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.

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.

I have 26 years of experience working with adults diagnosed with a mental illness ard/or complex co-morbidities. I have provided direct care services in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) and Linkage Case Management program serving individuals post-discharge from hospital settings. I have supervised case management programs which have successfully assisted and supported individuals in the community.

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.

In 2021, I went through psychosis. New doors in my mind opened, and I was forever changed by it; fundamentally changed even. Navigating life post-psychosis has been a years long process and I was lucky to be in this field and have access to tools that helped me heal from it, and this first-hand experience can help me work with you to navigate yours.

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.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which person has many symptoms and sometimes it can overwhelm, it includes symptoms such as hearing voices, ( hallucinations) , delusions (false beliefs) , grandiosity , so if you are suffering don't wait and come to psychologist.

I have expertise in providing CBT for Psychosis (CBTp) for adults in inpatient and outpatient. 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 their quality of life.

My experience working with psychosis and schizophrenia has expanded 7 years of my career. I have treated those who do well and need minimal help, as well as those whos intervention requirements are more acute.

I worked in a first-episode psychosis clinic for two and a half years after obtaining my social work degree. In that capacity, I learned about the specific struggles of people with psychosis and schizophrenia. I use an approach that combines CBT for psychosis as well as a relational techniques to treat psychotic disorders.

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.

Working with individuals that have Schizophrenia and Psychosis has been a huge chunk of my work as a clinician. I have a deep understanding of these disorders and I particularly enjoy working with this population. I love to help them learn new ways to cope with their symptoms and understand symptom maintenance.

8 years in inpatient recovery promoting stabilization, hope, living fully, and community re-entry.

I specialize in treating young adults within their first episode of psychosis, often times after a recent hospitalization or as they begin to adjust to their life following a diagnosis. With this population, I understand the nuances of psychosis but also recognize they are still navigating the normal stressors of this age (college, family, relationships, etc). I also enjoy providing family therapy and education to families and loved ones of this population.