The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy E135 - Are we Failing Patients with Psychosis? (w/ Dr. Patte Randal)
Jul 31, 2025
Dr. Patte Randal, a retired psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience and a personal journey of overcoming psychosis, shares her profound insights. She emphasizes the necessity for a paradigm shift in psychiatry, advocating for empathy and understanding in patient care. The discussion explores the symbolic meanings of psychotic experiences and critiques the conventional reliance on medication. Randal also highlights holistic approaches to mental health, community dynamics, and innovative treatment methods that empower individuals on their recovery journeys.
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Mystical Psychosis Experience
- Patte Randal describes her first psychotic episode as a mystical, elating experience feeling like traveling on the edge of time.
- She experienced a sense of godlikeness and deep connection with others, interpreting it as a new reality revelation.
Psychosis as Symbolic Meaning
- Extreme states like psychosis are often symbolic, like dreams, requiring interpretation for meaning.
- Patte realized her episodes related deeply to processing traumatic early life experiences and questions of trust and purpose.
Explore Meaning in Psychosis
- Psychiatrists should explore the content and meaning of psychotic experiences, not only their form or process.
- Asking patients about the symbolic value can offer deep insights and aid recovery, similar to interpreting dreams in psychotherapy.
