Schizophrenia Therapy – Counselors, Coaches, and Therapists in Austin

Schizophrenia is a difficult diagnosis, particularly because it’s so misunderstood. Pre-treatment, those with the diagnosis or a suspected diagnosis may be resistant to seeking help. Because the disorder can cause a break from reality, the person may think a suggestion to seek therapy is an attempt to change their “real” personality, and they may not be in a position to understand that they even need help. Once they begin attending therapy regularly and receive any medication necessary, real progress is possible.

During the initial phase of appearance of symptoms and beginning therapy, and even later, it can be very difficult for the family and friends of the person to cope. The person with the disorder may have behaved in a way that hurt their loved ones, or the loved ones may simply not know what schizophrenia is or how to act around their loved one.

It’s obviously incredibly important for those with schizophrenia to receive treatment, but it’s also vital for family and possibly friends to attend therapy. Thriveworks Austin counselors are here to help all those affected by this disorder. Many people have reached out for help and successfully improved their lives. You, too, can improve your quality of life through counseling for schizophrenia and those affected by schizophrenia.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder that causes a detachment from reality, false beliefs, confused thinking, hallucinations, and lack of drive or motivation. It usually causes a serious break from reality, an inability to work, and requires medication. This is a serious diagnosis and can cause a great deal of upheaval in a family. Thriveworks Austin counselors can help the individual with the diagnosis, as well as the loved ones of this person. Finding out that your child, spouse, sibling, or friend is schizophrenic is a devastating diagnosis. Fear, depression, and anxiety are all common after this diagnosis. We can help you understand schizophrenia, develop a treatment plan for the individual and the family, and walk with you on the journey of healing and processing.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia—National Institute of Mental Health

It’s entirely likely that if you or your loved one are experiencing the results of unmanaged schizophrenia, you’re not certain what’s going on, just that something isn’t quite right. That’s okay. Our Thriveworks Austin counselors are here to help you figure it out, and to provide therapy and treatment once it’s realized.

Symptoms of schizophrenia present across three categories:

Positive Symptoms
These symptoms are behaviors not usually seen in healthy people. These symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders (difficulty connecting or organizing thoughts logically), and movement disorders.

Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms are more difficult to notice and may be mistaken for depression. Negative symptoms include reduced expression of emotions, reduced feelings of pleasure, reduced speaking, and difficulty beginning and sustaining activities. Personal hygiene may be neglected.

Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms include difficulty with working memory, trouble focusing or paying attention, and poor executive functioning (the ability to understand and use information to make decisions).

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or symptoms that are not listed above, please contact us. Thriveworks Austin counselors are passionate about helping you live your best life. Schizophrenia is a serious disorder, but management is possible. All it takes to start is contacting us via phone or online. We’ll be there to walk with you through the process.

The Importance of Treatment

Unfortunately, the schizophrenic is often reluctant to take prescribed medications. They may feel that the medications are altering their “true” personality. Convincing the schizophrenic that they need help is the first step in making life manageable. Engaging family and loved ones in this process is often necessary and very helpful in the overall treatment. Schizophrenics experience depression and anxiety disorders more commonly than those without the disorder, and treatment is often necessary for these disorders as well.

In addition to the obvious issues caused by untreated schizophrenia, those with the disorder are likely to abuse substances—and more likely to commit suicide. In fact, the average lifespan of those with schizophrenia is lower than the average lifespan, partly because of the higher suicide risk.

At Thriveworks Austin, our counselors are invested in seeing each person live to their full potential. With appropriate treatment, those with schizophrenia have a bright future ahead. Our experienced counselors are ready to help. Don’t hesitate to call—if you’re not sure exactly what is wrong, that’s okay. We’re here to help you figure it out and take steps toward improvement.

Types of Treatment

There is generally a two-pronged approach to treatment (National Institute of Mental Health). First, most people with schizophrenia need anti-psychotic medication. Because the cause of schizophrenia isn’t totally understood, medications are used in efforts to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. However, once the correct balance of medication is determined, they have good success as long as the patient continues to take them as prescribed.

Second, traditional counseling can help schizophrenic patients with communication skills, work skills, and forming and maintaining healthy relationships. In addition, any symptoms that don’t resolve completely from medication can often be successfully managed with skills learned through counseling. Thriveworks Austin counselors are experienced in helping patients with many disorders learn skills that help them live their lives in a healthy, happier way.

Thriveworks Austin Schizophrenia Counseling

At Thriveworks Austin, our counselors can be an integral part of the treatment of a person with schizophrenia. While medication will be necessary, we can help bring the family together to help the individual. We have appointments available for new clients within 24 hours and are ready to walk with you on this journey.

Further Reading
National Institute of Mental Health. “Schizophrenia.” Nimh.nih.gov.

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