Counselling and Psychological Therapies

Counselling and psychological therapies are often referred to as “talk” therapies. There is no one method that is used in counselling. The exact method may vary to suit the individual and the phase of the psychotic episode. A person with acute psychotic symptoms may simply want to know there is someone who can understand their experience and provide easy tips to manage the resulting stress.

As the recovery progresses, people want to learn practical ways to prevent further episodes, such as stress management and early recognition of warning signs, or want ways to deal with specific symptoms.

Some of the types of psychological therapies that may be used include:

  • Social skills training
  • Substance abuse counselling
  • Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
  • Family therapy

These psychological therapies can take place on an individual basis or in groups.  Research has demonstrated that certain psychological therapies, such as CBT,  are very effective at treating conditions such as anxiety and depression.  A growing body of evidence also supports the use of CBT for the treatment of psychotic symptoms.