Describe cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia. According to the cognitive-behavioural perspective, what is involved in the maintenance of psychotic symptoms? What are the therapy strategies?

Recent research suggests that this is the form of therapy that appears to be effective for people with schizophrenia and in fact, it is recommended in standards of care. According to the cognitive-behavioural model, the way that individuals interpret their experiences plays an important role in the maintenance of symptoms. Like in CBT for other psychological disorders, psychoeducation is a component, as is belief modification and fostering of adaptive coping strategies. Therapy involves a number of stages. First, there is emphasis on establishing a strong therapeutic alliance - trust and collaboration are important. The therapist works with the client to normalize symptoms, explaining that individuals without schizophrenia can also have the kinds of experiences that those with schizophrenia have. Clients then complete written or voice diaries to keep track of their symptoms as well as their emotional and behavioural reactions to them (e.g., voices). The therapist works with the client to arrive at alternative interpretations of these experiences and must exercise caution in doing this so as not to be confrontational. To target the negative symptoms, therapists work with the client to increase rewarding experiences.