Assignment 1: Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Group Therapy for Addiction
When selecting a psychotherapeutic approach for a client, you must consider the unique needs and characteristics of that particular client. The same is true when selecting a psychotherapeutic approach for groups. Not every approach is appropriate for every group, and the group’s unique needs and characteristics must be considered. For this Assignment, you examine psychotherapeutic approaches to group therapy for addiction.
To prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources and reflect on the insights they provide on group therapy for addiction.
- View the media, Levy Family: Sessions 1-7, and consider the psychotherapeutic approaches being used.
The Assignment
In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:
- Identify the psychotherapeutic approach that the group facilitator is using, and explain why she might be using this approach.
- Determine whether or not you would use the same psychotherapeutic approach if you were the counselor facilitating this group, and justify your decision.
- Identify an alternative approach to group therapy for addiction, and explain why it is an appropriate option.
- Support your position with evidence-based literature.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: Group therapy for addiction involves a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches that aim to help participants overcome their addiction and related psychological issues. In this assignment, we will examine the psychotherapeutic approaches used in group therapy for addiction and consider their appropriateness for different groups.
1. Identify the psychotherapeutic approach that the group facilitator is using, and explain why she might be using this approach.
The psychotherapeutic approach being used in the Levy Family sessions is a cognitive-behavioral approach. This approach is based on the idea that addiction is linked to maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior. The group facilitator may be using this approach because it helps participants to identify and challenge these patterns, and to develop more positive and adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
2. Determine whether or not you would use the same psychotherapeutic approach if you were the counselor facilitating this group, and justify your decision.
As the counselor facilitating this group, I would use the same cognitive-behavioral approach. This approach is well-suited to helping individuals overcome addiction and related psychological issues. It provides participants with practical tools and strategies for managing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and encourages them to take an active role in their own recovery.
3. Identify an alternative approach to group therapy for addiction, and explain why it is an appropriate option.
An alternative approach to group therapy for addiction is the 12-step program. This approach is based on the principles of anonymity, humility, and surrender, and encourages participants to acknowledge their powerlessness over addiction and to seek support and guidance from a higher power. The 12-step program can be an appropriate option for individuals who are seeking a more spiritual or faith-based approach to recovery.
4. Support your position with evidence-based literature.
Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in treating substance use disorders, both in individual and group settings (Weiss et al., 2011). Similarly, the 12-step program has been found to be a helpful and effective approach to treating addiction, particularly when combined with other forms of therapy (Moos & Moos, 2006). Ultimately, the choice of psychotherapeutic approach will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the participants, and may involve incorporating elements of multiple approaches as needed.
References:
Moos, R. H., & Moos, B. S. (2006). Participation in treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous: A 16-year follow-up of initially untreated individuals. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(6), 735-750.
Weiss, R. D., Griffin, M. L., Gallop, R. J., Najavits, L. M., Frank, A., Crits-Christoph, P., … & Luborsky, L. (2011). The effect of 12-step self-help group attendance and participation on drug use outcomes among cocaine-dependent patients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 113(2-3), 183-188.
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