Group Exercises for Addiction Counseling

Geri Miller, PhD, Diplomate in Counseling Psychology, ABPP, is a Full Professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling at Appalachian State University. She is a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board-Certified Clinical Supervisor. She is a Disaster Mental Health Worker with the American Red Cross and has responded to local, state, and national disasters. The author of four books, including Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling, Third Edition (Wiley), Dr. Miller was awarded the 2009 Ella Stephens Barrett Award for excellence in professional leadership, the most coveted honor bestowed by the North Carolina Counseling Association.

• Preface ixAcknowledgments xiii1 Introduction 1Personal Reflections 1Main Section Points 2Overview 32 Philosophy and Practice of Group Work 11Personal Reflections 11Philosophy of Group Therapy 13Types of Groups 14Stages of Group Development 23Stage 1 23Stage 2 25Stage 3 27Stage 4 28Group Leader Techniques 28Specific Issues 32Therapist Self-Care 35Words to the Wise 38Developing an Addictions Counseling Group 38Handling Stage 2 Confrontations of the Leader 41Addressing Specific Addiction Issues 42Developing Group Member Awareness 43References 453 Group Exercises 47Icebreakers 49Addiction Recovery 58Family/Relationships/Culture 79Family 80Relationships 85Culture 87Feelings Exploration 88Group Community Building 96Self-Esteem 102Recovery Skills: Communication/ Mindfulness/Problem Solving 105Communication 105Mindfulness 106Problem Solving 107Values 109Openers 112Opening Statements 112General Opening Activities 112Specific Opening Activities 113Closers 115Closing Statements 115General Closing Activities 116Specific Closing Activities 1174 Resources 121Readings 121Workbooks/Exercises 122Icebreaker Exercises 126Websites 126