Understanding Psychosis: A Whole-Person Approach

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis isn’t a single illness. It’s a word used to describe experiences that affect how a person perceives or interprets reality - such as hearing voices, seeing things others don’t, or holding beliefs that feel deeply real but are hard for others to understand.

For some, these experiences come and go. For others, they linger and shape how life feels day to day.

At The Bodart Practice, we don’t see psychosis as just a set of “symptoms” to be treated. We see it as something that happens within a person’s story - an experience that makes sense once we understand the pressures, trauma, loss or meaning that may lie underneath.

Moving Beyond the Medical Model

You might have been told that psychosis is purely a brain disorder or chemical imbalance. Medication can help - but it’s rarely the whole story.

We draw on alternative perspectives that invite more compassion and curiosity:

The Hearing Voices Movement, which treats voice-hearing as meaningful rather than purely pathological

Open Dialogue, a relational model that includes family and community in early intervention

Experience-Focused Counselling, which explores the personal meaning of psychotic experiences

Our approach blends these perspectives with evidence-based psychological therapy and psychiatric collaboration - so you get care that’s both scientific and deeply human.

Recognising Early Signs of Psychosis

Psychosis often develops gradually. Many people describe a period of subtle changes before anything dramatic happens. Recognising those early shifts can make a real difference.

Common early signs can include:

• Withdrawing from friends, family or usual activities

• Losing interest in work, study or hobbies

• Feeling detached or “unreal”, as if the world looks or feels different

• Finding it harder to concentrate, think clearly or follow conversations

• Becoming unusually suspicious, anxious or preoccupied with certain ideas

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Hearing or seeing things others don’t, or having experiences that feel vivid but confusing

• Feeling that your thoughts aren’t fully your own, or that others can sense what you’re thinking

These changes don’t always mean psychosis - they can overlap with stress, trauma or other mental health issues. But if several are happening together, or feel intense or frightening, it’s worth seeking support early. You don’t need to wait for things to “get bad enough.”

Early Support Makes a Difference

If you’re noticing early signs of psychosis - changes in perception, beliefs, mood or functioning - seeking help early can make a big difference.

Studies show that Early Intervention in Psychosis leads to better recovery, less distress and improved relationships. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing “counts”, that’s okay - you don’t need a formal diagnosis to reach out.

Our Approach to Therapy for Psychosis

1. Collaborative and Person-Centred

We begin by listening. Together, we explore what’s been happening, how it feels, and what might help you regain stability and confidence.

You stay in the driver’s seat - we co-create the plan, goals and pace of therapy.

2. Making Sense of Experiences

Many voices, visions or unusual beliefs carry personal meaning. Through therapy, we explore what these experiences might be expressing or protecting, without dismissing or reinforcing them.

3. Balancing Therapy and Medication

We collaborate (with your consent) with psychiatrists or GPs to ensure medication and therapy work in harmony. We monitor side effects, progress and wellbeing holistically.

4. Supporting Relationships and Families

Psychosis affects everyone around it. We offer psychoeducation and family work to help loved ones understand what’s happening and how to stay connected without losing themselves.

5. Focusing on Recovery and Meaning

Therapy isn’t only about reducing distress - it’s about rebuilding life. That might mean returning to study, work, social life or creative projects. Recovery is personal: it’s about reclaiming purpose and identity.

What Recovery Can Look Like

Recovery doesn’t always mean symptoms disappear. It means you’re able to live well, even if experiences continue in some form.

At The Bodart Practice, recovery looks like:

• Feeling more in control of your experiences

• Reconnecting with people and activities that matter

• Building self-understanding and compassion

• Developing resilience and practical coping tools

• Finding meaning and hope again

If You’re Supporting Someone With Psychosis

It’s normal to feel scared or helpless when someone you love is in crisis. Here are a few principles we share with families and friends:

• Stay calm and curious, not confrontational

• Focus on safety and stability first

• Listen more than you explain

• Encourage, don’t force, professional support

• Look after yourself too – boundaries matter

If you’re unsure how to help, we offer consultations for families to talk through what’s happening and how to respond constructively.

Therapy for Psychosis at The Bodart Practice

Our clinicians are experienced in working with psychosis, trauma and complex presentations. Sessions can take place in person (London) or online across the UK.

You don’t need a referral or diagnosis to begin. Simply get in touch to arrange an initial consultation, where we’ll explore what’s been happening and whether we’re the right fit.

‘ADOLESCENCE’ – This TV series doesn’t look away, and neither should we.

‘Adolescence’ was a harrowing but essential watch, and as a psychologist who has worked with young people and parents, I have some thoughts about it…

On Structures

This is a show about systems: the justice system, the education system, the family system, and how all of these connect and interact with each other. It also provides a commentary on the system of patriarchy which breeds male violence against women and shows us how, when followed to this catastrophic endpoint, this poisons our society.

@tindertranslators articulates the issue that 'Adolescence' presents very well; "Social media algorithms amplify extreme content, such as misogynistic posts, which normalises harmful ideologies for young people”' They ask, “Do we really think that young boys are coming to the conclusion that 'feminism has gone too far' and then seeking out misogynist content? Or is it more likely that the natural insecurities of adolescence, alongside the instability of economic downturn, are being exploited by bad actors who groom boys into extremist ideology with the help of biased algorithms?".

On Punishment & Accountability

In the show we see that Jamie's schoolmates turn away from him and even mock the ideology that he reflects in his online behaviour. Jamie maintains throughout the series that he 'hasn't done anything wrong' - part of this can be interpreted as denial, but there is perhaps a suggestion that he also felt entitled to his rage, or that violence was the natural consequence of Katie rejecting his advances. Katie is not a perfect victim (because there is no such thing), she shamed Jamie for simultaneously participating in and failing to meet standards of toxic masculinity (in which men gain social power via physical intimidation, wealth, and sexual conquests), but this does not justify Jamie believing he could have dominion over her body.  

Ostracization as a form of punishment for unacceptable behaviour is understandable, it is a communication that the behaviour won't be tolerated. But exclusion precludes transformation. Rather than supporting rehabilitation or behaviour change, unfortunately complete social exclusion can steer offenders further into antisocial spaces that perpetuate the original behaviours.

On Turning Away & Turning Toward

The community turned away from the Millers in the wake of the murder as though they were 'bad apples', but the terrifying fact is that this is a 'normal' family, and Jamie is a 'normal' teenager. What we seek to understand through the show is how such a young boy could be capable of such a terrible crime, and the answer is confronting; anyone is capable of acting on their impulses if given the right conditions.

We need to turn toward these systems, these families, and these boys in order to create social change. The third episode in which we witness a psychological assessment with Jamie demonstrates this well - the psychologist continued to engage Jamie despite his aggressive behaviour. She did not turn away but demanded understanding. Collectively this is at the core of what is required in order for us to connect with each other and create change. However, this work becomes increasingly fraught as ideologies become more violent; women's safety needs to remain at the forefront of this endeavour. Violence and abuse of any kind is not ok, and we do not have to accept it - but we do need to learn how to prevent it.

At the end of this episode, we catch a glimpse of the frightened child who is desperate to be accepted and seen. Patriarchy has demanded that men project stoicism and strength at the cost of intimacy, so the antidote is clear: men need to turn toward their emotions and learn how to navigate them effectively. Whether or not men as a demographic are ready to engage with this work is another question; I am seeing many more men in my clinic who demonstrate a willingness to do emotional work and this gives me hope, but sadly they do not represent the majority of their sex. Even so, I like to remember what Michael Brooks said; "Be kind to people, be ruthless to systems".

Some Questions for Reflection

• How did the show make you feel?

• Which parts did you find most confronting? Why?

• How do you think the creators of the show wanted you to feel?

• Did you believe Jamie’s guilt after the video footage was shown, or did you struggle with this?

• Did you feel sympathy for Jamie, if so, at what points?

• Did you feel sympathy for Katie, if so, at what points?

• How do you think you would have responded or reacted if you were a member of the community

• How do you think you would have responded if you were Jamie’s parent?

• How do you think you would have responded if you were Katie’s parent?

• What do you think was the ‘lesson’ or ‘takeaway’ from the series?

Written by Rebecca Strange, September 2025

"Out of your head, into your body": A new way to heal trauma

Therapeutic Treatments for Trauma

Trauma doesn’t always speak in words—it often lingers in the body, showing up as tension, exhaustion, anxiety, or chronic stress. For many, the aftermath of a traumatic event isn’t just a memory but a physical experience that can persist long after the danger has passed. While conventional therapies like CBT and EMDR offer valuable tools for healing, they can sometimes fall short when the body itself is holding onto pain. This is where Somatic Experiencing® steps in—a gentle, body-based approach that helps individuals reconnect with themselves, release stored trauma, and rediscover a sense of calm from the inside out.

A new approach to trauma therapy

Traumatic situations can trigger a strong stress reaction and may lead to serious psychological and physical consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While PTSD is a significant condition, Somatic Experiencing therapy is also effective for addressing developmental trauma, interpersonal trauma, and the cumulative stress stored in the body.

PTSD UK estimates that 1 in 10 people in the UK will experience PTSD at some point in their life, and 4 in 100 people live with PTSD at any given time (PTSD UK, 2024).

Therefore, it is important to identify effective interventions for the treatment of trauma and to pursue new approaches that can effectively complement the existing ones.

Recommended treatments such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) have shown significant efficacy for PTSD (NICE, 2018). 

However, these therapies often require substantial cognitive processing, which can be challenging for individuals experiencing intense negative emotions or impaired cognitive function.  

Exposure-based interventions may also result in high drop-out rates due to the perceived confrontational or aversive nature of the intervention (Lewis, Roberts, Gibson, & Bisson, 2020).

This is where Somatic Experiencing® (SE) offers an innovative and alternative approach to trauma healing.

What is Somatic Experiencing®?

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1970s. It aims to resolve the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma by addressing the body's interoceptive and proprioceptive sensations associated with traumatic events (Kuhfuß et al., 2021).

Levine emphasises that “human beings are born with the innate capacity to triumph over trauma” (Levine, 2008). SE works by addressing the body’s natural stress responses, allowing clients to process and release trauma without needing to relive the story or memory in detail. This approach is particularly beneficial for clients seeking gentle, non-invasive therapy.

What Happens in a Somatic Experiencing Therapy Session?

Somatic Experiencing therapy Somatic Experiencing therapy is based on a generalised psychobiological model of resilience (Levine, 1997). It aims to work from a "bottom-up" perspective, prioritising the body’s reactions to trauma.

The SE approach starts from these more ‘primitive’ brain structures and their embodied reactions. Unlike traditional "top-down" approaches that rely on cognitive processing, SE helps clients process trauma by gradually engaging with the body's innate survival mechanisms, such as the fight-or-flight response. This process helps the body recognise that the traumatic event has ended.

During an SE session, the therapist focuses on the client’s internal sensations rather than their cognitive or emotional experiences. Techniques may include:

• Tracking physical sensations (e.g., warmth, tightness, tingling).

• Body scanning to build interoceptive awareness.

• Mindfulness practices and grounding exercises.

• Gentle movement, such as standing, walking, or stretching.

• Visualisations and breath work.

• Hands-on touch, only with consent.

The process, known as "renegotiating" (Levine, 1997), allows the body to experience a corrective emotional and physical resolution to the trauma. It trains clients to gradually reduce the arousal associated with the trauma by increasingly tolerating and accepting the inner physical sensations and related emotions. 

The client is supported to tolerate sensations for a little longer each time and 'pendulate' in and out of the trauma associated sensations. The therapist supports the client to learn grounding techniques and activate resources, such as identifying parts of the body or memories that are associated with positive and reassuring feelings. 

The increase in interoceptive and proprioceptive awareness leads to a ‘discharge process’ after which the trauma-related activation is resolved (Kuhfuß, et al., 2021).

One of the unique aspects of SE is that clients do not need to revisit the traumatic event in detail. Instead, the therapist supports them in gently exploring sensations and responses in a paced, controlled manner. For many, this provides immense relief.

Will Somatic Experiencing Help Me?

Somatic Experiencing therapy can be extremely helpful and therapeutically beneficial to get out of our heads and into our bodies. 

Somatic Experiencing therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals, not only those with PTSD but also those experiencing developmental trauma, interpersonal trauma, or cumulative stress. It is particularly effective for addressing:

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Depression

• Chronic stress or burnout

• Grief and loss

• Confidence issues

• Unhelpful behaviour patterns

• Emotional dysregulation

Through SE, clients learn to reconnect with their bodies, develop internal resources, and cultivate resilience. By releasing trauma stored in the body, SE offers a powerful and holistic path to healing.

Accessing trauma via the body by working with an SE therapist can off an alternative or additional support to other, more conventional, therapy models.

Why Choose Somatic Experiencing?

At The Bodart Practice, we’re committed to providing innovative, evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. Somatic Experiencing offers a gentle, body-oriented approach to healing, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.

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How to Book a Somatic Experiencing® Therapy Session with Katharine

Katharine McBeath began her career as an intensive care nurse in oncology at the NHS, later moving to work with a sexual assault charity. There, she developed expertise in Person-Centred Counselling, helping young adults manage severe PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Katharine is currently pursuing a formal qualification in Somatic Experiencing® (SE) while training as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). She is also a qualified hypnotherapist, bringing a diverse and holistic set of skills to her practice. Katherine can work with a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, confidence issues, anger, eating behaviours, PTSD, and the impacts of trauma.

Katharine believes that “all presenting issues can be explored through the body, and SE is a powerful medium to do this.”

If you’re curious about how Somatic Experiencing therapy can help you, Katharine is here to guide you through the process.

• Existing clients of The Bodart Practice: Speak to your therapist about connecting with Katharine.

• New clients: Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore how SE could benefit you. Schedule your call here.

Katharine McBeath

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Article written by Dr Clare Chandler June 2024. 

References

Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the tiger: Healing trauma: The innate capacity to transform overwhelming experiences. North Atlantic Books. 

Levine, P. A. (2008). Trauma healing. A pioneering program for restoring the wisdom of your body. Boulder, CO: Sounds True. 

Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Gibson, S., & Bisson, J. I. (2020). Dropout from psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11 (1), 1709709. DOI:10.1080/20008198.2019.1709709 

Kuhfuß, M., Maldei T., Hetmanek A., & Baumann N. (2021) Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review, European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12:1, 1929023, DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023

NICE (2018, December 5th). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, NICE Guideline [NG116]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116/chapter/Recommendations#management-of-ptsd-in-children-young-people-and-adults

Ogden, P., & Minton, K. (2000). Sensorimotor psychother- apy: One method for processing traumatic memory. Traumatology, 6(3), 149–173. DOI:10.1177/1534765600 00600302 

Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprio- ception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6(93), 1–18. DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093

PTSD UK (2024, May 17) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Stats and figures. https://www.ptsduk.org/ptsd-stats/#:~:text=4%20in%20100%20people%20in,population%20in%20this%20age%20range).

Van der Kolk, B. A. (1994). The body keeps the score: Memory and the evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 1(5), 253–265. DOI:10.3109/10673229409017088

Van der Kolk, B. A., & Fisler, R. (1995). Dissociation and the fragmentary nature of traumatic memories: Overview and exploratory study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 8(4), 505–525. DOI:10.1002/jts.2490080402