Psychosis and Schizophrenia

When symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, begin we can often recognize them as worrisome and questionable. As time passes, however, locked into this mind space of fearful questioning, these symptoms can progress and overtake in a debilitating way. With medication + therapy, one can learn the skills necessary to process and manage these thoughts and experiences, and with ample support it is completely possible to live a meaningful and fulfilling existence.

In my 3 years of working with clients with psychosis and schizophrenia disorders, utilizing grounding techniques, mindfulness exercises, and identifying triggers have been my biggest tools.

I am trained in the techniques of the Hearing Voices Movement (HVM) which is a form of treatment for schizophrenia. Through investigation, we get to the heart of the deeper message of the voices. The deeper message often shows the path to healing. I will teach you ways to begin to take a more powerful position with the voices and set healthy boundaries, thereby taking your power back. Shifting the power can change the overall relationship to something more positive and supportive.

In my practice I specialize solely in psychosis and clinical high risk for psychosis using an evidence based CBT approach. Labels and specific diagnosis are irrelevant. I take a person centered, truly collaborative approach to help you overcome your distress and achieve your goals.

I have expertise in providing CBT for Psychosis (CBTp) for adults in inpatient and outpatient settings. As a former staff psychologist at a state psychiatric hospital, schizophrenia and other psychotic-related disorders were prevalent among the patient population. The aim of CBTp is to mitigate distress related to psychotic symptoms, reduce stigma by normalizing the client's experience, and promote functional recovery to enhance the quality of life.

I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of psychotic experiences and manage the challenges they bring. With a deep understanding of both the psychological and emotional aspects of psychosis, I work collaboratively with clients to help them develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and build resilience. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies to address symptoms, support recovery, and promote overall mental well-being.

The diagnosis and treatment of psychotic disorders typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist. There are many causes of psychosis including substance intoxication, medical/neurological issues, bipolar disorder, medication overdose, extreme stress/PTSD, and more, which should be evaluated and ruled out before conclusively diagnosing a psychiatric disorder. If possible, a team-based and global approach has been shown to be the most beneficial in treatment, including medication

I use person centered therapy to treat psychosis and schizophrenia.

CBT adapted for psychosis helps the clients I work with that are experiencing delusions (ideas that are not true) and hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that no one else hears or sees) change the way they think about and responds to these experiences. The goal is to make them less distressing and less impairing in day-to-day life.

Psychosis involves a disconnection from reality, often presenting as hallucinations or delusions. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that can include these symptoms, impacting daily functioning. Early intervention, therapy, and medication can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

The treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses has historically relied on pharmaceutical interventions, which are often cold and clinical and ignore the possibility of finding deeper meaning. At Midtown Counseling, we avoid language of pathology, instead focusing on empowerment, transparency, and collaboration. Our ultimate goal is to help every client reconnect with society by embracing recovery as a process.

Working with clients who struggle with severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia (SZ) & schizoaffective disorder (SZA) drove me to seek a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling so I could further help these populations as a licensed clinician.

Experiences often labeled as psychosis or schizophrenia might include distressing voice hearing, disturbing visual imagery, unpleasant tactile experiences, withdrawal from relationships or activities you normally enjoy, difficulty thinking, and unusual beliefs that scare you. People who hear voices have a variety of experiences including hearing comforting or helpful voices. My goal is to assist you to find relief from distress, not to pathologize you or change things that work for you.