The Open Dialogue approach is a philosophical and theoretical approach to people experiencing a mental health crisis and their families/networks, as well as a system of care developed in Western Lapland in Finland over the last 25-30 years. Open Dialogue teams work to help those involved in a crisis situation to be together and to engage in dialogue. It has been their experience that if the family/team can bear the extreme emotion in a crisis situation, and tolerate the uncertainty, in time shared meaning usually emerges and healing is possible.
In the 1980s psychiatric services in Western Lapland were in a poor state. In fact, they had one of the worst incidences of ‘schizophrenia’ in Europe. Now they have the best documented outcomes in the Western World. For example, around 75% of those experiencing psychosis have returned to work or study within 2 years and only around 20% are still taking antipsychotic medication at 2 year follow-up.
Currently Open Dialogue UK are running training programs for professionals and seminars for anyone with an interest to attend. They are also working with families and networks in London.
Address:
20 Dalston Lane, 152 City Road, London, E8 3AZ
Area serviced:
Nationwide
Telephone:
07467 236290 (best number to use), 02081333441 (landline monitored less frequently)
Fax:
info@opendialogueapproach.co.uk
Who is it for:
Families and networks of people who experience psychosis
How to apply:
Get in contact via the details above