Psychoeducation and Information-Giving
Therapeutic techniques such as Socratic questioning aim to help patients to become cognizant of, and to synthesize, information that they already have. However, many patients experience psychological distress because they lack critical information: the essential component of many cognitive models concerns patient’s misappraisals or misperceptions of a stimulus. In cases where patients are lacking critical information then psychoeducation (giving information) is a hugely important psychological intervention.
Psychoeducation can include:
- information given verbally in a therapy session;
- written material in the form of Psychology Tools information handouts, guides, and chapters;
- exercises or homework tasks where patients are encouraged to discover information for themselves.
100 of 235 resources
Negative Parenting Styles (Schema Therapy)
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and peoples’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/negative-parenting-styles-schema-therapy/
Early Maladaptive Schemas
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and peoples’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/early-maladaptive-schemas/
Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Extended)
Cognitive distortions (or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’) are ways that our thoughts become biased. Different cognitive biases are associated with di ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/cognitive-distortions-unhelpful-thinking-styles-extended/
Fight Or Flight Response
The fight or flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. The perception of threa ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/fight-or-flight-response/
Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Common)
Cognitive distortions (or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’) are ways that our thoughts become biased. Different cognitive biases are associated with di ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/cognitive-distortions-unhelpful-thinking-styles-common/
How To Forgive
Everyone experiences interpersonal hurts, including acts of omission (e.g., being neglected) and acts of commission (e.g., intentional or unintentiona ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/how-to-forgive/
Assertive Communication
Communicating and acting assertively is an interpersonal skill that helps people to maintain healthy relationships, resolve interpersonal conflict, an ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/assertive-communication/
Window Of Tolerance
The window of tolerance concept was coined by Dan Siegel in his 1999 book The Developing Mind. Siegel proposes that everyone has a range of intensitie ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/window-of-tolerance/
Grounding Techniques
Individuals who have experienced trama often find it difficult to stay within the 'window of tolerance'. Grounding techniques (which can be sensory/pe ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/grounding-techniques/
Values
Meaningful activity is value-driven. This ACT-informed worksheet explores the key domains of values and encourages clients to reflect upon what is imp ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/values/
Embracing Uncertainty
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) was first described in individuals suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Many behaviors associated with G ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/embracing-uncertainty/
Unrelenting Standards
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unrelenting-standards/
Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Archived)
NOTE: Two improved versions of this resource are available here: Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Common) and Cognitive Disto ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unhelpful-thinking-styles-archived/
Intolerance Of Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a normal part of life – we can never be 100% sure about what will happen next. Many people feel good about uncertainty and live lives ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/intolerance-of-uncertainty/
Before I Blame Myself And Feel Guilty
Guilt is a common post-traumatic reaction and is often the result of cognitive bias. This CBT worksheet explores common cognitive biases that have bee ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/before-i-blame-myself-and-feel-guilty/
Managing Bipolar Disorder: Therapist Guide
Managing Bipolar Disorder comes in two volumes. This page is for the Therapist Guide. Click here to access the Client Workbook.Bipolar disorder is a c ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/managing-bipolar-disorder-therapist-guide/
Self-Sacrifice
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/self-sacrifice/
Prompts For Challenging Your Negative Thinking
Cognitive restructuring is an evidence-based intervention that involves identifying, evaluating, and modifying maladaptive cognitions, including negat ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/prompts-for-challenging-your-negative-thinking/
Mastery Of Your Anxiety And Worry (Second Edition): Workbook
Mastery Of Your Anxiety And Worry comes in two volumes. This page is for the Workbook. Click on the following link to access the accompanying Therapis ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/mastery-of-your-anxiety-and-worry-workbook/
Emotions Motivate Actions
Many clients find it helpful to recognize the range of actions that are motivated by different emotional states. This worksheet encourages clients to ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/emotions-motivate-actions/
[Free Guide] Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This free Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) guide is designed to help the reader to understand more about PTSD. As well as a descrip ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/free-guide-understanding-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
Unmet Emotional Needs
Unmet emotional needs can give rise to early maladaptive schemas, and other forms of maladaptive coping. This Unmet Emotional Needs handout forms part ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unmet-emotional-needs/
Managing Bipolar Disorder: Workbook
Managing Bipolar Disorder comes in two volumes. This page is for the Client Workbook. Click here to access the Therapist Guide.Bipolar disor ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/managing-bipolar-disorder-workbook/
Responses To Threat: Freeze, Appease, Flight, Fight
Human beings are programmed to respond automatically in a variety of ways to a threat including freezing, escaping, and dissociation. Traumatized indi ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/responses-to-threat-freeze-appease-flight-fight/
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is fundamentally concerned with the meanings which people make of their experiences. The insight of the CBT model i ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-cbt-worksheet-handout/
Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition): Therapist Guide
The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition) comes in two volumes. This page is for the Therapist Guide. ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unified-protocol-for-transdiagnostic-treatment-of-emotional-disorders-second-edition-therapist-guide/
Guidelines For Better Sleep
Some sleep experts recommend that sleep hygiene issues be attended to as one component of treatment for poor sleep. This sleep hygiene information wor ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/guidelines-for-better-sleep/
Fair Fighting Rules For Resolving Conflict
Fair fighting is a collection of rules that individuals can use to manage conflict effectively, so that it is ‘fair’ and works towards a resolutio ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/fair-fighting-rules-for-resolving-conflict/
Emotions
Many people find it hard to label their emotional states or reactions. This information handout provides a list of emotions, categorizing them as basi ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/emotions/
How Trauma Can Affect You (CYP)
Trauma can result in a wide variety of symptoms, experiences, and behaviors. As well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prevalence rates of oth ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/how-trauma-can-affect-you-cyp/
Examining Your Negative Thoughts
Cognitive restructuring is an evidence-based intervention that involves identifying, evaluating, and modifying maladaptive cognitions, including negat ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/examining-your-negative-thoughts/
What Keeps Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Going?
The "What Keeps It Going?" series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concise, t ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd-going/
Relaxed Breathing
Practising Relaxed Breathing serves to reduce physiological arousal and can be an excellent grounding technique. This client information handout descr ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/relaxed-breathing/
What Keeps Generalized Anxiety And Worry Going?
The “What Keeps It Going?” series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concis ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-generalized-anxiety-and-worry-going/
What Keeps Depression Going?
The “What Keeps It Going?” series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concis ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-depression-going/
Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition): Client Workbook
The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition) comes in two volumes. This page is for the Client Workbook. ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unified-protocol-for-transdiagnostic-treatment-of-emotional-disorders-second-edition-client-workbook/
Vulnerability To Harm
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/vulnerability-to-harm/
Reactions To Trauma
Traumatic events are shocking and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Not everybody reacts in the same way though and there is no ‘right’ way to res ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/reactions-to-trauma/
Panic Formulation
The cognitive approach to panic suggests that anxiety escalates rapidly when physical sensations of panic are misinterpreted as signs of danger, which ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/panic-formulation/
What Are Schemas?
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and peoples’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-are-schemas/
Habituation
The Habituation information sheets are designed to help clinicians to explain the concept of habituation and its role in exposure therapy. The handout ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/habituation/
Intrusive Thoughts Images And Impulses
Intrusive Thoughts, Images, And Impulses that are experienced as distressing are a feature of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). They are also a com ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/intrusive-thoughts-images-and-impulses/
Understanding Generalized Anxiety And Worry
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-generalized-anxiety-and-worry/
Abandonment
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/abandonment/
Self-Blame
The Self-Blame information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effectively wi ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/self-blame/
Effective Weight Loss: An Acceptance-Based Behavioral Approach: Clinician Guide
Effective Weight Control: An Acceptance-Based Behavioral Approach comes in two volumes. This page is for the Clinician Guide. Click here to ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/effective-weight-loss-an-acceptance-based-behavioral-approach-clinician-guide/
Checklist For Better Sleep
Some sleep experts recommend that sleep hygiene issues be attended to as one component of treatment for poor sleep. This sleep hygiene worksheet is in ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/checklist-for-better-sleep/
Evaluating Unhelpful Automatic Thoughts
The Evaluating Unhelpful Automatic Thoughts guide is written for clients who struggle with negative automatic thoughts. It provides a comprehensive in ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/evaluating-unhelpful-automatic-thoughts/
Values: Connecting To What Matters
Values: Connecting To What Matters is a practical self-help guide which introduces the reader to a cornerstone of acceptance and commitment therapy (A ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/values-connecting-to-what-matters-full-guide/
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/
Types Of Dissociation
The Types Of Dissociation information handout is designed for clients who have experienced trauma and describes dissociation using accessible terminol ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/types-of-dissociation/
What Is Rumination?
Rumination and repetitive thought is a transdiagnostic maintenance process underpinning a range of difficulties. This information sheet explores the c ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-rumination/
Valued Domains
Values are the “principles for living” that capture what matters most to people. Elucidating values can serve many therapeutic functions, such as ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/valued-domains/
PTSD And Memory
Alterations in the way the brain processes 'normal' vs. 'traumatic' material are thought to be responsible for the intrusive nature of memories in con ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/ptsd-and-memory/
Understanding Health Anxiety
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-health-anxiety/
How Your Past Affects Your Present (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) describes three levels of cognition – automatic thoughts, assumptions, and core beliefs – which are influenced ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/how-your-past-affects-your-present-cbt/
Coping Styles And Responses (Schema Therapy)
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/coping-styles-and-responses-schema-therapy/
How Breathing Affects Feelings
Normal, anxious, and exercise breathing have significant effects upon our physiology and our emotions. This information handout explains the physiolog ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/how-breathing-affects-feelings/
How Your Past Affects Your Present (Schema Therapy)
Schema therapy posits that many longstanding psychological difficulties stem from unmet core emotional needs, the early maladaptive schemas (EMS) they ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/how-your-past-affects-your-present-schema-therapy/
What Is A Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are single episodes of intense fear or discomfort that begin suddenly and reach a peak within minutes. The cognitive behavioral model of ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-a-panic-attack/
Understanding Low Self-Esteem
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-low-self-esteem/
Choosing Your Values
Values are the “principles for living” that capture what matters most to people. Elucidating values can serve many therapeutic functions, includin ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/choosing-your-values/
What Keeps Health Anxiety Going?
The “What Keeps It Going?” series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concis ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-health-anxiety-going/
Understanding Depression
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-depression/
PTSD Linen Cupboard Metaphor
Treatment for trauma often involves exposure to traumatic thoughts and memories, and many clients are understandably reluctant to attempt this. The PT ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/ptsd-linen-cupboard-metaphor/
Core Belief Magnet Metaphor
Core beliefs (schemas) are self-sustaining. They act to 'attract' confirmatory evidence and 'repel' (or distort) disconfirmatory evidence. This inform ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/core-belief-magnet-metaphor/
Insufficient Self-Control
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/insufficient-self-control/
Understanding Social Anxiety
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-social-anxiety/
Emotional Deprivation
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/emotional-deprivation/
Thought-Action Fusion
The Thought-Action Fusion information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more eff ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/thought-action-fusion/
Catastrophizing
The Catastrophizing information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series. It is designed to help clients and therapists to work more eff ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/catastrophizing/
What Keeps Low Self-Esteem Going?
The “What Keeps It Going?” series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concis ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-low-self-esteem-going/
Thought Suppression And Intrusive Thoughts
Suppression is a common approach to unwanted thoughts, worriers, doubts, or urges. Unfortunately, there are good reasons why this strategy fails. This ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/thought-suppression-and-intrusive-thoughts/
Trauma And Dissociation
Trauma and Dissociation is a guide written for clients who have experienced trauma and who are troubled by dissociation. It provides clear informatio ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/trauma-and-dissociation/
Exploring Valued Domains
Values are the “principles for living” that capture what matters most to people. Elucidating values can serve many therapeutic functions, such as ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/exploring-valued-domains/
What Is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)?
Compassion focused therapy (CFT) was developed to work with issues of shame and self-criticism. The CFT model complements and expands the traditional ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-compassion-focused-therapy-cft/
Properties Of Trauma Memories
Important properties of trauma memories include involuntary recall, 'nowness', vividness, and immutability. People who have experienced trauma report ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/properties-of-trauma-memories/
What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Our ‘What Is … ?’ series is a collection of one-page information handouts for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, handout ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/
Overcoming Your Eating Disorder: Workbook
Overcoming Eating Disorders comes in two volumes. This page is for the Client Workbook. Click on the following link to access the accompanying Therapi ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/overcoming-your-eating-disorder-workbook/
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness meditation is a traditional Buddhist practice. It is now commonly taught as a practice helpful in the management of a variety of mental he ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-mindfulness/
What Keeps Social Anxiety Going?
The "What Keeps It Going?" series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concise, t ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-social-anxiety-going/
Checking Certainty And Doubt
Psychologists have discovered interesting relationships between Checking, Certainty, And Doubt. This information handout contains an exercise helpful ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/checking-certainty-and-doubt/
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) automatically regulates the function of body systems outside of voluntary control. The Autonomic Nervous System han ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/autonomic-nervous-system/
Mistrust/Abuse
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/mistrust-abuse/
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
Social Isolation
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/social-isolation/
Thoughts And Depression
Depression is associated with cognitive biases, one of which is a failure to notice positive information. This information handout presents this conce ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/thoughts-and-depression/
Safety Behaviors
Safety behaviors are actions carried out with the intention of preventing a feared catastrophe. In the short-term they often give a sense of relief, b ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/safety-behaviors/
What Is EMDR? (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for trauma. Its theoretical basis is described by the adaptive inf ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-emdr/
Emotional Inhibition
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/emotional-inhibition/
Social Comparison
The Social Comparison information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effecti ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/social-comparison/
Subjugation
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/subjugation/
"Should" Statements
“Should” statements (sometimes referred to as ‘musturbation’, ‘necessitous thinking’, ‘self-commands’, and ‘injunctions’) are char ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/should-statements/
Emotional Reasoning
The Emotional Reasoning information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effec ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/emotional-reasoning/
Defectiveness
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and clients’ characteristic responses to them, refer ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/defectiveness/
Overview Of CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental and physical health conditions. This information handout des ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/overview-of-cbt/
What Keeps Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Going?
The "What Keeps It Going?" series is a set of one-page diagrams explaining how common mental health conditions are maintained. Friendly and concise, t ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-keeps-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-going/
Forgiveness
Everyone experiences interpersonal hurts, such as acts of omission (e.g., being neglected) and acts of commission (e.g., intentional or unintentional ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/forgiveness/
Fight or Flight (CYP)
The Fight Or Flight (CYP) information handout has been specifically designed for younger children and includes carefully simplified language. The prof ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/fight-or-flight-cyp/
Your Stone Age Brain
Your Stone Age Brain is an information handout which describes the freeze-flight-fight response: a set of evolutionary adaptations that increase the c ...
https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/your-stone-age-brain/
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