Which End of the Kaleidoscope?

February 3, 2023 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This CE course will introduce participants to the lived experience of being psychotic and will introduce and dispel or clarify several common cultural myths and misconceptions about psychotic experience. Comorbid factors impacting recovery will be discussed, including the problems of homelessness and substance abuse. The unique risk profile of paranoia will be examined. Participants will learn about the history of institutionalization as a cultural phenomenon and become literate about ways of caring for psychosis in other cultures and throughout history. The advantages and disadvantages of viewing psychosis through a medical model lens will be considered. This course will emphasize the concept of the psychogenic origin(s) of psychotic experience and will conceptualize some psychotic experiences as one expression of post-traumatic stress. Participants will learn effective ways of communicating with, and holding space for, individuals experiencing psychosis.