The next meeting of the Joint Special Interest Group in Psychosis (JSIGP), featuring a presentation by Dr Sean Hunter (Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) on ‘What does “recovery” from distressing auditory verbal hallucinations mean to voice hearers? A qualitative investigation’ will be held on Wednesday March 25th 2015 from 5.30 – 7PM at Elvet Riverside 143, Durham University (25 on this map).
Abstract: The majority of research investigating service user perspectives on recovery from psychosis has been conducted in clinical settings involving clinicians in the recruitment process, and recruiting based on participants’ diagnoses within the range of psychotic disorders. This research has found that personal meanings of recovery often conflict with clinical definitions in that they are highly individualistic, making the standardised measurement of recovery in clinical settings problematic. The wider focus on psychotic disorders in general may have overlooked key areas and processes of recovery within the context of specific areas of psychotic experiences such as voice hearing. In this presentation, which is based on his doctoral research, Sean will explore personal meanings of recovery from the perspective of voice hearers. He reports on findings from a study of hearing voices groups across the the North of England Scotland, which suggest that recovery involves more than symptomatic change, and includes aspects of social and psychological functioning such as finding meaningful structure and routine, being able to concentrate on tasks without interference, and developing new understandings of voices.
Places are limited for this event. To reserve a place, please fill in our online registration form.
About the Joint Special Interest Group in Psychosis
The Durham University and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust Joint Special Interest Group for Psychosis (JSIGP) was set up in 2011 with the aim of fostering dialogue between mental health professionals, service users, academic researchers and students. It is open to anyone, but meetings will be of particular interest to those staff working in ‘psychosis services’ or who are involved in research within the field. A warm welcome is also extended to any service users who would like to attend. The group meets on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of topics and speakers.
Service users and their families and friends who attend meetings of the Joint Special Interest Group for Psychosis can receive an honorarium of £20 plus travelling expenses. For more information and to obtain the relevant claim forms, please contact Valentina Short.
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