I wouldn't worry too much about treating or even addressing the psychosis. As mentioned previously, if the patient is being bothered by the voices, help them to learn how to distract. Also, you can help them differentiate between your voice and their voices. They can tell you are real because they can see you. Talk about concrete things that are going on in their life. Don't talk to them about the psychotic content, redirect to something more practical and present-based. Use empathic responding to address delusions such as when the patient has persecutory delusions just say I can see that you are really scared or something appropriate along those lines and then shift to something concrete that they might be anxious about. If patient is paranoid about being poisoned, then the shift could be along the lines of fears of medication not working or having negative side effects. Working with psychotic patients is very difficult but can be very rewarding when you start to develop some skill. Good supervision is essential. I am just trying to throw out a few quick tips but would need a few weeks of hour long supervisions to really be able to help. Also, rapport is key. It always is but even more so with someone who is psychotic and it can be harder to develop. Be patient. Don't try to help as much as just try to develop a connection. Hope some of this helps.
