SECTION XXXI: SCHIZOPHRENIA

Therapist’s Overview

MY BROTHER HEARS VOICES

GOALS OF THE EXERCISE

1. Identify thoughts and feelings regarding having a parent/spouse who hears voices.
2. Be able to express such thoughts and feelings.
3. For the family member experiencing the voices, to express his/her thoughts and feelings.

ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO SCHIZOPHRENIA

• My Safe Place Page 19
• Creating a Positive Outlook Page 227

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL

• Anger
• Depression

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH THE CLIENT

Having a parent or family member who suffers from hallucinations can be very scary and confusing, not to mention stressful to everyone. Oftentimes, this can be a family secret, which everyone knows about but never discusses. Even after a family is able to acknowledge that this is happening, talking about it can still be difficult. The following exercise is designed to assist family members in discussing their thoughts and feelings about this issue.

EXERCISE XXXI.A

MY BROTHER HEARS VOICES

The following exercise will help you to discuss your thoughts and feelings regarding the family member who is hearing voices.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A SPOUSE OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO HEARS VOICES

1. Describe what your understanding is of someone who hears voices (describe what it might be like or why you think it happens).
305
2. When do you notice when your _____ is hearing voices? How can you tell?
306
3. What do you do when your _____ is hearing voices?
307
4. What things do you worry about when your _____ is hearing voices?
308
5. What other thoughts and feelings do you have about your _____ hearing voices?
309
310
6. In what way would you like things to be different?
311

FOR THE FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS HEARING THE VOICES

1. Describe what it is like for you when you are hearing voices.
312
2. What things do you worry about when you are hearing voices?
313
3. What other thoughts and feelings do you have about hearing voices?
314
4. How does your family feel about you and about you hearing voices?
315
5. How do you feel about your family’s feelings?
316