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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0372-141X
Date of Graduation
5-15-2025
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
First Advisor
Debbie Sturm
Second Advisor
Robin Anderson
Third Advisor
Renee Staton
Abstract
Abstract
Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) has existed long before the contemporary definitions that prevail in the present day. However, traditional perspectives and treatment of SPMI illness have been influenced primarily by the medical model of treatment, resulting in a diagnosis that feels demoralizing and inhibitive for the individual suffering, particularly if they do not share in this belief. The expansion of community-based programs for SPMI patients has provided many opportunities for counselors to work with these clients, however, training and research on how to address population-specific needs is severely lacking within counseling programs and counselor research. As the need for services for SPMI patients surges, counselors must be adequately trained to meet their needs. The conceptual manuscript seeks to explore trauma-informed approaches for counselors to utilize in providing services to this population. This research utilizes a triple-article style manuscript. In the qualitative study, narrative interviews were designed to ask participants about their work doing psychotherapy with clients with psychosis, and the quantitative study utilizes survey questions to ask participants about their experiences working with patients with severe and persistent mental illness and assess factors that encompass their counselor self-efficacy. Given that mental health services are in high demand for issues related to complex mental illness, research on intervention efforts is crucial in conceptualizing current strengths, areas for growth, and limitations. The purpose of this dissertation is to specifically conceptualize how counselors have been involved in this response, how it has impacted their practice (particularly how they provide psychotherapy), and to dispense tools for the supervision and instruction of counselors in training.
Keywords: psychosis; SPMI, clinicians, psychotherapy, crisis, lethality, acuity, self-efficacy
