HLSC 2120 Group Psychotherapy, AA and the Self Help Programs (SHP)

…Groups effectively break down the denial process through a combination of identification, confrontation, feedback and support (Sadler, 2003).

In concert, AA and group therapy are highly successful, constituting one of the strongest forms of treatment available (Gitlow & Peyser, 1980, Pattison & Kaufman 1982, Whitfield 1981 &1982, Sadler 20003)

AA is a, “fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism” it’s purpose, “is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1939)

… … patients who choose to attend SHG after formal treatment are more likely than those who do not, to maintain abstinence, and that more involvement is associated with more improvement on substance use outcomes. Timo, DeBenedetti and Billow, 2006)

Why not develop a partnership between Alcoholics Anonymous and professionally oriented treatment approaches and combine the two different sets of knowledge and expertise?

Sadler …, “by doing so, the chances are greater of developing an innovative treatment model that may actually help more alcoholics and addicts, rather then continuing the destructive territorial fighting that is presently occurring.

It must be remembered that psychotherapy and AA are diverse entities, containing a wide range of practices and interpretations of theory and traditions (Matanto and Yalom, 1991).

… we believe that AA and psychotherapy are not competing forces that threaten the survival or efficacy of the other, but are mutually augmentative.

Classroom: Small Group Work: 1.) Identify the differences between SHG (self help groups) and PDG (professionally Directed Groups) 2) Identify the value of each approach and how each can be augmentative of the other.

Timo, DeBenedetti & Billow, 2006 Standard Referral: 1) During the first session, the client is given a schedule of AA meetings in the local area 2) The client is encouraged to attend. 3) Counselor and client reviewed relapse prevention and psycho-educational treatment

Intensive Referral Intensive Referral: 1) The client is given schedule of local 12 step meetings 2) The client is given a list of meetings favoured by other clients with time locations, directions (foot, car etc.)

Intensive Referral 3) client is given a handout on 12 Step SHG alcohol and drug misuse 4) provided an introduction to 12 Step philosophy, structure and terminology 5) addressed common concerns about participation and encourages client to set goals for attending, working the first steps, joining a home groups and obtaining a sponsor (Counselor reviewed the handout with the client).

Intensive Referral 6) at the first session the counselor arranged a meeting between the client and a member of AA. Also at this meeting both agree on that the SHG meetings to be attended before the next session, this is put in writing. 7) client journales attendance, including thoughts and feelings.

Intensive Referral 8) at the second meeting client is asked if she/he read the information given and if there were questions about it. 9) if the client had not attended a SHG, the counselor would review that expectation with the client. Counselor would review clients journal.

Intensive Referral 10) by the third meeting, the procedure for contacting SHG member is repeated if the client had not attended. Counselor reviews the clients journal. 11) if the client who had already attended a meeting then the client is asked if she/he had contacted an individual about sponsorship. (Timo, DeBenedetti & Billow, 2006)