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.