The Practice of Pre-Therapy

• Published in: Journal of contemporary psychotherapy Vol. 31; no. 1; p. 31
• Main Author: Prouty, Garry F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01-04-2001
• Subjects: Catatonia; Empathy; Psychosis; Psychotherapy; Therapists; Therapy
• ISSN: 0022-0116; 1573-3564
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1010226814792

Pre-Therapy is a theory conceptualizing about psychological contact practiced with low-functioning persons. This category includes schizophrenic people, retarded people, and geriatric clients who are too isolated and withdrawn for regular psychotherapy. The techniques, known as Contact Reflections, are Situational, Facial, Word-for-Word, Bodily, and Reiterative Reflections. The therapist expresses a foundational belief in implicit selfhood as presented in episodes of lucidity. There is compassion for the effort at self-expression even at regressed levels. The therapist's reception of symptomatic expression conveys empathy. The case history illustrates the application of Contact Reflections with a catatonic client without the use of neuroleptics. This gives a clearer example of the psychological effects of Pre-Therapy.