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The Shared Image Guiding the Treatment Process

A Precondition for Integration of the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

Jukka Aaltonen*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Viljo Räkköläinen
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Turku, Finland
*
PO Box 35, SF-40320, Finland

Abstract

The aim of the study reported here was to develop psychotherapeutic in-patient treatment for acute schizophrenia, following the principles of a need-adapted approach. To improve the integration of experiences which hospital staff have with acutely psychotic patients and their families, systematic supervision sessions were organised. In these sessions, it was possible to achieve shared psychological images through which the whole staff could integrate patients' behaviour and symptoms, both symbolic and non-symbolic. Such an image was called ‘the shared image guiding the treatment process’ (SIGTP). The process of achieving the SIGTP was interpreted through Peircean semiotics, especially the concepts of indexical, iconic, and symbolical signs. An SIGTP was considered to have been achieved in the early phase of the supervision process in 32 of the 54 cases. For the patients, SIGTP and the need-adaptation connected with it meant achieving a more realistic and more functional ordering of their experiences.

Type
II. The Treatment of Schizophrenia
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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