The ISPS-US Mission
- Promote the appropriate use of psychotherapy and psychological treatments for those suffering from psychotic disorders. Integrate these approaches into treatment plans in all phases of the disorder.
- Promote research into individual, family, group psychological therapies, preventive measures and other psychosocial programs for those with psychotic disorders.
- Support treatments that include individual, family, group and network approaches and treatment methods that are derived from psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral, systemic psycho-educational and related approaches.
- Advance education, training and knowledge of mental health professionals in the psychological therapies and psychosocial interventions in the treatment and prevention of psychotic mental disorders for the public benefit regardless of race, religion, gender or socio-economic status.
Our History
ISPS, formerly called the International Symposium for the Psychotherapy of Schizophrenia, was initiated in 1956 by Drs. Gaetano Benedetti and Christian Müller to go beyond a biological-reductionistic orientation and to gain a psychoanalytic understanding of the complex illness of schizophrenia.
The Symposia promoted dialogue and multidisciplinary interaction, enriching our knowledge of the psychological and experiential aspect of the illness. David Feinsilver, M.D. launched the United States branch of ISPS on October 10, 1998 aiming to join “with other professionals and lay people to promote the humane, comprehensive, and in-depth treatment of psychotic illnesses.” He noted that “…having the dual responsibility of providing care for both the external reality-oriented functioning as well as internal, psychological realities can help therapists have a particularly integrative effect on the disintegrative tendencies of their patients.”
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Our Membership
- Our group includes everyone in the mental health and related fields sharing an interest in the psychological treatment of the schizophrenias or other psychoses.
- We reach across the boundaries of the mental health professions to integrate a psycho-bio-social approach promoting secure attachment.
- We oppose entities placing unfounded restrictions on insight-fostering therapies.
Benefits of Membership
- Reduced registration fees at all meetings.
- International & national newsletters.
- Subscription to ISPS Journal, Psychosis: Psychological, Social and Integrative Approaches
- Stimulating & educational e-mail list.
- Collegial support, mitigating the loneliness inherent in treating psychoses, especially in this era emphasizing brain over soul.
- Individual or group mentorships available.
Click here to become a member of ISPS-US
