How do people with first episode psychosis experience therapeutic relationships with mental health practitioners? A narrative review

ABSTRACT

Background

First-episode psychosis (FEP) refers to the first time someone experiences an episode of psychosis, which can be frightening and confusing, leading people to make their first contact with early intervention services. Early intervention is widely accepted as beneficial for long-term recovery and symptom management. A universal feature of intervention is a relationship with mental health practitioners. Therapeutic relationships experienced as positive are also associated with better outcomes across mental health settings. However, little is known about what is helpful within therapeutic relationships for people with FEP

Method

The current review aimed to develop a rich understanding of beneficial features of therapeutic relationships for people with FEP to enhance service delivery. Databases searched were: APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL.

Results

A systematic search yielded 178 papers, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. Publications reviewed were from Singapore, Western Finnish Lapland, England, Canada, the United States of America, Denmark, and Australia. The papers were published across 12 journals; 81% were qualitative, 12% were quantitative, and one was a mixed methods study.

Discussion

It is recommended that creating a safe space to talk, taking a non-judgemental approach, and developing trust between practitioner and client should be prioritised for people with FEP.

KEYWORDS:

• First episode psychosis
• therapeutic relationship
• narrative review

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.