

Beyond the Myths of Psychosis: Understanding, Acceptance, and Paths Forward
19 snips Dec 13, 2024
In a thought-provoking conversation, Stijn Vanheule, a distinguished clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst from Ghent University, challenges common myths about psychosis. He shares insights on how psychosis intersects with creativity and existential struggles. They explore the impacts of significant life changes on mental health and emphasize the need for empathic listening in therapy. By examining historical figures like Carl Jung, Vanheule highlights the importance of treating psychotic experiences with respect and understanding, opening new paths for healing and connection.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Psychosis Prevalence
- Psychosis-like experiences are surprisingly common, with 15% of people experiencing them at some point.
- Only a small percentage (3%) require clinical intervention, highlighting a spectrum of severity.
Stress and Psychosis
- Psychotic breaks often follow significant stressors or life changes, both positive and negative.
- These can include changes in identity roles, like starting a new relationship or job loss.
Thinking Modes
- Freud distinguished between two thinking modes: secondary process (logical, narrative) and primary process (associative).
- Psychotic experiences show dominance of primary process thinking, similar to dreaming.