ABSTRACT
Psychotherapy training usually takes three to four years and to gain accreditation therapists need to provide evidence of a substantial number of hours of professional practice. The UK Council of Psychotherapy represents almost eighty psychotherapy organizations and provides details of accredited therapists. Among the dozens of different kinds of counselling and psychotherapy, cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is probably the most researched, with numerous studies testifying to its effectiveness. Some health professionals consider counselling inappropriate, or even dangerous, for people with schizophrenia. Supportive counselling sees a trusting, collaborative relationship between counsellor and client—the therapeutic alliance, as it is known—as essential to effective therapy. People often derive support from the knowledge that others have problems similar to their own. Traditionally, CBT has been used to treat depression, compulsions, and obsessions, but some people have found that it helps them manage hallucinations and delusions and to feel more positive about themselves.
