Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness whose symptoms impact someone’s cognition, relational abilities, judgment, and reality testing. It is an illness that typically emerges in adolescence and early adulthood. The emergence of the illness requires people with schizophrenia and their family to develop new coping techniques and new ways of communicating with each other. This workshop will describe the development of schizophrenia and the course of the illness, mainly how it influences relationships. We will discuss the influence of the illness on family relationships and how families can develop ways of supporting their family members with schizophrenia while maintaining their well-being.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the symptoms of schizophrenia, its emergency in adolescence and early adulthood, and the cognitive, emotional, and relational impacts of the illness.
- Determine what effects schizophrenia has on families’ lives, such as experiences of isolation and stigma, challenges managing mental health crises, and caretaking responsibilities
- Identify treatment models, especially multifamily treatment, for people with schizophrenia and their families.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Schizophrenia
- Define schizophrenia and review DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
- Identify positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms
- Explore biological, genetic, and environmental contributors
- Understand the typical age of onset and developmental implications
- Examine the impact on cognitive, emotional, and relational functioning
Objective #2: Schizophrenia and Family Systems
- Explore how schizophrenia affects family roles, dynamics, and life cycles
- Examine family responses to crisis and mental health episodes
- Understand experiences of grief, stigma, isolation, and role revisions
- Analyze caregiving challenges and responsibilities within families
Objective #3: Family Experiences and Stigma
- Recognize the impact of public and internalized stigma on families
- Identify emotional stressors, physical burdens, and coping strategies
- Discuss how stigma influences family relationships and social functioning
- Review compensatory factors such as positive attachments and external supports
Objective #4: Developmental and Relational Considerations
- Assess family developmental stages and lifecycle positioning
- Understand the importance of attunement and emotional support
- Explore how caregiving roles evolve among siblings and across generations
- Consider how trauma, attachment disruptions, and resilience interact
Objective #5: Treatment Models for Schizophrenia and Family Support
- Overview of CBT for Psychosis: focus on reducing distress from symptoms
- Discuss mini-formulation strategies and behavioral activation
- Highlight benefits of normalizing thoughts and promoting coping skills
- Review Family Psychoeducation as a structured support model
Objective #6: Family Psychoeducation and Multifamily Group Treatment
- Goals of Family Psychoeducation: information sharing, coping skill development, relationship strengthening
- Assumptions about the family role in client recovery and wellness
- Structure and benefits of multifamily group interventions
- Techniques for collaborative problem-solving and supportive communication
Objective #7: Clinical Applications and Case Studies
- Review case examples illustrating family role revisions and caregiving adaptations
- Analyze the effects of mental health crises on sibling relationships
- Discuss strategies for empowering families and promoting healthy transitions
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Jillian Graves, LCSW, Ph.D.
Recording Date: September 10, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com