Addressing Schizotypy in Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy

There is limited evidence available to utilize in making treatment decisions for individuals with schizotypy. Existing treatments may include pharmacological or skill-based interventions; however, these approaches often seem to neglect self-experience and personal recovery. Metacognitive reflection and insight therapy (MERIT) is a recovery-oriented, integrative form of individual psychotherapy focused on promoting one’s ability to form increasingly complex ideas about self, others, and the world and to use this knowledge to find meaning in one’s experience, make decisions about how to respond to psychosocial challenges, and reestablish connection in one’s community. In this chapter, we propose that MERIT can be successfully utilized as a transdiagnostic psychotherapy for individuals with schizotypy. We will first introduce MERIT and evidence for its effectiveness. Then, we will discuss how MERIT can be applied in a schizotypy population. Finally, we will present a clinical case example using MERIT with a person with schizotypy.