Psychosis REACH (p-REACH) is an innovative training model developed at the University of Washington by psychosis experts in conjunction with family members with lived experience. This training offers evidence-based skills for relatives and friends of individuals experiencing psychosis to better care for and build their relationships with their loved one. This training takes aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven psychotherapy for people experiencing psychosis, and modifies it to the needs of caregivers.
Through participating in a p-REACH training program, caregivers learn to:
- Use evidence-based coping strategies
- Develop key caring principles
- Communicate effectively with their loved one
- Make sense of medications and treatment
- Implement relapse prevention strategies
The course consists of an online, self-paced course, followed by a live virtual training session demonstrating learned skills. This live training session is led by a highly trained clinician, along with a Family Ambassador (a family member with lived experience who has gone through additional Psychosis REACH training).
In January, the Michigan team hosted their first p-REACH live training session, with clinician Brandon Goeman, LMSW, and Psychosis REACH Family Ambassador, Leslie Quist. Hear from them about what aspects of p-REACH are the most beneficial, and why you might consider getting involved!
When you reflect on p-REACH for families, what aspects do you find the most beneficial?
Brandon believes that the communities of caring created by p-REACH is one of the most beneficial aspects of the training program. “Psychosis can be such an isolating and disorienting experience for both individuals and their support system,” he states, and finds that “…being in community with other people who have had similar experiences is extremely powerful.” Further, Brandon believes that p-REACH’s emphasis on practical skills for communication and maintaining relationships can be really beneficial. The skills learned in the training “provide a framework for how to navigate these conversations in a way that’s helpful and supportive.”
Leslie has also found the value in p-REACH communication skills and in building community with other family members who share a similar lived experience, calling it “one of the most beneficial aspects of p-REACH.” She also notes that implementing the p-REACH skills in her own life has improved her relationship with her loved one, decreasing tension and conflict. Ultimately, she states that she has “benefited from the experiences and support of other families in the p-REACH training.”
What message would you share with someone who is considering p-REACH but feels uncertain?
A message that Brandon would share with someone who is considering p-REACH is encouragement to sign up and give it a try. Though it can be overwhelming to think about starting something new, there are so many people whose lives have been positively impacted by p-REACH. The communication skills learned through the training are helpful not only in relationship with their loved one, but throughout all relationships. Additionally, p-REACH’s emphasis on self-care and creating community connections with others who have a similar experience is a core tenet of the program. With so much stigma and misinformation about psychosis, p-REACH aims to provide factual information, skills to help support loved ones and family members, and a community that’s firmly rooted in the belief that recovery is not only possible, but is the expectation.
Leslie shares that trying something new can be intimidating. However, she notes that p-REACH has been designed specifically for caregivers, with input from caregivers. “Just by virtue of your personal lived experience, you have something to offer, and you will find someone has something to offer you too – we learn from one another. I would encourage you to give it a try if you have any interest at all!”
Interested in getting involved or learning more? If you have any questions about the training program, reach out to hello@michiganminds.org. If you would like to get involved, keep an eye on our website and social media – we will share more information on the next training as it becomes available!
Network 180, the Community Mental Health Authority for Kent County, Michigan, acts as the fiduciary agency for funds to support early psychosis programs and initiatives in Michigan. Funds are received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.