PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR ADDICTION 2
Psychotherapeutic Techniques in Addiction Group Therapy
Group Therapy for Addiction
In addiction group therapy each participant presents with their own separate reasons and stressors that causes their addictive habits. Sometimes this could be especially challenging for the therapist. While some participants may be court ordered for therapy and others maybe attending because their relationships and family connections are on the line and is been threatened due to the addiction problem (Laureate Education,2013d). In this paper I will identify and evaluate psychotherapeutic approaches to group therapy for addiction, determine if I would use the same psychotherapeutic approach during my sessions as a therapist/provider. if you were the counselor facilitating this group and justify your decision, then I would identify any alternative approach to group therapy for addiction while explaining why it is an appropriate option.
Psychotherapeutic Approach
During the sessions it was noted that the therapist used the interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) approach. IPT is a type of therapy that utilizes a uniquely structured model for the treatment of mental health issues, also help individuals discourse their active concerns and problems while improving interpersonal relationships (Team, 2018). The therapist in this video used this approach to assist the participants in solving their addiction problems. Because it was noted during the session that Mr. Levy ineffectually coping with his problems, therefore abuses alcohol in efforts to bury his post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals that have addictions problems are able to build durability to their interpersonal conflicts with assistance of IPT (Psychotherapy.net, 2015).
Utilizing This Therapeutic Approach
As a therapist I feel that the approaches used in this video was appropriate for this situation at hand, therefore I would also adopt this same approach. This approach is very useful in helping clients deal with what is actively going on in their lives.
Interpersonal psychotherapy -group therapy (IPT) assists the clients finding comfort and trust in the group, this approach does not intentionally encourage ill feelings that in turns make the group therapy experience an unwanted and tense (Psycotherapy.net (2015).
Alternative Approach
An alternative approach to IPT in group therapy for clients with addiction problems is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression (American Psychological Association, 2017) Additionally, According to (Wheeler, 2014).
CBT employs motivational interviewing techniques, contingency management and relapse prevention.
Conclusion
The ultimate goal of addiction group therapy is to assist clients in finding sobriety and with hopes of sustaining. Clients must be willing and able to identify different trigger and stressors that lead to this unwanted behavior. As a therapist is important make the clients aware of what the intended treatment goal outcomes are. Clients should know that the goal of Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is to assist in combating the triggers, while the CBT interventions will help in redirecting the client’s thoughts and behavior.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013d). Levy family: Sessions 1-7 [Video file]. Baltimore, MD; Author.
Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2015). Group therapy for addictions: An interpersonal relapse
prevention approach [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author.
Team, G. (2018). Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/interpersonal-psychotherapy
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to
guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing
Company.
Also read: Assignment : Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Group Therapy for Addiction
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