Assgn – WK9 (G)
Group Therapy for Addiction
Consider the following scenario:
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is working for a community health clinic that offers state mandated “intensive outpatient rehabilitation” services for individuals who face incarceration for driving while under the influence. Mr. Smith, a 24-year-old male patient, shows up for his initial intake appointment and says, “Look, this sounds like it’s going to be an AA meeting. Can’t I just go there? I only had a couple of drinks. I don’t know why the judge was such a jerk.”
Clients with addictive disorders may present for therapy for various reasons. Some, like Mr. Smith, attend because it is court mandated. Some attend because family or friends have pushed them to do so, while others may attend because life has become unmanageable. Regardless of clients’ reasons for presenting for therapy, to reach these clients and effectively treat them, you must be able to break down barriers, establish relationships, and help them see the benefits of this therapeutic approach.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO REVIEW THE ATTACHED 7 VIDEO TRANSCRIPTS BEFORE DOING THE ASSIGNMENT, and to include a title page, introduction, summary, and references
The Assignment
In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:
· Identify the psychotherapeutic approach that the group facilitator is using and
explain why she might be using this approach.
· Determine whether or not you would use the same psychotherapeutic approach
if you were the counselor facilitating this group and justify your decision.
· Identify an alternative approach to group therapy for addiction and explain why
it is an appropriate option.
· Support your position with evidence-based literature.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer.
- Chapter 16, “Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Addictions and Related Disorders” (pp. 565–596)
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Gamble, J., & O’ Lawrence, H. (2016). An overview of the efficacy of the 12-step group therapy for substance abuse treatment. Journal of Health & Human Services Administration, 39(1), 142–160. Retrieved from
Kim, J. W., Choi, Y. S., Shin, K. C., Kim, O. H., Lee, D. Y., Jung, M. H., … Choi, I. (2012). The effectiveness of continuing group psychotherapy for outpatients with alcohol dependence: 77-month outcomes. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 36(4), 686–692. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011. 01643.x
Required Media
Allyn & Bacon (Producer). (2000). Motivational interviewing [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.
Note: You will access this media from the ATTACHED TRANSCRIPT. The approximate length of this media piece is 102 minutes.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013d). Levy family: Sessions 1-7 [Video file]. Baltimore, MD; Author.
