Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Group Therapy for Addiction
When choosing an approach to group therapy for addiction, the psychotherapeutic facilitator must choose an approach that meets the group’s needs and characteristics. Where the facilitator has chosen the preferred approach, the different facilitator may apply a different psychotherapeutic approach. Other than the specified group therapy for addiction approach, the counseling facilitator can also apply an alternative approach to treat the group suffering from addiction.
The Psychotherapeutic Approach Used in The Levy’s Family
In the case of the Levi Jake family, the facilitator uses the individual therapy approach. In this context, substance abuse and addiction effects have an impact on the entire family members. Individual therapy is highly effective since it can help Jake minimize the trauma, stress, and depression; aspects that influence most of the alcohol use behaviors (Miller, 2000). Jake’s drinking habits make the family members feel isolated from their father, an aspect that causes psychological problems due to the relationship Jake has with his family members. In this regard, treatment has to be focused on Jake since his addiction creates problems across the family members. Individual therapy will ensure that Jake changes his behaviors towards his life and family members. Other family members are also subjected to individual therapy in order to realize the cause of Jake’s behaviors. Having a clear understanding of Jake’s condition will trigger some positive thoughts from the family members. A change in thoughts also changes the negative attitudes of the family members towards their father. A change in behavior means a change in interaction, communication, and approach to family issues and relationships (Wheeler, 2014).
The counselor also uses the group support therapy approach in the treatment of the addiction of Levy Jake. As understood from the veteran’s life experiences, Levy experiences have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorders. Such disorders have been the critical influence of Jake’s alcohol abuse behaviors. The veteran’s affairs organize the group support therapy for the Iraq veterans. Being with group members that have similar experiences makes Jake realize that other people also suffer similar problems. The alcoholic anonymous local group also helps in supporting Jake in recovering from his alcoholic behaviors. Therefore, group support is used by the facilitator to enable Levy to regain his thoughts and behaviors towards his family members.
In the case of group therapy for addiction in Levy’s family, I could have used the group support therapy as an ideal psychotherapeutic approach in the treatment of the Levy’s family issues. For people suffering from drug and substance addictions, depression, isolation, and loneliness are their major characteristics (Wheeler, 2014). Drug and substance addicts face different psychological problems that make them feel depressed, isolated, and ashamed of their behaviors. In this scenario, the group support therapy approach is highly effective in changing the family members’ thoughts on Levy’s condition. The benefits of group support therapy approach enable the group members to reduce the feeling of being isolated, share experiences with other members, and witness those who are recovering. Since the addicted group feel comfortable in the group they engage is substance use, putting Levy and the family members make them feel free to interact share and learn from each other. Under the guidance of the trained counselor, the group support therapy approach to addiction treatment facilitates group members to address the addiction’s anxiety disorders.
Alternative Approach to Group Therapy for Addiction
Apart from the approaches the facilitator uses in the treatment of addiction problem for the Levy’s family, cognitive behavioral therapy forms an effective alternative approach to the treatment of the addiction disorder. Before any approach is considered in psychotherapy, the client’s needs and characteristics are the core consideration (American Nurses Association, 2014). Addicts experience thoughts and emotions that trigger substance use behaviors. The thoughts and emotional experiences by Jake influence most of his alcohol consumption behaviors. Treatment of Jake’s family problem has to consider the emotions and thoughts that motivate Levy Jakes to engage in alcohol abuse. By using cognitive behavioral therapy, the counselor can identify the relationship between Jake’s thoughts and emotions and how such thoughts and emotions influence his behaviors. This approach facilitates the identification of the negative thoughts and emotions that result in negative behaviors, with preference to the alcohol abuse that has led to addiction.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps clients realize the effects of their behaviors and enable them to learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions. The family members can be subjected to cognitive behavioral therapy as a means to develop skills on how to deal with Levy’s conditions. For Levy, cognitive behavioral therapy helps in managing his negative thoughts and emotions that motivate his drinking behaviors. Being able to manage emotions and thoughts promotes healthy and positive behaviors. Considering this approach to initiate behavioral change works effectively in changing the emotions and thoughts of alcohol addicts. Changed thoughts and emotions mean a change in alcohol consumption behaviors, hence realizing the effective treatment of the addiction.
In as much as the group therapy applies different approaches in the psychotherapy treatment, treatment of a group can be done using different approaches based on the counselor’s knowledge and skills. The needs and the characteristic of the clients also influence the type of psychotherapeutic approach to be employed. Group therapy can also employ more than one approach to the realization of the most effective and reliable treatment. Alternative approaches are always available in order to effectively and reliably meet the needs and demands of the clients’ conditions.
References
American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Miller, W. R. (2000). William Miller on Motivational Interviewing [Video]. Baltimore, MD; Allyn & Bacon. Psychotherapy.net
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer.