The metacognitive training for schizophrenia patients: description of method and experiences from clinical practice

The aim of this article is to describe a structuralised cognitive,group therapy - the meta-cognitive training for schizophrenia patients, developed in 2005 by S. Moritz and T. S. Woodward. This method is based on research results regarding cognitive biases observed in schizophrenia patients, which were briefly described. The metacognitive training Could be administered by a therapist with group experience with psychotic patients, who donot have any formal psychotherapeutic certification. The metacognitive training for schizophrenia included eight modules, each designed in order to manage particular cognitive biases. The aim of each is clearly formulated and each session has its own, designed for separate cognitive bias, exercise set. These are the following sessions: 1) attribution style; 2) jumping to conclusion: part 1.; 3) changing beliefs; 4) Theory of Mind: to empathize 1.; 5) Memory; 6) Theory of Mind: to empathize 2.; 7) jumping to conclusion: part 2.; 8) self-esteem and mood. Each training module with relevant training set is described. Literature review suggested, that metacognitive training could decrease symptom severity and increase insight ratings. Preliminary clinical experiences of the Polish metacognitive training for schizophrenia were discussed.