| Abstract: | The authors present a group therapy for schizophrenia called multimodal integrative cognitive stimulating group therapy (MICST). MICST is founded upon a theoretical model that views schizophrenia as a condition characterized by information-processing and memory deficits, which interfere with communication. MICST is designed to stimulate clients' cognitive and memory functioning, improve information processing, and enhance clients' abilities to engage in reality-based conversations. The therapy combines elements of social skills relaxation exercise, cognitive rehabilitation, and traditional psychotherapy but also emphasizes accessing clients' "intact" cognitive functioning by using both visual and auditory modalities. MICST's long-term use, its eager acceptance by clients and staff, and results from various outcome measures support its potential value. However, formal studies are required to more firmly establish MICST's efficacy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
