Group therapy is one of the cornerstones to substance abuse counseling. Patients find it useful because they are getting straight forward feedback from their peers and not just the therapist or group facilitator. The honesty and insight that comes out of groups like these make them an important part of any substance abuse treatment program.
Instructions
Prescreening, Rules, and Structure
1. Prescreen all group members. Although many group facilitators pass over this step, it is by far the most important aspect of developing a positive group experience for all members involved. Your job as a group facilitator is to sit down with each potential group member and discuss your reason for recommending group therapy and your expectations of them in the group setting.
Your group does not have to have patients with all the same substance of choice or same diagnosis. They do need to have the capacity to empathize with their fellow group members and give feedback.
Many substance abuse patients will have co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. These are very common and would not preclude a member from being part of a group. Substance abuse patients that suffer from a personality disorder, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, are not recommended for a group atmosphere because of the disordered thought process that they naturally bring to settings.
2. Set clear group rules. This can be done by using the group to help set the rules so members feel like this is their group. A clear set of rules will offer your group the beginning aspects of structure. It is easier for people to follow rules that they set up for themselves.
Here are some typical group rules:
1. Be on Time
2. Come clean and sober
3. No cell phones
4. Only one person talks at a time
5. What's said in group stays in group
6. Respect others opinions
7. Say "Thank You"
8. Offer feedback to your group members
9. No disruptive language
10. Speak the truth
3. Make a schedule for each group meeting. This schedule is the structure your group will need to grow and progress through the stages of change. Not every group session should cover the same topic, but it is important to have a basic structure to how your group operates. Do you want members to check in with the details of their week at the beginning of group? Are you going to say the serenity pray at the end of every group? Will group members get homework or share homework assignments?
Knowing how you plan to structure your group before the very first session will help you stay on task and keep even the rowdiest of groups focused on their goals.
Tags: group members, structure your, structure your group, abuse patients, every group