The Effective Use of Group Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment

Workshop Description

Counseling in groups has long been established as the most effective milieu for the treatment of people with substance abuse disorders.  Yet, many counselors have had to provide group intervention without proper preparation and training.  The results can be discouraging to say the least.  This six-hour workshop will explore group developmental stages and interaction dynamics.  Attention will be given to techniques and approaches that will enhance the group experience for both the client population and the clinician.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to state the stages of group development and interaction dynamics,
2. Participants will be able to distinguish the different types of group and their relevance to the phases of recovery,
3. Participants will role-play three exercises that can be used in the context of group work with patients as a means of encouraging recovery efforts.

Trainer

Michael Gaudet, LICSW earned his undergraduate degree in 1981 at Bridgewater State College and his MSW from Rhode Island College in 1984. He is currently the Director of Quality Assurance for ten outpatient mental health and substance abuse programs in Massachusetts, with a primary office at Arbour Counseling Services, Norwell, MA. In addition, he serves as the organization’s Compliance and Privacy Officer and is a surveyor for CARF International.   Mike has extensive clinical and supervision experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment. He trains and consults across the country on clinical and professional growth topics, and, since 1986, is a faculty member of the New England Institute of Addiction Studies.  He has been involved in several projects designed to advance the use of medication in substance abuse recovery, including the use of Methadone, Buprenorphine and Vivitrol, through the Addiction Technology Transfer Center of New England.

See attached flyer for registration instructions.