Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Schizophrenia Skip to main content

Treatment

DIAGNOSIS: SCHIZOPHRENIA

TREATMENT: COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL GROUP THERAPY FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA


BRIEF SUMMARY

  • Basic premise: "Similar to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for other types of problems, CBT for schizophrenia involves establishing a collaborative therapeutic relationship, developing a shared understanding of the problem, setting goals, and teaching the person techniques or strategies to reduce or manage their symptoms."
  • Essence of therapy: "The goal is not to 'cure' schizophrenia, but rather to improve the person’s ability to function independently, manage their schizophrenia, and to reduce the distress they experience in their daily life. Specific CBT approaches used in treating schizophrenia include cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments / reality testing, self-monitoring and coping skills training. Unique considerations in treating schizophrenia include emphases on being non-confrontational and on normalizing psychotic experiences insomuch as they are on a continuum with non-psychotic experiences. CBT for schizophrenia can focus specifically on psychotic symptoms (i.e. hallucinations or delusional beliefs) but has also been shown to be helpful for addressing depression and / or anxiety associated with psychotic symptoms and their impact on the person’s life."

    https://div12.org/treatment/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-for-schizophrenia/