ABSTRACT
Any symptoms of psychosis had long since disappeared, but although we had moved out of the darkness it seemed difficult to disperse the accompanying shadows. Trust is an essential element in recovery from psychosis, as alienation and isolation are its predominating symptoms. Building trust so that the patient knows the family is behind them and wanting their recovery then becomes the primary goal. Peer support groups for the family and friends of sufferers of psychosis could best find their own ways forward through sharing the enormous challenges in dealing with altered states of consciousness. Individual integrative treatment plans are devised and managed by teams consisting of the patient, primary carers, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and other complementary therapists. Treatment plans aim to address the symptoms as well as root causes of psychosis. A variety of complementary therapies, which have proved effective in alleviating the distress of psychosis, are available.
