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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.
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