Psychosis & Schizophrenia

Counselling for Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Newport, and Porthcawl

Psychosis and schizophrenia are complex mental health conditions that affect how a person interprets and experiences reality. Individuals may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, or difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. These experiences can be frightening, confusing, and deeply distressing for both the individual and their loved ones. Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment to explore symptoms, understand triggers, and build coping strategies. With the right support, many people achieve improved stability, increased confidence, and a better quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Psychosis & Schizophrenia

• Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or sensing things others cannot)
• Delusional beliefs not based in reality
• Disorganised or fragmented thinking
• Difficulty concentrating or communicating clearly
• Social withdrawal or reduced emotional expression
• Changes in behaviour, mood, or motivation
• Feeling suspicious, fearful, or overwhelmed
• Reduced ability to manage daily tasks or responsibilities

Causes and Contributing Factors

• Genetic predisposition or family history of mental health conditions
• Biochemical imbalances in the brain
• Traumatic experiences or emotional stress
• Sleep deprivation or extreme fatigue
• Drug or alcohol use
• Underlying medical or neurological issues
• Long-term stress, anxiety, or emotional overload

It is often a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the onset of psychosis or schizophrenia. Counselling helps individuals and families understand these influences and learn how to manage them constructively.

Treatments for Psychosis & Schizophrenia

Counselling is an essential component of treatment for psychosis and schizophrenia, working alongside medical care to support emotional wellbeing and improve day-to-day functioning. Therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), grounding techniques, reality-testing strategies, and supportive counselling help individuals understand their experiences and reduce the distress caused by symptoms. At iTT, our counsellors work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable, helping individuals strengthen resilience and regain a sense of stability.

A typical counselling treatment plan may include:

• A thorough assessment to understand symptoms, triggers, and personal history
• Developing grounding and reality-testing techniques for overwhelming experiences
• Exploring patterns of thoughts and beliefs behind hallucinations or delusions
• Improving emotional regulation and reducing anxiety or distress
• Enhancing social skills, confidence, and communication
• Supporting daily routines, sleep quality, and self-care
• Helping families understand symptoms and develop supportive strategies

Counselling is highly individual, and treatment is adapted to each person’s needs, goals, and readiness for change.