In this blog post, you will find a one-hour and 30-minute presentation from clinical psychologist Isabel Clarke presenting the complexities of mental health and psychosis and the links to spirituality.
Something I truly believe is that psychosis and spirituality are inextricably linked. It is so refreshing to see clinical professionals, coming to the same conclusion. There are many amazing, hard working people seeking change on how mental health is treated ( I work alongside some).
Just like you and me, these pioneers of mental health are people just like you and me, having their own issues as in part of being a human.
We all can play a role in improving our mental health and helping that of others, through education and application. Please take the time to view this informative presentation and enquire further if you have any questions or interest in this subject.
“Comprehend, Cope, and Connect” is an experience based approach to psychosis & other mental health challenges.
It integrates a number of “third wave CBT” approaches. The individual’s felt sense is the starting point, with the idea that all mental health presentations stem from attempts to cope with this where it is unbearable. Psychosis is the escape route available to some people (Clarke 2013).
The impact of trauma, healing the self –self relationship through self-compassion, and normalizing anomalous experiencing, are all integral to the approach. The individual’s experience and their ways of coping with it are validated and their strengths and values identified first. Facing up to ineffective coping, and introducing more adapted coping, follow from that.
Mindfulness is key to this work on change. The approach is not so much trans-diagnostic as dismantling of diagnosis, and includes a perspective on psychosis that sees it as part of a wider potential of human experiencing that includes valued aspects such as spirituality and creativity (Clarke 2008, 2010).
About the presenter: Isabel Clarke’s work spans two areas: psychosis and spirituality, and clinical psychology. Both draw on the research based Interacting Cognitive Subsystems model of cognition, and both seek to bring spirituality into centre stage, founding it in cognitive and other research and theory, and regarding it as a central part of what it means to be human.
Click the image below to view Isabel Clarke’s Presentation
Isabel’s publications include:
Clarke, I. & Nicholls, H. (2018) Third Wave CBT Integration for Individuals and Teams: Comprehend, Cope and Connect. London & NY: Routledge.
Clarke, I. (2013) Spirituality: a new way into understanding psychosis. In E.M.J. Morris, L.C.Johns & J.E.Oliver Eds. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness for Psychosis. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.P.160-171.
Clarke, I. ( 2008) Madness, Mystery and the Survival of God. Winchester:’O’Books.
Clarke, I. (Ed.) (2010) Psychosis and Spirituality: consolidating the new paradigm. Chichester: Wiley
Also see her website: http://www.isabelclarke.org/