CHALLENGING THE NARRATIVE
Assistant psychologists can play a vital role in developing stigma-free services for people with dual diagnosis , say Edward Loveless , James Streatfield and Dr Stephen Donaldson
S tigma surrounding mental health and the use of substances is a persistent and pervasive issue , particularly for people with a dual diagnosis . A system that ’ s strained and stretched by lack of funding , and disparities in available support , has sadly sustained the presence of this stigma and its impacts . This complex interplay can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals , not only in seeking and accessing treatment , but in navigating societal perceptions .
Assistant psychologists working in mental health care play an important role in understanding , addressing , and mitigating stigma . This article explores our reflections on how we as assistant psychologists are approaching the issue of stigma and the strategies we employ to support people with a dual diagnosis .
Referrals into mental health services reflect a wide variety of presentations , difficulties and , unfortunately , the presence of stigma . Stigma in the context of dual diagnosis is multifaceted and can manifest in several ways , including public stigma , institutional stigma , and selfstigma . The stigma of blame and shame is often twofold – people can often feel stigmatised for their mental health condition and their substance use , and common consequences can include social isolation , reduced self-esteem , reluctance to seek help and feeling their needs and coping approaches are misunderstood by society .
We understand that stigma is not only a social issue but also one that can deeply impact an individual ’ s mental health . In our role as assistant psychologists we employ person-centred approaches , which emphasise the importance of seeing individuals holistically rather than defining people by their diagnoses . Working with the person and their language , while having knowledge of different formulation models , can help foster a non-judgemental space and collaborative understanding of someone ’ s experiences . By focusing on the person rather than solely on the condition , we help people feel valued and respected , which can significantly reduce the internalisation of stigma . This awareness is crucial for creating a supportive environment where people feel understood , respected and are therefore more likely to seek help and work with us on their recovery goals .
THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS One of the primary tools we use as assistant psychologists to combat stigma is the therapeutic relationship . By providing clients , their families , and the community with accurate information about dual diagnosis and a safe space to talk about their experiences , we can help to dispel myths and misconceptions . This approach empowers people to better understand their conditions , reduces feelings of shame , and provides hope that there is an achievable pathway of recovery .
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