A Sensory-Motor Approach for Patients with a Diagnosis of Psychosis. Some Data From an Empirical Investigation on Amniotic Therapy

Background: Amniotic therapy (AT) is a sensory integration group-therapy for psychotic patients. Therapeutic interactions are non-verbal and similar to mother-foetus interactions in amniotic fluid. AT aims to define internal and external self-boundaries through the integration of separate self and symbiotic self. Aims: The aim of this paper is to present the first data regarding an empirical investigation on AT conducted with a group of long-term psychotic patients and their co-therapists. Patients were treated intensively through AT sessions for one year. Results: Outcome clinical data show an improvement in the interpersonal social functioning of the patients as measured by the quality of life and by the clinical judgment of a psychiatrist external to the research project.