Humanising Psychiatry and Mental Health Care : The Challenge of the Person-Centred Approach

"This book explores, in depth, the link between modern psychiatric practice and the person-centred approach. It promotes an open dialogue between traditional rivals -- counsellors and psychiatrists within the NHS -- to assist greater understanding and improve practice. Easy to read and comprehend, it explains complex issues in a clear and accessible manner. The author is a full-time psychiatrist and qualified counsellor who offers a unique perspective drawing on personal experience. Humanising Psychiatry and Mental Health Care will be of significant interest and help to all mental health professionals including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, social care workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, person-centred counsellors and therapists. Health and social care policy makers and shapers, including patient groups, will also find it helpful and informative."--Provided by publisher Content: Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Foreword Dedication Acknowledgements Introduction The aims The author Structure and style The audience A final introductory note Section One: Theoretical and philosophical challenges of the person-centred approach Chapter 1: What is the person-centred approach? Introduction Patient-centred, person-centred care and the person-centred approach: are you confused? Uses of the term 'patient-centred' The meaning of 'person-centred' within health care settings The person-centred approach in health care settings More than a type of therapy. The philosophical values of the person-centred approachThe main features of person-centred theory and practice Rogers' main theoretical interests Core principles Research Conclusion Chapter 2: A theory of personality and behaviour Introduction The 'organism' and the 'self' The 'actualising tendency' The development of personality and the 'self-concept' Psychological disturbance: a person-centred view Some criticisms of Rogers' theory of personality and behaviour The 'fully functioning person' Chapter 3: Who has th epow er and where is th eexpertise? Introduction. Thinking about powerAuthoritarian power within psychiatry Professional hierarchies and relationships with colleagues Organisational power Managing feelings of powerlessness Thinking about expertise and experts Person-centred theory relating to power and expertise Conclusion Chapter 4: Thinking about mental disorder: concepts and causes Introduction The concept of mental disorder Illness, disease and sickness Material realities and the triumph of scientific objectivity Carl Rogers on science and scientific knowledge Mind, brain and the 'mind/brain problem' Causes of mental disorderThe disease model Psychological models Social models The biopsychosocial model Predispositions and triggers The person-centred approach to psychopathology Conclusion Chapter 5: What is wrong with me? Assessment, diagnosis and the medical model Introduction Introduction Assessment Phenomenology: being objective about the subjective Psychodiagnosis: the Holy Grail of psychiatry Arguments supporting diagnosis Arguments against diagnosis The person-centred approach to assessment and diagnosis Explaining and understanding The 'locus of evaluation' The non-directive attitudeConclusion Chapter 6: Health, healing or cure? The person-centred approach to treatment Introduction Health, healing or cure? What drives mental health policy? Psychiatric versus person-centred approaches to treatment Any place for person-centred therapy? Freedom: a right, a capacity and a responsibility Risk and accountability Section Two: Practical applications of the person-centred approach Chapter 7: The healing pow er of relationship Introduction The significance of relationship Can mental health services offer healing relationships? Explores the link between modern psychiatric practice and the person-centred approach. This book promotes an open dialogue between traditional rivals - counsellors and psychiatrists within the NHS - to assist greater understanding and improve practice. It is suitable for all mental health professionals.