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research proposal for group counseling
research proposal for group counseling
research proposal for group counseling
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The main purpose of this article was to explain the benefits that group members could experience when using therapeutic letters in a group counseling setting. The article explained how counselors can use therapeutic letters with substance abusers who are experiencing resistance and ambivalence in a counseling group. The main focus of this study was to explain the impact that therapeutic letters have on substance abusers, who are exhibiting negative behaviors or attitudes towards treatment and seemed to have desire to change, but are not quite committed to change(Hagedorn, 2011). The study measured how the implementation of experiential activity, in this case, the therapeutic letter called, “letter to my substance” can be beneficial to substance abusers in a counseling group. However, the article also explains to the readers the technique and provides samples to understand the approach more clearly. In addition, the author explained that the therapeutic letter can be beneficial for other clients that are experiencing problems with sex, gambling, and eating disorders (Hagedorn, 2011).
In this article, Hagedorn (2011) mentioned that resistance and ambivalence to change is not only a problem that counselors can experience in a group of substance abusers, but it can also be experienced in many other counseling groups with members experiencing different issues, such as depression or anxiety. Although, resistance and ambivalence can be found in members of counseling groups, the group leaders are responsible to explore the issue with group members by using experiential activities or other beneficial approaches in the group. Hagedorn (2011) explained that an exploration of the benefits of therapeutic letter writing for substance ...
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... also the samples and an explanation of the process that a counselor should do with this activity in a group setting. It is important to mention that even if this article provided information and steps to process, a group leader must understand and research more information into the process of narrative therapy before implementing this activity to group members. This article made me realize the importance that group leaders have the necessary emotional maturity to handle all the mixed emotions that substance abusers can experienced by using this activity and be aware of their emotional reactions to what is being process by the group members at all times.
Works Cited
Hagedorn, W. (2011). Using Therapeutic Letters to Navigate Resistance and Ambivalence: Experiential Implications for Group Counseling. Journal Of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 31(2), 108-126.
Depending on their conditions, many people resort to substances to help them cope. These substances are widely abused and are unhealthy. The British Journal of Social Work surveyed three different rehabilitation centers. They came to the conclusion that “There is a very large international body of research on substance use and abuse, ranging from problem etiology to treatment (Valtonen 59)”. This suggests that because of what people are dealing with, they often resort to substance abuse. However, there are many better ways to cope. People use substances to try and figure out their diagnoses. During the surveys of the rehabilitation centers, they found out some other coping mechanisms. Some of these coping mechanisms are sleeping, eating, smoking, and drinking. These mechanisms are not a healthy way to deal with the situation at hand. This study shows that people who avoid substances to cope and instead talk to a therapist have better outcomes. This is also true with people who go to focus groups and verbally discuss their problems rather than resorting to
Alcoholism is as prevalent in my family, as blood is in our veins. When previously asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without consideration of the possibility that other groups had any potential to make an impact on me. I always pride myself in my ability to identify as an individual that is not ensnared in alcoholism, but unfortunately am an individual that was highly tormented by alcoholism. Through observation of the group and how it processed, as well as identifying how I felt as a new attendee, I was able to understand why self-help, support groups are so vital for individuals in recovery. I finally realized, I too am in recovery.
Smyth, N. (1994). Addictions counseling: a practical guide to counseling people with chemical and other addictions/The addiction process: effective social work approaches/Clinical work with substance-abusing clients (book). Social Work, 39(5), 616.
During the rehab process, patients receive much more than therapy and counselling. They learn a lot about addiction and what it takes to stay on the path of recovery. In many cases, they also learn the value of having one or more support groups. For many years now, counselors have placed a great deal of value on promoting the idea of "one addict helping another addict." In fact, who would know more about the recovery process than someone who has successfully lived it?
When working with diverse populations it is vital as counselors to consider the whole person and be sensitive to cultural norms during the delivery of treatment services (“The role,” n.d.). This process can be confusing to clients and counselors provide structure to the nature and purpose of counseling. During the assessment phase of treatment, counselors distinguish the presenting problem, nature, severity, and duration of the consumer (Gladding and Newsome, 2013). As well as assess the level of readiness and motivation for change and be knowledgeable with tasks and interventions strategies on each level of development with age, gender, cultural background, psychosocial stressors, and level of functioning. For example, resistant consumers who are court ordered to attend treatment can either enhance or detract physically, psychologically, and emotionally by physical settings. Some methods used by counselors can anticipate, accept and strengthen relationship, use persuasion, or confront the situation with resistant clients depending on counselor training (Gladding and Newsome, 2013).
The core concept of narrative therapy is rooted in postmodern theory. This includes having a positive and hopeful view of clients and their power to create change. Also, taking a “not-knowing” stance is essential in order to enhance collaboration between clients and therapist. Narrative Therapy encourages therapists to remain curious and acknowledge
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2008). Foundations of addictions counseling. Boston, M.A: Pearson Education.
Clients learning to contend with domestic violence, chemical dependency, and anger management are just as vulnerable as clients combating depression, grief and loss, and extreme anxiety. All clients are vulnerable regardless of the circumstances that prod them to seek counseling services. For some clients, the very act of seeking counseling is a very exposing and powerless experience. Some clients may become defensive while others may become withdrawn; yet, both are attempts to cover and protect in an unsure situation. Having a working knowledge and understanding of this concept, I will use fidelity in the administration of my interactions with my clients (ACA, 2010). I will cautiously examine all commitments prior to coming into a therapeutic agreement with my clients (ACA, 2010). An example of this would be to thoroughly review, to the client's level of understanding, payment and fee schedules as well as counseling goals and treatment objective...
...ncalves, Miguel, Martins, Carla (2009), ‘Innovative moments and change in narrative therapy’, Psychotherapy Research, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 68-80.
For this reason, some of the brief therapies, such as strategic family therapy or solution-focused therapy, that focus on rapid change without much attention to understanding, might be more appropriate. However, I believe these brief therapies do not give clients enough time to really parse out their problem. I am wary of counseling that limits clients’ ability to tell their stories fully, which seems like just one more way of silencing people, oppressing them, and keeping them in line. In working with my clients I want to collectively understand how problem-saturated stories developed, the cultural, familial, or biological factors that might be involved, and the availability of choices. I believe that narrative therapy is the most flexible approach in this respect because although not brief, it is efficient and seems to be effective long-term, although more research is needed, which is challenging because of the subjective nature of this approach (Madigan, 2011). In my therapy practice, I want to leave clients feeling hopeful and liberated by helping them to see the problem as separate from their identities and as only one story to choose from several, and by acknowledging the contextual factors contributing to the
Using several resources such as Goldenberg & Goldenberg (2013) the key techniques and concepts of narrative therapy will be examined along with noted similarities and differences when compared to other leading therapies. The first part will conclude by giving a brief overview of things learned by doing this research. Prior to completing the research I was unaware of the lack of empirical research regarding narrative therapy. This is an important aspect to consider since many supporters of narrative research such as Frost & Ouellette (2011) would like to see more accomplished using narrative research.
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
“Motivational interviewing was introduced by Dr. William R. Miller in 1983, to help problem drinkers prepare for treatment and has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Rollnick. Motivational interviewing is a client centered directive method of communication for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by helping people to explore and work through ambivalence. (Miller &Rollnick,2002).” This definition simply means that motivational interviewing is a method that uses the techniques taught by Carl Rodgers, such as empathy, positive regard, and congruence all of which lead to a collaborative relationship between the counselor and the client. This supportive and collaborative relationship will enable the client to open up and have honest discussions with the counselor. Therefore, the counselor will be able to help the client recognize:
The ultimate intention of motivational interviewing and guided change talk is that it will result in a strong commitment to change for the client. There is a higher likelihood of behavioral changes actually occurring (Hettema, Steele, & Miller, 2005). Data from early research completed by Miller on MI with drinking showed how change talk can predict behavioral changes. Resistance is common in motivational interviewing. The data shows that the more than a clients resists changes and positive change talk, the more likely they are to continue with the behavior that needs to be changed, such as drinking, drug abuse, or criminal offending (Miller & Rose, 2009).
There are many different techniques and approaches to group counseling. The approach that I found to be the most interesting is the existential approach. “The existential perspective holds that we define ourselves by our choices” (Corey & Corey, 2014, p.114). This approach can be successful in therapy because it allows one to oversee one’s future. In this paper, I’m going to generally discuss the existential approach to therapy and where it can be used.