Maastricht Interview for Problematic Thoughts, Beliefs & Paranoia (Virtual)
Maastricht Interview for Problematic Thoughts, Beliefs & Paranoia (Virtual)
This workshop series provides training in the Maastricht Interview for mental health care workers, including psychologists, peer specialists, social workers, therapists, counselors, and others who support individuals experiencing problematic thoughts, beliefs, and paranoia.
The Maastricht approach involves accepting and making sense of a person’s thoughts and beliefs, and establishing a link between these experiences and the person’s life history, as a means of providing both relief and the possibility of recovery. It offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric frameworks, viewing paranoia and distressing beliefs not simply as symptoms of illness but as meaningful responses to overwhelming emotions and life events. Participants will gain an understanding of the historical, cultural, and experiential contexts of paranoia, and develop competence in conducting the structured Maastricht Interview for Problematic Thoughts, Beliefs & Paranoia.
The interview itself explores key areas such as the nature and characteristics of the thoughts and beliefs; personal history; triggers; the content and meaning of fears; personal explanations for their origin; the impact on daily life; relational and social contexts; and coping strategies. It also covers experiences in childhood, treatment history, and the person’s social network.
The workshop also provides an opportunity for participants to understand the underlying principles of this approach and practice skills by interviewing individuals who have been through the Maastricht interview process.
