The Importance of Learning about Trauma (Psychoeducation) for All Ages

A foundation for many trauma-based interventions, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) is learning more about the type of traumatic event and common reactions. This helps set an important foundation for the later therapeutic work.

Psychoeducation can be provided in many forms including printed and web-based materials such as facts sheets, psychoeducational videos, books, and conversations with professionals in the field. There are excellent resources that have been tailored to various client populations as well as children and teens. Hearing stories from those who have experienced similar events can also be helpful. All these methods help normalize the reactions to traumatic events and can reduce feelings of guilt and shame through sharing of information and common experiences.

I’d like to share five reasons why psychoeducation about traumatic events is important.

Giving Permission to Talk about Difficult Events

Providing psychoeducation invites dialogue about topics that are typically avoided. There are often stigmas within families around talking about trauma, especially when there is a history of generational trauma. For children, having at least one safe and supportive family member be involved in initial conversations with a therapist is very important, as it helps give the child “permission” to talk about difficult things within the session that may otherwise be kept “secret” within the family such as physical and sexual abuse. The involvement of a parent or caretaker in a child’s treatment makes a significant difference, as children will need a safe person outside the session to help support the work done in therapy.

Using Shared Language and Definitions of Trauma

Psychoeducation provides a shared language, definition, and understanding of trauma-related experiences. It is recommended that psychoeducation be focused on the specific trauma experienced and be provided in a language and format that the client understands and can relate to.

Examples of trauma-types includes the following types:

• Physical abuse
• Intimate partner violence
• Sexual abuse including sex trafficking
• Early childhood trauma & complex trauma
• Bullying
• Community violence, including terrorism and violence
• Refugee trauma
• Disasters
• Race-based trauma
• Medical trauma
• Traumatic grief & loss

Providing Facts and Dispelling Myths

Psychoeducation helps provide facts on the statistics of trauma and can help normalize talking about difficult topics. When the individual feels alone, it can be eye-opening to know they are not alone (especially when looking the facts). Children and adults of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds are at risk for abuse, and learning more about the statistics of events that impact various people can help normalize and validate experience while also dispelling myths.

Recognizing Trauma-Related Responses

Psychoeducation provides information learn to recognize trauma-related responses. This includes signs and symptoms that may indicate struggles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Awareness of thoughts, feelings, and commons responses following a traumatic experience helps to communicate one’s experiences in ways that help inform treatment. It can help parents ,caregivers, and the individuals know when additional support may be needed.

Connecting to Resources for Trauma

Psychoeducation provides additional resources for individuals and families. This may include self-help resources such as coping tips, effective treatment options, national and local resources such as support groups, and information on how to support family and friends.

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC