Let’s Talk Families: Understanding the Important Role of Families in Early Intervention for Psychosis

A first episode of psychosis can have a devastating impact on families leading to a variety of emotional and behavioral responses including, but not limited to, confusion, fear, loss, hypervigilance, disbelief, change in expectations, anger and hopelessness. Most families want to be involved in supporting their relative. What do families want and need to be partners in their loved one’s recovery? How has this experience affected the family? This session will identify the impacts for families of loving someone experiencing psychosis for the first time. We will identify strategies to help families build on their strengths and cultivate the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills to cope effectively and support their loved one’s progress.