The Ways that Psychotic Symptoms Ward Off Experience of Pain and Vulnerability with Jeremy Ridenour, PsyD, ABPP
Despite pessimism in the field, persons experiencing psychosis can benefit from psychotherapy and recover. However, there are multiple factors that can interfere with the formation of a positive therapeutic alliance and lead to the premature termination of therapy, which is associated with poorer long-term outcomes. In this article, common therapist, patient, and intersubjective factors are identified that can inhibit personal growth and lead to stalled treatments. After reviewing these various roadblocks, four principles (e.g., an intersubjective orientation to realty, therapeutic openheartedness/vulnerability, “speaking the unspeakable”, and recognizing the pain beyond the psychosis) are outlined that can embolden the therapist to take judicious risks while avoiding common pitfalls when working with persons experiencing psychosis. These principles also enable the therapist to maintain an empathic connection to the patient and appreciate the pain beyond the psychotic symptom. The clinical implications and challenges of embodying these principles and implementing these interventions are discussed.
References
Bjornestad, J., Veseth, M., Davidson, L., Joa, I., Johannessen, J. O., Larsen, T. K., ... &
Hegelstad, W. T. V. (2018). Psychotherapy in psychosis: Experiences of fully recovered service users. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1675.
Galvin, K. T., & Todres, L. (2009). Embodying nursing openheartedness: An existential
perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 27(2), 141–149.
Lysaker, P. H., & Klion, R. E. (2017). Recovery, meaning-making, and severe mental illness: A
comprehensive guide to metacognitive reflection and insight therapy. Routledge.
Target Audience
_____ Introductory __x____ Intermediate _____ Advanced
Learning Objectives
Identify four common factors leading to impasse.
Describe the intersubjective orientation to reality.
Recognize the importance of openheartedness and vulnerability in an effort to address impasses compassionately.
Dr. Jeremy Ridenour, PsyD, ABPP is a psychologist and psychoanalyst who works at the Austen Riggs Center and serves as the director of psychological testing and associate director of admissions. His research interests include personality assessment and the psychotherapeutic treatment of individuals who experience psychosis.
Austen Riggs Center Inc. adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. All those at Austen Riggs Center involved in the planning of this activity, including the presenter(s) listed above, report they have no relevant financial relationships with an ineligible company*.
The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Austen Riggs Center.
* An ineligible company is any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
ACCME - As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Austen Riggs Center, Inc. designates this learning activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 APA
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Austen Riggs Center, Inc. designates this learning activity for 1.00 continuing education credit(s) (CE) for psychology. Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
Austen Riggs Center, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0115.
- 1.00 ASWB-ACE
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The Austen Riggs Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organization, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Austen Riggs Center maintains responsibility for this. Social workers completing this course will receive 1.00 continuing education credit(s).
- 1.00 Contact Hours/ ParticipationA certificate of attendance for all Learners.