Many people who experience psychosis have difficulties with motivation and connection (commonly referred to as “negative symptoms”) that make them the least likely to engage in psychosocial treatments. Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis was developed with the intent of reaching these people. Instead of focusing on symptoms or problems, it works by connecting with the person’s interests and supporting their aspirations, helping them to recover and gain the life they want.

In this webinar, we will review the fundamentals of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy, including the basic model and research. We will discuss clinical applications, providing a taste for providers interested in trying out the treatment now. We will also introduce a new book designed to help individuals with psychosis find ways to recover and live well, along with how providers can use this book in their work with such individuals. The writing process behind the book will also be discussed.

Single Ticket: Attendees can pay what they wish, with a recommended donation of $10-40 USD. Funds will support Mad in America’s work as a non-profit organization. We understand that not everyone can afford the expense at this time. Please type in the code recovery for a free ticket as needed.

GET FREE ACCESS TO EVENTS! As an alternative to buying a single ticket, you may opt to become an MIA donor for $5 USD per month or $20 USD per year. All active MIA donors receive free access to our events and unrestricted access to our content. Please see our donate page to sign up. Once signed up as a donor, you will receive an automated email with your free event access code. You will enter this code at the Eventbrite checkout instead of a credit card.

Ask a Question: If you’d like to submit a question for the panel, please email it to [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the start of the event. We will review all questions and choose those most relevant to the audience and topic. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the discussion. Thank you!

About the Presenter

Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, where he employs evidence-based treatments to help people recover from serious mental health conditions. He is also Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Brinen is a codeveloper of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), and has been active in adapting CT-R for different settings and training therapists from around the world.

About the Book, Living Well with Psychosis: Practical Strategies for Improving Your Daily Life

While mental health is thankfully no longer a taboo topic, the experience of psychosis is still highly stigmatized. Leading psychologist Aaron P. Brinen busts myths and helps readers build the lives they want in this empowering book. An expert in recovery from serious mental illness, Dr. Brinen provides step-by-step guidance for becoming a strong self-advocate, navigating treatment options, managing symptoms that cause distress, connecting with others, and pursuing school and work goals. The brief, engaging chapters are warm and compassionate, with downloadable practical tools expressly designed to boost energy and motivation for getting out into the world. Readers can read this book cover to cover or dip into it any time they need extra support to live well and feel good.

To order the book with a 15% discount (good through 10/31/25) go to this link and in the box for “special promotional prices” enter the code “MIA2025” then click “apply.”

About the Host

Ron Unger draws on his own experiences with extreme states of mind to guide his work as a therapist and educator specializing in humanistic approaches to “psychosis.” His special interests are in the intersection of trauma and psychosis, and in addressing cultural, spiritual, and philosophical issues and differences within treatment. He explores diverse perspectives on tricky mental states and possible pathways toward transformation, recovery, and healing, on his blog at recoveryfrompsychosis.org.

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