The ICS based approach to therapy developed here is essentially cross diagnostic. Research into the overlap between psychosis and spirituality, and the significance of social context on the impact of anomalous experiences, provides a distinctive way of making sense of the so called ‘psychotic’ response to adversity.
A good introduction is provided by two articles in the Asylum magazine Spiritual Crisis Network special issue (Autumn 2011, Vol 18, No. 3):
- Openness to Unusual Experiences. Psychosis and Spirituality re-organized.
- The What is Real and What is Not Group.
A book chapter covers the ideas in more detail: Spirituality: a new way into understanding psychosis. In E.M.J. Morris, L.C.Johns & J.E.Oliver Eds. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness for Psychosis. Wiley-Blackwell.
What is Real and What is Not
A pilot evaluation of a group delivered in an acute inpatient unit, to help individuals re-conceptualize their vulnerability to anomalous experience in a less stigmatizing manner.
Wilson, H, Clarke, I & Phillips, R., (2009) Evaluation of an Inpatient Group CBT for Psychosis Program Designed to Increase Effective Coping and Address the Stigma of Diagnosis Psychosis. Link to paper
Mary Owen’s Research
Owen, M., Sellwood, W., Kan, S., Murray, J., & Sarsam, M. (2015). Group CBT for psychosis: A longitudinal, controlled trial with inpatients. Behaviour Research and Therapy 65, 76-85
On May 8th 2009 Donna Rutherford and myself presented on the ‘What is Real and What is Not’ programme at the meeting of the BPS Assertive Outreach Network.
See: Powerpoint
In 2015 I was a keynote speaker at the XX Annual Course of Schizophrenia, Madrid. Links to my presentations:
Alternative ways of conceptualising unusual experiences: Experience, making sense of experience and science.
Alternative Conceptualisations
The Spiritual Crisis Network (www.spiritualcrisisnetwork.uk) provides an alternative conceptualisation of unusual experiences.
Other Publications
Negative Symptoms: a critical look and a motivational approach
BPS Rehabilitiation and Recovery Network, June 2009.
See: Powerpoint File
Case experience from a Rehabilitation Service
Clarke, I. Chapter 4 in The Case Study Guide to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy of Psychosis. Wiley 2002.
Working across the Threshold
ISPS UK Residential Conference, University of Bath, 2007.
See: abstract