Psychotherapy of Schizophrenia: The Treatment of Choice: The Treatment of Choice

by Bertram P. Karon, Gary R. VandenBos

Inevitably, every psychotherapist has some experience with severely disturbed patients. Consequently, they will turn with excitement to this important new book which is a stunning attempt by two knowledgeable, persevering psychotherapists to present their understanding and sound therapeutic approach to these difficult and challenging patients. The authors argue that the treatment of choice is clearly psychotherapy and that such treatment can be successful and as long lasting for schizophrenic patients as it is for neurotic patients, but the journey may be longer and it may take more time to traverse.The task of therapy is to untangle the past from the present to make the future conceivable.
The volume provides a thorough historical overview of the theoretical and clinical approaches to the problem of schizophrenia, including the views of leading contemporary clinicians on the topic. In general, the major clinical controversies have been regarded as issues of whether to focus on past, present or future; reality or fantasy; affects; exploration or relationship; whether the therapist should be active or passive; and how to handle regression. The authors argue that these are the wrong issues. They say that the task of therapy is to untangle the past from the present to make the future conceivable. Reality and fantasy are intertwined and must both be dealt with. Affects are central to all therapy, and emphasis on anger, despair, loneliness, terror, and shame are all necessary, as is the clarification of affect, and the acceptance of positive affect. Activity versus passivity is again in the wrong question; the right one is what action is helpful, when it is helpful, and when is not doing anything helpful? Regression is inevitable; should one accept it fully or try to limit it? This has no general answer other than do what is necessary (i.e., unavoidable) or most helpful to a particular patient at a particular time.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health

522 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 1977

Reviews

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super useful and practical. What a great read! It's a combination how-to and history of the medical profession's understanding of schizophrenia and what to do about it. I was intrigued to learn that the "schizophrenia is a physical disease" idea has been coming back periodically over the centuries and is always debunked again. The authors pick apart every type of delusion and hallucination and explain the roots of each, with case examples, talking about how to address all the bizarre manifestations of the syndrome. Lots of Freudian stuff to sort through here but remember, Freud was right on most of what he said. Atr no point do the authors descend into the stultifying scholarly language that puts me off so many books of this type. Great book, highly recommended.

[Jon Frederickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book ever written on the psychotherapy of schizophrenia. They deal with the most common problems encountered in treatment of this group of clients, then they show in clear clinical vignettes how to respond, what to say. Their examples are powerful, even poetic. They help you learn how to relate to the person who is hidden underneath the symptoms. For those of you working in clinics with psychotic patients, this book is a must-have. I have re-read my own copy several times and have benefitted each time. Even though some claim schizophrenic patients cannot benefit from therapy, some can. And these authors show how to help that group of patients. Co-Creating Change: Effective Dynamic Therapy Techniques

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loaned to me by Richard Decker following my husband's 4th attempt to QUIT TAKING all medecines.
Hoping all people learn about Weaning and the practice of good medecine