Narrative group therapy is an existential approach to therapy and allows clients to take ownership of their story by sharing it and rewriting it (Clark, 2014). In 1905 he was teaching education classes on hygiene for patients struggling with tuberculosis (Pratt, 1907). Pratt noticed that patients who regularly attended presentations and interacted in groups afterward remained optimistic and courageous and had fewer symptoms and better recovery than those who did not.

Ask group members to introduce themselves by sharing three weird, funny, or interesting things about themselves as an “ice breaker” for one of your addiction recovery support group activities, . Heather transitioned into the substance abuse field in 2012 where she began group activities for adults with substance abuse her career in referral relations and the admissions aspect of the industry. She has also trained in several models of intervention training and education over the last 8 years and has been a candidate member of the Association of Intervention Specialists since 2012.

Sep Benefits of Group Therapy for Substance Abuse

They can also discuss any recent challenges or successes related to their recovery journey. The following books, videos, and podcasts are packed full of information on group therapy. This group therapy exercise focuses on communication and mindfulness skills in participants and is a great general activity for all types of therapy.

• DBT Group Therapy is vital to the process of working, and many patients benefit greatly from the group sessions.
• Gerry is an LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and the Senior Clinical Advisor to the Clinical Director of Alina Lodge.
• If the parts of your being are healthier connected due to yoga, practicing mindfulness will only enhance its effects and accelerate this connection.

Group therapy in addiction treatment goes back to at least the early 1900s. Many soldiers returning from the wars of that time period needed treatment for addiction or PTSD or both. Professional therapists began employing group therapy as a way to treat many soldiers struggling with the same issues at the same time.

Substance Abuse Group Topics & Activities

These rules must be followed for the safety of the group and the effectiveness of the treatment. Certain types of groups may have additional rules, but there is a core set of five rules that are essential for successful group therapy. Typically, group sessions are held once or twice a week for one or two hours per session. The minimum recommended number of sessions is generally six, but group therapy often continues for up to a year or more (Cherry, 2017). You nor your loved one are under any obligation to commit to an Ark Behavioral Health treatment program when calling our helpline.

Jane received her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Centenary University in 2022. Prior to her transition into the field of counseling, Jane worked for 10 years as a licensed massage therapist. Her first career was in animal training and behavior following her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2008. Jane strives to combine her knowledge and experience from her prior careers and education to provide the highest level of care to Alina Lodge’s students and families as a member of the clinical team.

What Is a Therapeutic Group In Addiction Treatment?

When she graduated with her MAPC in 2013, Michael Hornstein asked her to be a Primary Counselor for the female community. Alina Lodge sent her to Eating Disorder Conferences at Renfrew ED Treatment Center. She was also given the opportunity to become a Certified Trauma Therapist through the Spirit to Spirit program with Judy Crane at The Refuge in Ocala, Florida. She worked as a Primary Counselor at Alina Lodge until 2021 when she decided to retire.

In 2010, Aaron transitioned into behavioral health with Caron Treatment Centers. At Caron, Aaron was the Corporate Business Development Director responsible for creating national visibility substantiable revenue growth and training of the business development team. Aaron was also a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Caron Treatment Centers.

This can include medication-assisted treatment, group therapy, individual therapy, life skills groups, psychoeducation groups, and support groups. Some clients may present with reluctance to participate in the different https://ecosoberhouse.com/ forms of group therapy during their treatment program. Individual therapy provides clients with one-on-one time with a trained Counselor which can feel less overwhelming and more personal than a group setting.

Additionally, this can promote an environment where group members feel comfortable asking for help when they find themselves struggling. For group members who are new to recovery, group sessions can provide valuable education about addiction and recovery. Substance abuse treatment involves several types of therapies to address the wide-ranging symptoms of substance abuse that people can experience.