The therapeutic process allows us all to come to terms with the challenges ailing our mental state. But did you know that during that process, you’re given the chance to learn the illness you’re being treated for? It’s called psycho-education!
Psycho-education empowers clients to understand what they are facing and allows them to build empathy and take charge of their mental health treatment.
In effect, psycho-education empowers you to recognize that you are the “expert” on your life – leading to more self-acceptance and a more positive self-regard. (Bäuml, 2006).
Additionally, a psycho-educational approach has the ability to emphasize the understanding of current methods a client is moving through in life, creating a self awareness that can encourage the individual to move towards the changes the client wishes to change in their lives (Carlson, 2003).
Psycho-education complements any practice approach in the process. Additionally, psycho-education is helpful when working with families that are involved in an individual’s treatment. Psycho education within the family will increase understanding in the meaning of mental health issues as well as works towards relapse prevention as psycho education increases support within the family.
The information provided above is not a substitute for therapeutic advice. Please make a consultation with a licensed psychotherapist for further information.
Citations
Josef Bäuml, Teresa Froböse, Sibylle Kraemer, Michael Rentrop, Gabriele Pitschel-Walz; Psychoeducation: A Basic Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Patients With Schizophrenia and Their Families, Schizophrenia Bulletin, Volume 32, Issue suppl_1, 1 October 2006, Pages S1–S9, https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbl017
Carlson, J., Watts, R. E., & Maniacci, M. (2006). Adlerian therapy: Theory and practice. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association