Main description:

How practitioners can work with young male clients within a gender-responsive treatment program

Adverse life events can experience significant impairment in neural development which can lead to weakened critical thinking, diminished emotional intelligence, and increased antisocial behavior. Statistics show that traditional treatment programs are inadequate in helping young men-estimated to account for 68% of all teens struggling with substance use disorder-to achieve sustained abstinence that leads to recovery.

A Young Man's Guide to Self-Mastery provides practical guidance on implementing an effective trauma-informed, gender-responsive treatment program that addresses the impact of socialization, adverse life experiences, and substance use. This invaluable guide explains the theoretical foundation and real-life connection between trauma and substance use, and provides clear guidelines and actionable strategies for treating boys and young men challenged by trauma and substance use disorder.

Provides guidance on integrating evidence-based interventions, mindfulness techniques, and experiential activities
Covers the effects of environmental trauma, gender development awareness, socialization, identity, sexuality, relational violence, and aggression
Examines trauma's impact on families, mental health, and comorbid and addictive behavior
Discusses the key elements of strength-based approaches and mentoring

A Young Man's Guide to Self-Mastery is an invaluable resource for practitioners working with male adolescents in mental health clinics, juvenile justice facilities, and residential and outpatient facilities.

Contents:

Introduction for the Facilitator

Part 1. Trauma in the Lives of Boys and Young Men

The Need for a Trauma-Informed Program for Treating
Substance Use Disorders in Young Men
The Impact of Trauma on Boys
Prevalence of Problems Associated with Trauma and Substance Use
Gender and Developmental Awareness Principles

Part 2. Theoretical Foundation

Theories of Adolescent Psychological Development
Trauma
The Process of Trauma
Common Responses to Trauma
Triggers and Retraumatization
Dissociation and Grounding
Trauma and Substance Use Disorders
Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Services
The Therapeutic Environment
Creating Safety
Dealing with Current Trauma

Part 3. The Program

Design of the Facilitator Guide
Materials Needed for Each Session

Part 4. Facilitation

Prior to the Session
Knowing the Boys and Young Men in Your Group
Co-facilitating
Tips on Conducting a Group Session
Considerations for Facilitators
Special Considerations for Juvenile and Adult Justice Settings

Module A: Myself

Session One: Welcome, Introduction, and Building Our House

This Session

Welcome and Introductions

Being Ourselves in a Group

Building Our House (Mutual Agreements)

The Word Cloud

Five Senses

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Two: A Sense of Self

This Session

My Place

Feelings, Beliefs, and Values

My Castle (Outside)

My Castle (Inside)

My Place (Variation)

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Three: A Boy's World

This Session

Palms Up, Palms Down

Collage of Gender Expectations

The Anger Funnel

The Container

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Four: Introduction to Trauma

This Session

The Fight or Flight Response

Breathing

Trauma

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The ACE Questionnaire

Other Traumatic Events

Trauma Can Shape Our Belief Systems

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Module B: Communication and Connections

Session Five: Communication and Connections

This Session

Healing Light

Living Your Values

Barriers to Healthy Connections

Other Ways We Communicate

Four Communication Styles

Practicing Communication Styles

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Six: Abuse and Conflict

This Session

Square Breathing

Abusive Relationships

Soothing and Grounding: Self-Mastery Techniques

A Physical Grounding Technique

The Container

Yoga

Conflict Resolution: The STARE Technique

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Seven: Mothers

This Session

Breathing

What Do Mothers Do?

My Mom

Letter to My Mom

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Eight: Fathers

This Session

What Do Fathers Do?

My Dad

Letter to My Dad

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Module C: Relationships

Session Nine: Friendship

This Session

Power and Relationships

Discussion Questions

The Relationship Wheel

Characteristics of Effective Relationships

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Ten: Gender and Sexuality

This Session

Dating and Sexuality

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Masculinity and Femininity

My Ideal Partner

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Eleven: Barriers to Healthy Relationships

This Session

Teen Equality Wheel

Control and Abuse

Supportive Relationships

Sample Relationship Map

Your Relationship Map

Ending Relationships

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Module D: Healthy Living

Session Twelve: Our Bodies

This Session

Healthy Living Scale

Body Image

Improving Your Body Image

Healthy and Unhealthy Eating

Emotional Wellness

Expressing Feelings

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Thirteen: Dealing with Life as It Happens

This Session

Understanding Addiction

Coping with Stress

Spirituality

Self-Care (SEEDS)

Reflection

Between-Sessions Activity

Session Fourteen: Endings and Beginnings

This Session

Healing Masks

Decision Making

Celebrating One Another

Appendices

Appendix 1. Five Senses Cards

Appendix 2. Local Resources

Appendix 3. Grounding and Self-Soothing Activities

Appendix 4. Yoga Poses

Appendix 5. Optional Activity (Sessions Nine and Eleven)

Appendix 6: Redefining Gender

Appendix 7: Healing Mask

Appendix 8: Optional Activity (Session Fourteen)

References

Feedback Form

About the Authors

Additional Publications