Group psychotherapy for patients with psychosis is a task which evokes considerable anxiety and poses significant difficulties for the psychotherapist. I have started to work in a co-therapeutic pair in outpatients long term group for medicated patients with psychosis as a psychiatric resident.

A modified, non-structured, psychoanalytic group technique which includes psychoeducation, cognitive techniques, nonstructured conversation and clarifications is used.

From the beginning I felt insecure, stigmatised, anxious and under the impression, that psychotherapy does not work for patients with psychosis. During last three years, I have developed more empathy, interest and understanding and less anxiety for patients with psychosis.

Working in group has been important, both, as a personal and professional experience. Listening to patients and trying to understand them has improved my understanding of psychosis in a broader sense. Now, I strongly believe that patients with psychosis can benefit from modified psychotherapeutic work in a long term. Personally, with the help of the group, I have became more honest and open and less manipulative person and less stigmatised of being the psychiatrist.