership, training and research, in rapidly changing health and care services. This new edition of Clinical Psychology brings together practitioners, researchers, and people who have used the services of clinical psychologists to explain how clinical psychologists work, the evidence that their work is based on, and how it can change peoples’ lives for the better. The book explains the core principles of clinical practice, as well as outlining the role of a clinical psychologist within a healthcare team. It covers issues involved in working with children and families, adult mental health problems, people with disabilities and physical health issues, and the use of neuropsychology. In this fully revised third edition, every chapter has been brought up to date with developments in research and practice, and chapters have been added regarding the important fields of working with autistic people and working with people in forensic mental health services. Given the popularity of clinical psychology for many undergraduate and graduate students, the contents of this text have been designed around teaching and learning features that can be used as the basis for an intermediate or advanced-level course that will allow students to learn both breadth and depth about clinical psychology.