Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling

An indispensable collection of ready–to–use, proven exercises Providing immediately useful group counseling suggestions and tips for addictions counselors, Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling offers powerful techniques that can be adapted to any clinical practice. Written in the author′s gentle yet purposeful voice, this reader–friendly resource is filled with guidance for developing an addictions counseling group; handling Stage 2 confrontations of the leader; and building group member awareness. In addition, the author helps counselors enhance client awareness of addiction–related stressors and how to cope with those stressors. Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling contains valuable information on: Addiction recovery Family, relationships, and culture Feelings exploration Group community building Recovery skills Values Opening and closing each group session Fostering care, respect, and honesty in the group counseling setting, the techniques found in Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling allow counselors to help their clients break out of dysfunctional interaction patterns and live better lives.

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

Geri Miller , PhD, Diplomate in Counseling Psychology, ABPP, is a Full Professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling at Appalachian State University. She is a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board–Certified Clinical Supervisor. She is a Disaster Mental Health Worker with the American Red Cross and has responded to local, state, and national disasters. The author of four books, including Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling , Third Edition (Wiley), Dr. Miller was awarded the 2009 Ella Stephens Barrett Award for excellence in professional leadership, the most coveted honor bestowed by the North Carolina Counseling Association.