Introduction to Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation is a crucial part of the first stages of intervention with a child. Typically the first session occurs after the assessment is completed and should be conducted with both the child and caregiver. Please note that depending on the age of the child, you may decide to have separate sessions to convey this information.

The first goal of psychoeducation is to help the child understand what stress and trauma are, why they are feeling and acting a certain way, and to give them hope for healing and recovery. The second goal is to introduce the core concepts of CCT.

After this module, you’ll be able to explain to the child and the caregiver the concept and importance of:

  • The stress continuum, and allostatic load; 
  • the normal stress response;  
  • PTSD symptoms and rationale for treatment; 
  • the CCT Square and the CUbE; 
  • the Cues; 
  • the CCT treatment format

You will also be able to examine caregiver perspectives on trauma symptoms and explain and assign take-home assignments to the child and the caregiver.