Culturally Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia: A Family-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approach, Clinician Guide
Amy Weisman de Mamani, Merranda McLaughlin, Olivia Altamirano, Daisy Lopez, and Salman Shaheen Ahmad
Abstract
This book is primarily designed for clinicians and researchers interested in learning how to conduct an empirically supported culturally informed therapy for schizophrenia (CIT-S) that integrates core components of evidenced-based family therapy. It is estimated that approximately 1% of adults in the United States will be diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Without treatment, prognosis is generally poor. Fortunately, traditional family therapies have shown increasing promise in reducing relapse rates and improving mental health for this population. As more and more societies become multicultural, however, there is an increasing expectation that mental health providers will also be prepared to meet the needs of unique and culturally diverse clients in an efficient, skillful, and culturally relevant manner. CIT-S is a 15-week, family-focused, cognitive behavioral approach for managing schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The intervention draws upon clients’ cultural beliefs, practices, and traditions to help them conceptualize and manage mental illness. It aims to improve the quality of clients’ lives in a manner that is in line with their values and takes into account their cultural norms when discussing important issues and addressing challenges (such as mental illness) within the family. CIT-S contains five distinct modules: (a) family collectivism, (b) psychoeducation, (c) spirituality, (d) communication training, and (e) problem-solving. For each module, a detailed rationale, background information, therapy instructions, suggested homework assignments, and a sample case vignette are provided in an accessible, easy-to-use manner.
Keywords:
culture,
schizophrenia,
CIT-S,
family,
cognitive behavioral therapy,
family collectivism,
psychoeducation,
spirituality,
communication training,
problem-solving
Bibliographic Information
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- Print Publication Date:
- Jan 2021
- Print ISBN-13:
- 9780197500644
- Published online:
- Nov 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med-psych/9780197500644.001.0001
Authors
Amy Weisman de Mamani,
author
Professor and Associate Director of the Adult Division, Dept. of Psychology, University of Miami
Merranda McLaughlin,
author
Predoctoral Psychology Trainee, University of Miami
Olivia Altamirano,
author
PhD Candidate, University of Miami
Daisy Lopez,
author
PhD Candidate, University of Miami
Salman Shaheen Ahmad,
author
Pre-doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee, University of Miami
