Customer Reviews

Group Treatment for Substance Abuse: A Stages-of-Change Therapy Manual

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This manual combines the effective therapy of Motivational Interviewing with the Catalysts of Change. It utilizes two tracks, a cognitive track that can be used to motivate substance users by eliciting and providing specific information to raise consciousness and allow for self-reevaluation. It also has a behavioral track that helps substance users become aware of and develop coping strategies for lasting change. The authors did an excellent job arranging these evidenced-based exercises so that the participants seem to be able to grow into the change process from one session to the next. Printable worksheets are provided with every session with very clear step by step instructions. I've been a group therapist for 25 years, this is the best collection of group exercises I've used. As a clinical assistant professor in a university setting I use it with psychology interns as a teaching manual and they have consistantly reported an increased confidence in their ability to provide group therpy following this manual.

This book is chock full of ideas and tools for clinicians doing group therapy for addictions. Lessons can be used as is or adapted to current curriculum. My only criticism is I wish the book had a spiral binding so copies could be made easily without grey shadows on the edge. Other than that, it is worth the money.

As Director of a DUI counseling program for first and multiple offenders, I had been looking for a new curriculum based on the Stages of Change model to equip counselors with the latest and best tools to facilitate progress. This manual is the finest on the market and was chosen to update our program. Of particular help, are the introduction objectives, summary and implementation steps layed out to assist the counselor to focus and prepare each lesson. The initial 35 pages are especially useful to lay out the foundation of the entire process, procedures and underlying dynamics involved in assisting people to process through the various stages. I am certain this work will become normative as the primary source core material in many therapeutic programs.

I use this book weekly for a Relapse Prevention group that I run for Dual Diagnosed comsumers- the content is excellent and the consumers enjoy the group. I would reccomend this for anyone in the Substance Abuse field.

This book is wonderful. It's easy to use and has thought-provoking and enjoyable exercises. We've begun using it with several drug and alcohol treatment groups. The clients enjoy it and so do the clinicians. I highly recommend this book.

Having met the author here in Houston, I have been impressed with her knowledge and contributions to Motivational Interviewing. She is a great speaker, and teacher. This manual is a great tool for utilizing MI in a group setting, complete with step by step group outlines and handouts to provide to patients. If you are looking for a tool to use with evidenced based practice for substance abuse, this manual is a "must have".

We just started a group for homeless individuals struggling with substance abuse. This book serves as a terrific guide for that group. The individuals in the group like the stages of change concept and the idea that where they are in terms of their particular stage of change is okay. The book itself provides the format for all groups. We have adapted it as needed for our population. So far the group is a real success. I highly recommend this book.

This book is designed so it is very easy to follow and has great material for group facilitators to use. Each group is thoroughly prepared

I work in a 30 day IOP and I love the technique of Motivational Interviewing. 1/3 of this guide has enough information for me get my clients through treatment but most ideas are too simple and I find that most clients are already in the Action phase and are ready to address more advanced problems. This guide would be excellent for working with less experienced populations.

This is a good book if you are stuck in the same old treatment curriculum. It gave me some new material.