Posted by shellie on July 4, 2000, at 9:05:23
In reply to Re: psychiatric hospitals, posted by Craig on July 4, 2000, at 2:19:37
Craig. I was in the dissociative unit at psychiatric institute in Washington D.C. Psychiatric Institute had a terrible reputation, but the unit was mostly independent. It is run by Dr. Joan Turkus, Chris Courtois, PhD, and Barry Cohen. Courtois has written several books on sexual abuse and has just finished one (I think not out yet) on dissociation. Barry has published seveal books with sidron on art and art therapy, related to dissociation. Also, a book, called something like from the inside out, on DID. I think both Turkus and Courtois were really great. The unit was split in half and they each led one therapy group x2 a week.
The first time I was there, it was the best. They had psychodrama x2 weekly, art x3, music, poetry, movement and writing--all different specialists coming in. I didn't like my meds doc, but I had a great therapist (who I had heard about and requested).
Since then, PI has been sold, and they've really cut funds for the dissociative unit. So they were stressing containment much more, and cut out psychodrama, and some other specialties, and Chris and Joan are were no longer leading group therapy. Still, for my two one week stays there, it was very comfortable for me; and that's all I was really looking for. (I was there because I bottomed out on med changes). I chose not to go to many of the groups, because I found them too simplistic and irritating this time. (I was really spoiled by my first stay).
The other programs I've heard about are at U of Pennsylvania (I think Kluft) and McLean outside of Boston (Dr. James Chu). I've read some of Braun's writings. I can't remember, is he the guy who writes about the BASK model? Shellie
poster:shellie
thread:39156
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000630/msgs/39321.html