Pilot Study of Seven-Step Phenomenological Psychotherapy for Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychosis Risk Syndromes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how adults with schizophrenia, other non-affective psychotic disorders, or psychosis risk syndromes experience a new psychotherapeutic approach called Seven-Step Phenomenological Psychotherapy for Self-Disorder SSPP-SD. This pilot study focuses on understanding participants subjective experiences with the treatment, including whether they found it helpful, how it may have changed their sense of self and relationships, and it uses a qualitative, phenomenological design to gather this information. The treatment involves 14 individual psychotherapy sessions over 7 to 10 weeks. The SSPP-SD model emphasizes exploring anomalous self-experiences, understanding their meanings and behaviors, psychoeducation, and collaboratively seeking new understandings related to these experiences. The first step includes a semi-structured interview using the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience EASE. Two experienced therapists trained in this model provide all therapy sessions. Participants will be interviewed after treatment to discuss their therapy experiences, including positive and negative aspects. They will also complete questionnaires assessing symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and satisfaction before and after treatment. Researchers will monitor therapist adherence to the treatment manual and gather therapist feedback. The primary outcome is participants experience of the SSPP-SD model, assessed up to 12 weeks post-enrollment. The study lasts through treatment and follow-up assessments.

Seven-step Phenomenological Psychotherapy for Self-disorder - a Pilot Study