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Essay, Pages: 3, Psychology

DBs Unit 3

DBs Unit 3

DB 3.1: Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy

Cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) is a model used to work with adolescents and other special populations, substance abuse, and particularly the dual-diagnosed population. Three components make this program effective: cognitive restructuring, behavioral skills training, and relapse prevention planning. Cognitive restructuring is a process that assists clients in identifying and changing negative thoughts that drive substance use. In CBGT, clients work on understanding how distorted beliefs contribute to their addiction, which is particularly helpful for those with co-occurring mental health disorders (Nakao et al., 2021). Through this recognition of such thoughts, the client can replace them with healthy beliefs and, therefore, minimize internal conflicts that may occur due to the previous beliefs, thus preventing relapse.

Next, behavioral skill training aims to teach coping skills, including stress management, communication, and dealing with social pressure. These skills are vital for people who face triggers and high-risk situations. This training greatly helps adolescents to make better decisions in situations where their friends might be encouraging them to use substances (Webster, 2022).

Lastly, the relapse prevention planning component provides an organized structure, leading clients to identify personal triggers, set up warning signs, and develop action steps to prevent relapse. This approach empowers the client by building much-needed self-awareness and confidence, which are crucial for successful long-term recovery—especially for those who might have dual diagnoses, such as depression or anxiety, in conjunction with addiction (López et al., 2021).

Since it includes cognitive restructuring, behavioral skills training, and relapse prevention, CBGT offers a more holistic framework for the more complex needs of both adolescents and dual-diagnosis clients, thereby helping to ensure better recovery outcomes.

References

López, G., Orchowski, L. M., Reddy, M. K., Nargiso, J., & Johnson, J. E. (2021). A review of research-supported group treatments for drug use disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00371-0

Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 15(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w

Webster, A. (2022). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for addiction & substance abuse. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment/cognitive-behavioral-therapy

DB 3.2: Important Factors in Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Group therapy is an essential component of substance abuse treatment, particularly for addictions like cocaine. Several factors within the group process contribute considerably to client progress. Notably, the factors I would place at the forefront are group cohesion, interpersonal learning, catharsis, existential factors, and altruism. First, group cohesion creates a supportive, inclusive environment that motivates clients to actively participate and stay involved. Members who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to open up and work through difficult issues (Phillips, 2023). This cohesion increases personal accountability, which is important in remaining sober.

Second, interpersonal learning is also helpful as it allows clients to learn by observing others’ experiences, mistakes, and successes. Accordingly, they can reflect on their behavior in receiving introspection and learning about social skills. Another strong factor in group therapy is catharsis: the release of pent-up emotions. Substance abuse often serves to mask emotional pain. Through safe expression, clients can confront such feelings; this confrontation is an important step toward healing (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2019).

Fourth, existential factors in group therapy encourage clients to face realities in life and, thus, take responsibility for their actions. Often in this reflection—on the meaning of their behavior and its consequences—people gain greater self-awareness and renew their resolution toward sobriety. Fifth, altruism enables clients to help other group members, which empowers them and makes them feel helpful in the group. Helping others reinforces clients’ own recovery orientation.

However, group therapy has limitations. Firstly, dependency on group dynamics is a limitation because the success of the therapy lies mostly in the quality of interactions among the members. When the group is not cohesive, the therapy fails. There is also little focus on individuals, which may cause some clients to feel neglected, especially those with unique issues that may need one-on-one attention (López et al., 2021).

References

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2019). 2 types of groups commonly used in substance abuse treatment. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64214/

López, G., Orchowski, L. M., Reddy, M. K., Nargiso, J., & Johnson, J. E. (2021). A review of research-supported group treatments for drug use disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00371-0

Phillips, W. (2023, April 16). Warren Phillips. Lantana Recovery: Addiction Treatment Rehab Center. https://lantanarecovery.com/the-benefits-of-group-therapy-in-addiction-recovery/ 

DB 3.3: First Group Session with Clients with Various Addictions

In preparation for the first group session with clients addicted to a variety of substances and behaviors, I have selected cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) as the therapeutic modality to help structure the group. Using CBGT will help create a more structured environment where clients can focus on changing their thought patterns and behaviors. In the initial stages of group therapy, it is important to understand the group process and its stages.

I would address the group by saying that such doubts and feelings of insecurity at the beginning are normal and part of the therapeutic process. The stages of group development, including forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning, depict how the group progresses over time and how it can adapt to challenges. This knowledge can reassure the members as they go through these early stages of the process (Malhotra & Baker, 2022).

Several aspects of CBGT are particularly useful at this juncture. Normalization of experiences can let clients know they are not alone and, therefore, reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Another crucial aspect is the development of self-efficacy, whereby clients are encouraged to believe they can achieve sobriety despite multiple failures in the past (Cherry, 2023). Finally, it is important to establish a safe space for the expression of emotions, as most clients would have repressed feelings about their experiences with addiction.

Two interventions can be used to change the current poor atmosphere in the group. First, motivational interviewing techniques would help create engagement among group members and reduce resistance. The approach helps clients express their reasons for change, which empowers their intrinsic motivation (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). The other useful intervention would be engaging clients in role-playing different scenarios in which they practice how to respond appropriately to high-risk situations. This builds confidence and equips them with practical skills to handle real-life challenges (Cherry, 2022).

Finally, as a group leader, there is a need to create an atmosphere that exudes empathy, active listening, and neutrality. These qualities help set the stage for a non-judgmental environment that makes participants feel safe enough to be open and honest. This approach strengthens not only the unity of the group but also encourages members to commit themselves to the process of recovery.

References

Cherry, K. (2022). An overview of group therapy. Verywell Mind; Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-group-therapy-2795760

Cherry, K. (2023). What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747

Malhotra, A., & Baker, J. (2022, December 13). Group therapy. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549812/

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Question 

DB 3.1

  • Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy has been consistently shown to be helpful in reduction of or elimination of substance abuse by adolescents and other special populations. From your reading, what are at least 3 key components of this method of treatment that is successful with clients even facing dual diagnosis conditions? Please be sure to explain your thoughts in detail.

NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.

DB 3.2

  • In treating addictions such as cocaine, group therapy is one of the key parts of the treatment process. From your readings, what do you think are the important factors of the group process that lead to change and sobriety? Please pick at least 5 key factors that were identified in treatment of addictions that you would want to use in your own group work. Additionally, what are at least 2 limits to this approach to treating addicts from your own opinion? Please be sure to discuss all aspects in detail.

NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.

DB 3.3
You are getting ready for your first group session treating 8 individuals who are diagnosed with a wide variety of different addictions. You have talked with each group member about the rules of the group, and all individuals who are enrolled are willing to participate in the number of required sessions and other rules including drug screens and commitment to sobriety during the course of treatment. All individuals in the group have approximately 2 weeks of sobriety each. During the first few minutes of the group when individuals talk about themselves during the introductions, it was clear that many members were not confident in their ability to maintain sobriety even with the use of the group and other treatment methods. It was discussed that there are too many obstacles and the group took on a somber tone.

DBs Unit 3

DBs Unit 3

  • -Please identify a group therapy modality in which you will use that is discussed during this unit.
  • -Based on your reading this unit, what do you think you should share with the group about the general group therapy process and what they are experiencing at this stage of treatment?
  • -What are some factors of your chosen theory that might be helpful to remember in working with this group at the present stage of treatment? Please discuss at least 3 in detail.
  • -What are some possible interventions that you might use with the group to help with the present tone, etc.? Please discuss at least 2 in detail.
  • -Other thoughts?

NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors. 

Readings: