Characteristics of Nonprofessionals Serving as Primary Therapists for Acute Schizophrenics

At Soteria House in California, a research study is being conducted to test the effectiveness of treating schizophrenic patients by guiding them through their psychotic experiences, rather than repressing the behavior. Serving as guides are relatively young, inexperienced nonprofessionals who have been selected for their ability to accept the validity of the patient's experience in a reassuring, nonintrusive way. Psychological characteristics of the personnel were studied through data from tests, interviews, and autobiographies.