On Being Human: Science and Psychotherapy in "Psychosis"

Drawing on contemporary research evidence across the scientific domains of genome, epigenome, neurobiology, immunology, microbiome, social-cultural, as well as the more qualitative domains of phenomenology, subjective... [ view full abstract ]

Drawing on contemporary research evidence across the scientific domains of genome, epigenome, neurobiology, immunology, microbiome, social-cultural, as well as the more qualitative domains of phenomenology, subjective experience, evolutionary theory,  and the author’s almost 40 years of psychotherapy experience, a case will be made for the significant role of traumatic stress, self-esteem, shame, dissociation, personal agency, etc., in the dynamic and meaningful processes we call “psychotic states.” Relevant issues such as stigma, cultural and personal countertransferences will be addressed and explored. Finally, references will be made to the recovery literature, including the role of social and psychotherapeutic experience, as well as the recent research calling into question the long-term use of “antipsychotics.”