Psychology Psychoeducational Group Presentation Assignment

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Psychoeducational Group Plan: Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors with PTSD

Abraham De La Cruz Doctorate of Education-Community Care and Counseling- Marriage and Family, Liberty University EDCO 711: Advanced Group Counseling Prof. Dr. Gregory Mears March 23, 2025

I. Subject Synopsis

Members of psychoeducational groups can learn more about a specific issue, problem, or worry; develop their interpersonal skills and self-awareness; and improve their ability to comprehend and resolve issues that impact them (Brown, 2018). The purpose of this psychoeducational group is to assist survivors of sexual assault who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The main goals will be to educate people on PTSD symptoms, coping mechanisms, and resilience building. Numerous evaluations have shown that sexual assault is linked to an increased risk of being diagnosed with conditions such as acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and symptoms of PTSD (Stockman et al., 2023). Psychoeducational interventions have been shown to statistically significantly improve PTSD and depression in survivors and can significantly improve coping mechanisms, including trauma-focused therapy interventions like cognitive processing and exposure therapy (Heard & Walsh, 2023). To empower members, this group will apply evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and peer support.

According to Moring et al. (2023), giving patients psychoeducation before to starting CPT might boost their expectations, optimism, and perception of the therapy's legitimacy—all of which are essential for the best possible outcome. This group will be set up to provide a secure and encouraging setting where members may learn how to control their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. According to Brown (2018), members may experience significant feelings of guilt, wrath, resentment, and other upsetting emotions as a result of personal shortcomings and may blame others or themselves for what occurred to them. This group is extremely significant in the counseling industry since survivors of sexual assault frequently suffer from PTSD.

II. Group Outline

A. Group Purpose:

· To give survivors of sexual assault psychoeducation on PTSD symptoms and coping techniques.

· To promote self-efficacy and emotional resilience using evidence-based practices.

· To establish a secure environment where survivors may talk about their experiences and get assistance from their peers. These groups can offer a secure setting where people can freely express unpleasant and upsetting emotions (Brown, 2018).

B. Target Audience:

· Adult survivors of sexual assault have been diagnosed with or are suffering symptoms of PTSD.

· Individuals seeking formal direction and assistance during their recovery process.

· Participants are willing to participate in psychoeducational activities and conversations.

C. Goals:

1. Improve participants' awareness of PTSD's effects on mental health and daily life.

2. Provide participants with appropriate coping skills for managing PTSD symptoms and enhancing emotional control.

D. Objectives:

1. At the end of the group, participants will be able to recognize three typical PTSD symptoms and psychological repercussions.

2. Participants will grasp how trauma impacts cognitive and emotional processing.

3. Participants will learn and practice at least three evidence-based coping methods to manage PTSD symptoms, such as grounding techniques, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. According to Heard and Walsh (2023), these techniques help to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve coping skills.

4. Participants will develop a tailored coping strategy with at least three methods for high-stress situations.

E. Group Rules:

Heard and Walsh (2023) argue that activities to build trust and group norms are essential for effective treatments.

1. Confidentiality: To create a secure and trustworthy atmosphere, all group talks are kept 

2. private.

3. Respect: Participants will acknowledge each other's experiences, viewpoints, and limits.

4. Supportive, non-judgmental environment for healing and growth. Participation: Members are urged to participate while maintaining their comfort levels.

5. Safety: Any reports of injury to self or others will be handled following ethical and legal 

standards.

6. A major ethical concept is to do no damage; while this may seem straightforward, it is 

not, and group leaders must be cognizant of ethical standards to monitor the potential for 

harm (Brown, 2018).

F. Biblical Integration:

· Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This scripture stresses God's compassion and consolation for people who are suffering.

· Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you and uphold you with my righteous right hand." This scripture reassures survivors that they are not alone in their healing journey.

· The Christian values of hope, restoration, and support will be used to promote faith-based healing and resilience.

References

Brown, N. W. (2018). Psychoeducational Groups, 4th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9781351689410Heard, E., & Walsh, D. (2023). Group Therapy for Survivors of Adult Sexual Assault: A Scoping Review.  Trauma, Violence & Abuse,  24(2), 886–898. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211043828

Heard, E., & Walsh, D. (2023). Group Therapy for Survivors of Adult Sexual Assault: A Scoping Review.  Trauma, Violence & Abuse,  24(2), 886–898. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211043828

King James Bible Version. (2025). KJV Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/

Moring, J. C., Peterson, A. L., Straud, C. L., Ortman, J., Mintz, J., Young, M. S., McGeary, C. A., McGeary, D. D., Litz, B. T., Macdonald, A., Roache, J. D., Resick, P. A., & for the STRONG STAR Consortium. (2023). The interactions between patient preferences, expectancies, and stigma contribute to posttraumatic stress disorder treatment outcomes.  Journal of Traumatic Stress,  36(6), 1126–1137. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22982

Stockman, D., Haney, L., Uzieblo, K., Littleton, H., Keygnaert, I., Lemmens, G., & Verhofstadt, L. (2023). An ecological approach to understanding the impact of sexual violence: a systematic meta-review.  Frontiers in Psychology, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1032408