Return of the Therapist-Psychiatrist Alliance! Use psychotherapy force powers when discussing medications in psychotherapy to enhance patient engagement in psychiatric treatment.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, therapists and psychiatrists were powerful allies in empowering patients to assertively and effectively use psychiatric treatment. Discussing medications with patients in therapy can combat the stigma and shame that taking psychiatric medication holds for some of our patients. This presentation will summarize current research evidence on how much impact the psychological meanings that psychiatric medications hold for patients have on their treatment response. Participants will recognize the dark side of biological reductionism, the naturalistic fallacy, and countertransference prescribing. Master Yoda teaches how to discuss medications with patients in ways that cultivate patient attitudes towards medication that promote healing while staying within the therapist’s scope of practice. This will include practical techniques for addressing resistance to taking medication, over-use of medication, and expectations of medication treatment. Patients from socially disadvantaged backgrounds (minorities, women, and those of low socioeconomic status) are more vulnerable to feeling powerless and more likely to report side effects while taking psychiatric medications. Particular attention will be paid to discussing how psychotherapists can empower patients to take ownership of their healing, utilize psychiatric medications in health-promoting ways and assertively communicate with their psychiatrists and other prescribers. This presentation uses Star Wars characters and metaphors to teach complex concepts and includes the amazing voice talent of scifi/fantasy author Joshua Ingle as the voice of Yoda, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Jar Jar Binks!

Learning Objectives:

1. Summarize current research evidence of how therapeutic alliance and patient attitudes towards medication predict medication response.

2. Understand how to discuss medications while staying within the therapist’s scope of practice.

3. Develop practical therapy techniques for addressing resistance to taking medication, over-use of medication, and stigma.

4. Collaborate more effectively with psychiatrists and other medication prescribers.