We all know, substance use disorders are a significant public health concern. Defined in terms of the eleven criteria including physiological, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms, as well as consequences of criteria (2 criteria define a disorder).
Individual and community costs of substance use are estimated at over $193 billion and approximately $78.5 billion for opioids alone. Group therapy can be a powerful source of therapeutic healing. It is the delivery and shared experience that sets group therapy apart. Group therapy can serve as an indispensable element of effective substance misuse and mental health treatment.
Upon completion of this traininf, participants will be able to:
- LIST several goals of group treatment.
- DESCRIBE at least 5 benefits from group therapy.
- TROUBLESHOOT methods to deal with distinct types of participants in groups.
- EXPLORE group leader roles, methods, and responsibilities in therapy.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: The Value and Purpose of Group Therapy
- Understand group therapy as a powerful tool in substance use and mental health treatment
- Review therapeutic forces including hope, universality, altruism, and social learning
- Recognize the corrective emotional and social experiences groups provide
- Address the role of group cohesion, catharsis, and mutual support
Objective #2: Goals of Group Therapy
- Provide a safe, stigma-free environment for emotional expression
- Develop behavioral templates and model healthy coping
- Create mutual support systems and normalize recovery struggles
- Teach communication and social skills
- Build confidence and self-efficacy through shared progress
- Promote emotion regulation and practical coping strategies
Objective #3: Benefits of Group Therapy
- Offer a realistic social microcosm to relearn interpersonal functioning
- Reduce isolation and encourage connection
- Improve communication and listening skills
- Provide a wide range of feedback and foster self-awareness
- Offer practice for new skills in a safe environment
- Allow therapists to observe client interaction styles firsthand
- Encourage vulnerability and accountability
- Build lasting peer support and community connection
Objective #4: Types of Groups
- Task Groups: structured with concrete goals
- Psychoeducational Groups: focus on prevention and learning
- Counseling Groups: support interpersonal problem-solving
- Psychotherapy Groups: address deeper psychological issues
- Support and Self-help Groups: offer mutual aid and connection
Objective #5: Addressing Common Group Challenges
- Troubleshoot behaviors like silence, denial, anger, dominance, and crosstalk
- Understand roles including Silent Sherry, Angry Al, Debbie Downer, and Enabling Elaine
- Apply structured facilitator interventions to redirect and re-engage members
- Reinforce group rules and establish accountability through boundaries and expectations
Objective #6: Facilitator Roles and Responsibilities
- Build trust and provide a safe therapeutic container
- Supervise group conduct and maintain norms
- Guide discussions while remaining non-directive and observant
- Balance empathy with leadership and structure
- Model healthy boundaries and reflective dialogue
Objective #7: Practical Group Activities and Discussion Prompts
- Use buzz groups to collaboratively solve challenges like relapse, triggers, and resentments
- Explore themes such as gratitude, healing the inner child, and mindfulness
- Introduce exercises that encourage self-reflection, emotional regulation, and group cohesion
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Paul Hardy, D.Min. NMAC, CSAC
Recording Date: July 30, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com