Psychosis from an attachment based perspective and the roles of mentalisation and compassion in therapy

Lecture open to the general public

Welcome to an open lecture with visiting Professor Andrew Gumley from the University of Glasgow.

TO PARTCIPATE: Please send an e-mail to inga.tidefors@psy.gu.se as soon as possible, though at the latest December 7. Write "lecture Gumley" in the subject field.

Welcome!

Professor Gumley graduated in clinical psychology from the University of Glasgow in 1993. His first position as a clinical psychologist was within a north Glasgow Community Mental Health Team. In that team he was able to develop his interests in the psychological treatment of individuals with psychosis. He moved to Ayrshire and Arran Community Care NHS Trust in 1996. During this time he was able to carry out his PhD research into psychological aspects of relapse in Schizophrenia. This research involved the implementation of a randomised controlled trial of Cognitive Therapy for relapse and an investigation of the role of cognitive factors in the vulnerability and transition to relapse. He is currently Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology and Programme Director for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training programme. He is Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist at ESTEEM: North Glasgow First Episode Psychosis Service.

Professor Gumley's research interests include the application of attachment theory to understanding development and adaptation to psychosis. Attachment theory provides a framework to understand our evolved predisposition to affiliate with, seek care, help and comfort from people in our social group. The attachment system operates when we experience physical or emotional pain including the felt sense of fear and vulnerability in the context of threat and danger. Psychosis is a complex experience which often involves extreme threat and danger arising from frightening voices, paranoia and mistrust, or aversive and involuntary treatment procedures. His research programme reflects a commitment towards developing a theoretical understanding of affect regulation in psychosis hand in hand with the development and evaluation of psychotherapeutic procedures to alleviate emotional distress and promote staying well after psychosis.