Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation & Group Sessions For Relatives of Patients
Psychoeducation refers to the process of providing education and information to those seeking or receiving mental health services, such as people diagnosed with mental health conditions (or life-threatening/terminal illnesses) and their family members. Though the term has been in use for most of the 20th century, it did not gain traction until movements addressing the stigmatization of mental health concerns and working to increase mental health awareness began in earnest.
The Purpose of Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation, the goal of which is to help people better understand (and become accustomed to living with) mental health conditions, is considered to be an essential aspect of all therapy programs. It is generally known that those who have a thorough understanding of the challenges they are facing as well as knowledge of personal coping ability, internal and external resources, and their own areas of strength are often better able to address difficulties, feel more in control of the condition(s), and have a greater internal capacity to work toward mental and emotional well-being.
One study showed psychoeducation, when administered to those with schizophrenia, helped to both reduce rehospitalization rates and decrease the number of days a person spends in the hospital. This education is also a component of most trauma therapies.
Many individuals who have a mental health condition know little or nothing about the condition they have been diagnosed with, what they might expect from therapy, or the positive and negative effects of any medications they may be prescribed. Literature on these topics given to them by medical professionals may be confusing or otherwise difficult to comprehend and thus of little help.
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