Mind Stimulation Therapy: Cognitive Interventions for Persons with Schizophrenia

This book presents a psychotherapy intervention model called Multimodal Integrative Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MICST). It is grounded in information processing and cognitive stimulation techniques and operates out of a positive psychology framework. This model, designed for group work with clients with schizophrenia, can be easily tailored to working with clients in individual therapy sessions. The three core MICST group activities include: 1) body movement-mindfulness-relaxation (BMR); 2) cognitive stimulation using group discussions; and 3) cognitive stimulation using paper-pencil cognitive exercises and self-reflection exercises. A chapter is devoted to each of these core areas with actual case vignettes to illustrate ways that these activities can be implemented in clinical practice. Homework recommendations are included at the end of each chapter, devoted to a core MICST group activity and providing suggestions on ways to practice various skills and exercises in between group sessions. Also provided are several handouts and worksheets which can be used with clients.

Mohiuddin Ahmed, PhD, is a consulting psychologist in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He has nearly 40 years of clinical experience working with varied clinical populations of all ages.

Charles M. Boisvert, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership, and School Psychology at Rhode Island College, and a practicing clinical psychologist at RICBT, a cognitive-behavioral therapy and coaching practice in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.