Main description:

Created to meet the unique needs of addiction professionals, this practical resource offers suggestions for effectively using activities in groups. It addresses common issues counselors frequently need to discuss with clients and provides an array of "tried and true" techniques and exercises designed to help clients develop interpersonal relationship skills and the individual awareness needed to make responsible choices.

Contents:

Preface ix Acknowledgments xiii 1 u Introduction 1 Personal Reflections 1 Main Section Points 2 Overview 3 2 u Philosophy and Practice of Group Work 11 Personal Reflections 11 Philosophy of Group Therapy 13 Types of Groups 14 Stages of Group Development 23 Stage 1 23 Stage 2 25 Stage 3 27 Stage 4 28 Group Leader Techniques 28 Specific Issues 32 Therapist Self-Care 35 Words to the Wise 38 Developing an Addictions Counseling Group 38 Handling Stage 2 Confrontations of the Leader 41 Addressing Specific Addiction Issues 42 Developing Group Member Awareness 43 References 45 3 u Group Exercises 47 Icebreakers 49 Addiction Recovery 58 Family/Relationships/Culture 79 Family 80 Relationships 85 Culture 87 Feelings Exploration 88 Group Community Building 96 Self-Esteem 102 Recovery Skills: Communication/ Mindfulness/Problem Solving 105 Communication 105 Mindfulness 106 Problem Solving 107 Values 109 Openers 112 Opening Statements 112 General Opening Activities 112 Specific Opening Activities 113 Closers 115 Closing Statements 115 General Closing Activities 116 Specific Closing Activities 117 4 u Resources 121 Readings 121 Workbooks/Exercises 122 Icebreaker Exercises 126 Websites 126