Psychoeducational courses
Psychoeducation is a specific form of education aimed at helping people suffering from a psychological problem (or their family members) to access a series of information about the nature and management of their disorder.
Therefore, it does not represent a form of actual treatment (like Psychotherapy or Counseling) but can be a component of it.
Psychoeducation responds to the need of those who suffer to know more about their disorder, understand its symptoms, causes, side effects of medications, but also to learn how to intervene, which techniques to use, and how to reduce its effects and complications.
This understandable necessity often clashes with the scarcity of information given by the doctor or, conversely, with an abundance of often incongruous news provided by various media. Inevitably, this inexhaustible quantity of disorganized and discordant data only generates confusion and anxiety.
It is equally common that “incorrect” ways of managing one’s disorder (often based on hearsay or common misconceptions, such as: “Take a deep breath when you feel anxious…”) worsen the suffering, sometimes through the establishment of vicious cycles or the consolidation of inadequate practices that, instead of helping us, amplify our problem.
Psychoeducation is useful for those suffering from a psychological or neurological disorder and/or for their family members, but also for those affected by a chronic physical condition (rheumatoid arthritis…), or who have experienced a stressful life event such as trauma or loss.
The main objective is to increase knowledge and awareness of one’s disorder, providing useful information to:
- understand the disorder one is suffering from, obtain greater clarity and resolve any doubts about the diagnosis
- reassure oneself that one is not alone in suffering from it; “normalize” the discomfort
- debunk prejudices
- increase the ability to manage the disorder through learning specific techniques
- inform about the use and side effects of medications
- provide useful guidance on managing “crises”
- prevent relapses or limit their duration and consequences
Psychoeducation is generally conducted in groups of 6/8 people suffering from the same disorder. Usually, the facilitator alternates between explaining theoretical parts and providing practical indications and exercises: the group can interact and actively participate in the work, thus moving from the position of passive spectator to that of protagonist in managing their own disorder.
