Therapy for Psychosis & Altered States
Does this sound like you or someone you know?
New beliefs about the world, reality, or oneself that feel unfamiliar or confusing to others
New experiences of sensory information that others do not notice
Sounds are now too loud or too quiet & I’m bothered by the smallest things
Textures, smells, colors, and lights have changed & it makes me confused
Old fears feel real again, such as the threat of bug infestations or of someone standing behind me
I often feel confused and lose my train of thought, sometimes wandering off topic
I have lost all motivation to start tasks or keep up with my old routines
Psychosis is a collection of symptoms that we often associate with Schizophrenia, which is a condition of re-occurring states of psychosis. However, there are many other conditions where symptoms that fall under psychosis can be present such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
When we think about psychosis, we are thinking about a collection of experiences that seem disorienting, confusing, or other-wordly to the person experiencing them. Sometimes symptoms can be scary, frightening, or defeating. Other times, they can be bothersome or annoying. Many times people do not seek treatment for what clinicans label as “psychosis” because they experience these symptoms as helpful, ancestral, connecting, or beautiful. Mad Liberation leaders have described “psychosis” as a clinical descriptor that can be othering, whereas “altered states” encapsulates all the experiences of people with these gifts and connections.
When you come to therapy with any of these experiences, we will use the terms you choose. Diagnosis is not the goal, but treatment of what is hurting or causing suffering is. If we notice that these symptoms get in the way of daily functioning, we might do a full assessment, called the SIPS, which stands for Structural Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes. This assessment can be useful to identify if you are at risk for developing a more long-term disorder or if you are experiencing a short term burst of symptoms.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), which can help us break down the beliefs and thought patterns that keep you up at night. I also practice Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which are two important modalities to help in times of crisis and reconnection to your values. I believe when someone comes to therapy with psychosis or altered states, it is most likely that they are processing trauma, grief, or having to navigate crises without support. Research shows that psychosis often happens as a result of “too much” happening all at once.
We can work together to build safety and safety, while also focusing on your goals.
Ready to make the leap?