Treatment for Psychosis
Psychosis can change the way a person experiences reality. Thoughts may become confused, familiar situations may feel threatening, or a person may hear or see things that others do not. For some people, it is a brief episode. For others, psychotic symptoms occur alongside a condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression.
These experiences can be frightening and isolating. They can also make it difficult to trust other people or ask for help. Treatment begins by taking the person’s experience seriously and working at a pace they can manage.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a group of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself. It affects how a person interprets what is happening within and around them.
Experiences may include:
- Hearing voices or seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting things that other people do not
- Strongly held beliefs that others do not share
- Thoughts or speech that become difficult to organise
- Feeling watched, unsafe or controlled
- Withdrawing from family, friends, work or study
- Changes in sleep, mood, motivation or behaviour
The experience differs from person to person. Symptoms can develop gradually or appear over a short period. Psychosis may be associated with a mental health condition, physical illness, severe stress, sleep deprivation, prescribed medication or substance use. A medical and mental health assessment is therefore important, particularly when symptoms are new or have changed.
Seeking help early
Early assessment and treatment can reduce distress and support recovery. A GP is often a useful first point of contact and may arrange a referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist mental health service.
If someone is experiencing psychosis for the first time, is highly distressed, cannot care for themselves, or may be at risk of harming themselves or another person, they need urgent assessment. Call Triple Zero (000), attend the nearest hospital emergency department, or contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
A private psychology appointment is not an emergency or crisis service.
How is psychosis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, the symptoms and what the person needs at the time. It commonly involves care from more than one health professional. A treatment plan may include psychiatric assessment, medication, psychological therapy, education, family involvement and practical support with daily life.
Medication decisions sit with a GP or psychiatrist. Psychological therapy has a different role. It can provide a steady place to make sense of difficult experiences, reduce distress and work on problems that may remain after an acute episode has settled.
Psychotherapy following psychosis
People do not always arrive in therapy wanting to discuss whether a belief or perception was “real”. Arguing about it is rarely a useful starting point. Therapy can begin with what the experience has been like for the person: fear, confusion, shame, loneliness, loss of confidence, or difficulty returning to ordinary life.
Depending on the person’s needs and current treatment, psychotherapy may focus on:
- Understanding their experiences without judgement
- Recognising early warning signs and the things that add stress
- Finding ways to respond to voices, unusual beliefs or suspicious thoughts with less fear
- Working with anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship difficulties
- Rebuilding routines, confidence and a sense of connection
- Planning for setbacks and knowing when to seek additional help
The work needs to be grounded in safety. With the person’s consent, it may also involve communication with their GP, psychiatrist or other members of the treating team.
A respectful and collaborative approach
I provide psychotherapy to adults and have clinical training and experience working with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. My approach is collaborative and attentive to the person behind the symptoms.
The first sessions are an opportunity to understand what has been happening, what support is already in place and what the person wants from therapy. I also consider whether private psychotherapy is appropriate at that point. Some people need a higher level of care, a medical review or support from a specialist mental health team before, or alongside, psychological therapy.
There is no expectation that trust will be immediate. It can take time, particularly when a person has felt misunderstood, frightened or let down by previous care. Therapy proceeds with respect for that reality.
Support for families and loved ones
Psychosis can be difficult for partners and family members to understand. They may be unsure whether to challenge what the person is saying, agree with it or stay silent. Calm, respectful support is generally more useful than confrontation.
Where appropriate and with the person’s consent, family members may be included in care. This can help them understand symptoms, notice early changes and respond in ways that reduce stress. Family members may also need support of their own.
Making an appointment
I see adults at my private practice at North Head Sanctuary in Manly. Psychotherapy is available in English, Danish and French.
Before booking, please contact me briefly so that I can understand the nature of your enquiry and whether my practice is the right setting for you. If you are currently under the care of a GP, psychiatrist or community mental health service, please include this information.
To enquire, call 0413 659 661 or use the confidential contact form. If you cannot find a suitable time through the online booking system, please contact me directly, as other appointment times may be available.
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment, you can contact me on mobile 0413 659 661, make a secure online booking, or via the contact form below. All enquiries are treated with confidentiality.
If you are unable to find a suitable appointment via the online booking system, please do not hesitate to contact me directly as other appointment times may be available.