A Research Project led by Canterbury Christ Church University
This is a hopeful time in how we understand and respond to experiences often described as psychosis.
Research over recent years has reshaped our understanding. We now know that many people can recover and lead fulfilling lives — but getting the right kind of help and support is essential.
The Service Configurations for Psychosis project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in 2023 to explore what combinations of support and therapies work best, for whom, and why. As the project draws to a close, our aim is to share what we have learned in ways that are accessible and useful for everyone — people with lived experience, families, practitioners, and policy-makers alike.
What do we mean by Psychosis?
Sometimes people have experiences that are unusual or out of the ordinary — such as seeing or hearing things that others don’t, or feeling that messages on TV or radio are directed personally at them. These experiences are not always distressing or problematic, and each person’s experience is unique.
However, when such experiences become confusing, frightening, or begin to affect everyday life or relationships, it is important to seek help and support.
How can research help?
Ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of what helps recovery from psychosis. By identifying which approaches work best — and why — we can improve how services are designed and delivered, ensuring that the right help is available when it’s needed most.
About this study
Service Configurations for Psychosis is co-led by Dr Sue Holttum and Professor Chris Burton, with Jennifer Monkhouse (Senior Research Fellow) and Hafsah Habib (Research Fellow) as core members of the research team.
This project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) [HSDR 153603]. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.