Psychoeducation
Understanding what is happening to you is the first step towards recovery. Psychoeducation gives you knowledge about your complaint, so it takes you by surprise less often and you feel more grip.
What is psychoeducation?
Psychoeducation literally means learning about mental health complaints. A provider gives you information about what happens in your brain and body with a particular complaint, how that complaint came about and what is proven to help you deal with it.
That insight is not a luxury. It is an essential part of almost every treatment. Once you understand why you are anxious, why sleep escapes you or why your depressive thoughts are so persistent, the complaint loses part of its power. You are no longer at the mercy of something you cannot grasp; you understand the mechanism.
Psychoeducation is given one to one as well as in groups. People close to you can be involved too, so that those around you understand what you are going through and how they can help.
Scientific basis: psychoeducation is a proven component of effective mental healthcare. Meta-analyses show that psychoeducation improves adherence to treatment, lowers the risk of relapse and contributes to better treatment outcomes in depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders (Lincoln et al., 2007, Clinical Psychology Review; Lukens & McFarlane, 2004, Psychiatric Services).
Who is it for?
Related complaints
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions
Is psychoeducation a standalone treatment?
Can the people close to me take part?
What will I learn in psychoeducation?
Ready for a first conversation?
Book an intake with a certified provider who specialises in psychoeducation.
Sources: Lincoln et al. (2007), Clinical Psychology Review · Lukens & McFarlane (2004), Psychiatric Services