"Encapsulating" and "examining" schizophrenics: Proposal for treatment within a short term framework

Journal/Book: Pratt Institute Creative Arts Therapy Review. 1982; 3: 49-57.

Abstract: Contends that a creative art therapist can function in short-term intervention (e.g., short-term hospitalization) by concentrating on supportive and practical techniques. With encapsulating schizophrenics, the therapist focuses on the factors precipitating admission. Focal therapy assumes that the patient wants to resolve these factors and return home; after identifying the precipitating situation on the basis of patient-contributed material, the therapist aids in mastery and confidence. With the examining schizophrenic, the therapist is both a fellow explorer and supportive parent. Ss provide verbal and pictorial images that can be used to frame intense affect and define areas for therapeutic exploration. Imagery work focuses on what is important to S, gives S a sense of controlling images, and allows examination of images occurring before, during, and after maladaptive behavior. Autistic, hallucinatory, or narcissistic imageries are signs of patient resistance. As a supportive parent the therapist offers S a place to reexperience childhood. The therapist's message is of being willing to play with and support the S. Short-term therapeutic achievements can be accomplished in a group setting; mixed groups (encapsulators and examiners) seem to stimulate greater therapeutic movement.

Note: Using Smart Source Parsing short term group creative arts therapy intervention; schizophrenic patients

Keyword(s): Schizophrenia ; brief psychotherapy; art therapy; group psychotherapy; adulthood

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