Psychosis Solutions
Psychosis remains widely misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. For people experiencing it, misconceptions can add shame, isolation and uncertainty to an already difficult experience. At Peak, we believe that experiencing psychosis should not mean giving up on a meaningful, fulfilling future.
Early in our founder’s career, she worked with young adults whose education, employment and personal goals had been interrupted by psychosis. Many had been told that their opportunities were permanently limited and that medication was their only treatment option. These experiences inspired a commitment that continues to guide our team: to offer compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy that supports both recovery and hope.
Psychosis can affect how a person perceives and makes sense of the world, including experiences such as hearing voices, holding strongly felt beliefs that others do not share, or having difficulty organizing thoughts. Each person’s experience is different, and therapy begins with understanding what these experiences mean for you and how they affect your life.
Medication can play an important role in treatment, and psychotherapy also has a valuable place in recovery. At Peak, we provide psychological support that can complement psychiatric care and other community supports. We work collaboratively with clients to reduce distress, develop coping strategies, strengthen relationships and move toward personally meaningful goals.
We see the person beyond the symptoms or diagnosis. Whether you are navigating a first episode, managing ongoing experiences or rebuilding confidence after a period of illness, we go at your pace. Our approach centres on a trusting therapeutic relationship, respect for your perspective and active involvement in decisions about your care.
Recovery looks different for everyone. It may include returning to school or work, reconnecting with others, finding greater independence or feeling more comfortable in daily life. We support you in exploring what living well means to you and taking steps toward your peak potential.
Experiences consistent with Psychosis may include:
having experiences where you hear, see, feel, taste or smell something that may not be present or others fail to experience
having strong beliefs that others may find bizarre or unbelievable
poor concentration
difficulty generating new ideas
impaired memory
difficulties with speech or following conversation
struggles completing everyday tasks
social isolation
reduced motivation
sleep disturbance
mood changes
Psychosis may also be a symptom of the following diagnoses:
-Bipolar Disorder
-Schizophrenia
-Schizophreniform Disorder
-Schizoaffective Disorder
-Drug Induced Psychosis
-Organic Psychosis
-Delusional Disorder
-Brief Psychotic Disorder
-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
-Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hopeful Psychosis research & SUCCESS:
Research supporting psychotherapy in psychosis recovery:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632506/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775151/
Success and Schizophrenia:
http://www.schizophrenia.com/famous.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/opinion/sunday/schizophrenic-not-stupid.html