If you’re new to the outpatient treatment process, you might be wondering, “What is a psychoeducational group?” Psychoeducation plays a key role in helping families, people with mental health disorders, substance abuse, and other illnesses learn about their condition and problem-solve. Psychoeducational groups might seem daunting, but they are incredibly flexible, supportive, and allow you to gain a better understanding of your condition while also building a strong support system. Here’s what to expect during your first psychoeducational group.
What is a Psychoeducational Group Used For?
The term psychoeducation was first used in 1980 for the family treatment of people with schizophrenia. Since then, psychoeducational groups have taken on many different meanings, forms, and applied to other illnesses like substance use disorders. However, the main four goals of psychoeducation remain the same. These include:
- Briefing patients about their illness
- Problem-solving training
- Communication training
- Self-assertiveness training
These goals can help reduce caregiver burnout and help solidify relationships between people and their families. While it might not be the most comfortable type of group therapy, it continues to be one of the most essential interventions for people with mental illness and substance use disorder.
What to Expect During Your First Psychoeducational Group
The beauty of psychoeducational groups is that they are incredibly flexible and tailored to fit a group’s needs. Depending on the model of your psychoeducational group, you can expect to cover different goals and learn different lessons during group. The following are the different models of psychoeducational groups and what you can expect in each of them.
Information Model
Providing information on illnesses to people and their loved ones is one of the main goals of the information model of psychoeducation. This can take on many different forms, including:
- Giving out pamphlets
- Watching videos
- Listening to lectures
- Reading and discussing articles
This model is best for people who are newly diagnosed, have little knowledge about their illness, or want to learn more about the illness they are living with. It’s also a good option for people with loved ones that continue to ask questions about their illness or have negative stigmas attached to their illness.
For instance, people with substance use disorder often struggle with the stigma surrounding their illness. The information model of psychoeducation can help them and their families understand that substance use disorder is a chronic disease and not a choice or moral failing.
During informational group sessions, participants can expect to learn about the biology and symptoms of their illness, treatment options, coping mechanisms, and how to talk about their illness with others. A counselor will also be on hand to conduct groups, answer questions, and facilitate discussions.
Skill Training Model
The skill training model helps family members develop skills so they can manage an illness effectively. Some of the many skills you might learn include:
- Proper communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Stress and anger management techniques
- Social skills training
Skill training models can involve family members and people or a group of people with similar illnesses. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, for instance, or DBT, is a highly effective type of psychoeducation group that can help people with severe emotional regulation issues. DBT focuses on teaching people how to manage their emotions, improve relationships, and tolerate distress.
If you have another mental illness besides substance use, like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, you might benefit from groups like DBT too. During these groups, you’ll get a chance to learn about your illness, how it affects you and those around you, and how to manage symptoms. You can also connect with others who understand what you’re going through and practice skills with your peers.
Supportive Model
Support groups provide a valuable outlet for people and their families to process their emotions. Support groups are some of the most commonly used models of psychoeducation in substance abuse treatment. There are many different support groups including:
- Spiritual-based groups
- Peer-led support groups
- 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
- Trauma support groups
- Gender-based support groups
Psychoeducational support groups provide valuable information about the substance abuse disorder, its treatment, coping mechanisms, and resources. Members also share their personal experiences related to substance abuse and recovery. No matter what type of support group you choose, there is a sense of camaraderie and understanding among members that can be incredibly beneficial for those struggling with substance abuse. It’s important to note that support groups should not replace professional treatment, but rather serve as a supplement to it.
Comprehensive Model
Any of these psychoeducation groups can be combined with each other to make a more comprehensive style of groups. Depending on the treatment center you visit, you might be able to attend dual-diagnosis groups, for example, combined with CBT and DBT.
Discover the Best Groups For You
Psychoeducation groups can be life-changing, but only if you enroll and engage in treatment. At The Berman Center, our Atlanta mental health clinic and addiction recovery center is open to you and your loved ones. We’ll guide you through our many different programs, including intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, and help you find the best groups for your unique needs. Call us today to schedule a tour and consultation. We’re ready to help you start your journey towards recovery and a healthier, happier life.
