Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling

Geri Miller, PhD, Diplomate in Counseling Psychology, ABPP, is a Full Professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling at Appalachian State University. She is a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board-Certified Clinical Supervisor. She is a Disaster Mental Health Worker with the American Red Cross and has responded to local, state, and national disasters. The author of four books, including Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling, Third Edition (Wiley), Dr. Miller was awarded the 2009 Ella Stephens Barrett Award for excellence in professional leadership, the most coveted honor bestowed by the North Carolina Counseling Association.

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

1 Introduction 1

Personal Reflections 1

Main Section Points 2

Overview 3

2 Philosophy and Practice of Group Work 11

Personal Reflections 11

Philosophy of Group Therapy 13

Types of Groups 14

Stages of Group Development 23

Stage 1 23

Stage 2 25

Stage 3 27

Stage 4 28

Group Leader Techniques 28

Specific Issues 32

Therapist Self-Care 35

Words to the Wise 38

Developing an Addictions Counseling Group 38

Handling Stage 2 Confrontations of the Leader 41

Addressing Specific Addiction Issues 42

Developing Group Member Awareness 43

References 45

3 Group Exercises 47

Icebreakers 49

Addiction Recovery 58

Family/Relationships/Culture 79

Family 80

Relationships 85

Culture 87

Feelings Exploration 88

Group Community Building 96

Self-Esteem 102

Recovery Skills: Communication/ Mindfulness/Problem Solving 105

Communication 105

Mindfulness 106

Problem Solving 107

Values 109

Openers 112

Opening Statements 112

General Opening Activities 112

Specific Opening Activities 113

Closers 115

Closing Statements 115

General Closing Activities 116

Specific Closing Activities 117

4 Resources 121

Readings 121

Workbooks/Exercises 122

Icebreaker Exercises 126

Websites 126