FAQ About PsychoEd (4)

The key element is relationship. Troubled children and youth change because (1) it is safe to abandon maladaptive behaviors -- and try new ways of responding -- when an adult cares, (2) because maintaining a relationship that "works" is extremely important to everyone, and because (3) kids with problems really want to feel better about who they are and what they do. Of course, developing a trusting relationship with anyone takes time, and with emotionally disturbed and behaviorally disordered kids it takes even longer! So, the concerned adult must really work at it, and be prepared to deal with resistance from kids whose previous relationships have been unsuccessful.

Why do troubled kids change using psychoeducational techniques?

Working with troubled kids is enormously challenging but enormously rewarding, too! And no, psychoeducators are not "saints." Most people who work with difficult kids experience a range of emotions for which they must be prepared!  Anger is commonplace, for example, but angry behavior plays right into the Conflict Cycle and makes matters worse. It is only well after an adult has forged a relationship with a troubled child that the adult can show anger -- and then, in an appropriate way. In the meantime, setting of predictable limits and routines is the order of the day.

So, working with troubled kids can't be easy.  Are psychoeducators saints?