03/06/2026
Working with individuals experiencing psychosis, one of the most common challenges families and providers face is social withdrawal.
A loved one may spend most of their time in their room, disengaged from family, activities, and life outside that space. It can be incredibly frustrating and heartbreaking for the people who care about them.
In a previous video, I discussed a simple engagement strategy sometimes called the “Ring and Run” technique—a way of inviting connection without placing pressure on the individual.
But an important insight came from viewers Ian Bye and Paul Hutton:
This approach only works if we are consistent and persistent.
Just like in physical therapy, change rarely happens after a single attempt. It happens through repeated, low-pressure invitations to engage.
In this follow-up video I talk about:
• Why consistency matters when someone is withdrawn
• How to recognize the small “sparks” of engagement
• Why persistence—not perfection—is often the key ingredient
• How providers in hospitals and team-based care can use this same approach
Often the most effective clinicians and caregivers aren’t the ones with the most complex techniques.
They’re the ones who keep showing up.
If you’re interested, you can watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/BvOlJTa3uzA?si=krOLv9xYBLLL2nJv
And I’m curious for my colleagues and families here:
What small strategies have helped you break through isolation and reconnect with someone you care about?
Guilford Press
When a loved one with psychosis or schizophrenia isolates in their room, families often feel anxious, frustrated, and powerless. You try talking, asking how ...
