Group Therapy for Addictions: An Interpersonal Relapse Prevention Approach
Video
with
Devin Ashwood, Tim Leighton, PhD
Video 1.25 CE Credits

Group Therapy for Addictions: An Interpersonal Relapse Prevention Approach

Group therapy is a powerful and widely used modality in recovery programs, but too often group leaders lack a coherent and effective clinical framework. This video program will show you how to harness the interpersonal power of groups to work successfully with clients struggling with addictions. Video Length: 1h 23m
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COURSE DETAILS

Overview

While our field offers numerous approaches to group therapy, less is understood about group interventions for addiction. This refreshing video begins to close the gap by presenting a rich series of vignettes from an interpersonal process group for clients in early-stage recovery. Here, you’ll watch Tim Leighton and his UK-based team of addiction experts demonstrate key elements of this experiential model, shown in an outpatient setting. If you work with clients in recovery—or if you simply enjoy group work—this video will give you an array of necessary skills for leading successful interpersonal therapy groups.

Drawing from the pioneering work of Irvin Yalom and Philip Flores, interpersonal group therapy supports a client’s ability to sustain healthy relationships. Based on the idea that relationships are undermined by addictive behavior, this model of recovery helps members gain interpersonal skills in real time. You’ll see these theories in action, as members gradually deepen their capacity to share their stories, give and receive empathy, and navigate rifts. Moreover, you’ll be delighted as initially hardened members soften and brighten as a result of the work. Detailed commentary is offered throughout, outlining important concepts and noting crucial turning points in each vignette.

Leighton and his colleagues take an intentionally light hand in the sessions, supporting members’ autonomy and intervening only when necessary to help clarify the process. You’ll be intrigued by their concise interventions, and impressed by their warmth, insight, and ability to help the group attune to itself.

Regardless of orientation, therapists must help clients tolerate and move beyond the uncomfortable feelings that arise in session; this video provides a solid foundation in doing so from a relational standpoint. If you’re looking for resources on group therapy, addiction and recovery, or interpersonal therapy, this video is a must-watch.

While our field offers numerous approaches to group therapy, less is understood about group interventions for addiction. This refreshing video begins to close the gap by presenting a rich series of vignettes from an interpersonal process group for clients in early-stage recovery. Here, you’ll watch Tim Leighton and his UK-based team of addiction experts demonstrate key elements of this experiential model, shown in an outpatient setting. If you work with clients in recovery—or if you simply enjoy group work—this video will give you an array of necessary skills for leading successful interpersonal therapy groups.

Drawing from the pioneering work of Irvin Yalom and Philip Flores, interpersonal group therapy supports a client’s ability to sustain healthy relationships. Based on the idea that relationships are undermined by addictive behavior, this model of recovery helps members gain interpersonal skills in real time. You’ll see these theories in action, as members gradually deepen their capacity to share their stories, give and receive empathy, and navigate rifts. Moreover, you’ll be delighted as initially hardened members soften and brighten as a result of the work. Detailed commentary is offered throughout, outlining important concepts and noting crucial turning points in each vignette.

Leighton and his colleagues take an intentionally light hand in the sessions, supporting members’ autonomy and intervening only when necessary to help clarify the process. You’ll be intrigued by their concise interventions, and impressed by their warmth, insight, and ability to help the group attune to itself.

Regardless of orientation, therapists must help clients tolerate and move beyond the uncomfortable feelings that arise in session; this video provides a solid foundation in doing so from a relational standpoint. If you’re looking for resources on group therapy, addiction and recovery, or interpersonal therapy, this video is a must-watch.

“This superb video showcases highly competent group therapists combined with lucid explanations of both theory and technique. You’ll witness the group leaders harness the power of the group by repeatedly focusing the attention on how members are relating to each other, a key skill in effectively run groups. I would highly recommend this video to any therapist interested in mastering the art of group therapy, regardless of population served.”

–Irvin Yalom, MD, author of The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

What you'll learn

  • Explain how interpersonal group therapy applies to clients in recovery
  • Discuss the experiential process for supporting client autonomy
  • Apply feedback tools for working with client resistance

About the Experts

Devin Ashwood

Devin Ashwood

Devin Ashwood has worked in a range of substance misuse settings and is currently program leader and lecturer in addictions counseling for the Centre for Addiction Treatment Studies and the University of Bath. His specialties include mindfulness, interpersonal group therapy and cognitive therapy. He has been working in private practice as a therapist and supervisor for over ten years and has been delivering and teaching interpersonal group therapy since 2006. Devin’s work with the Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) authors Sarah…

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Tim Leighton, PhD

Tim Leighton, PhD

Tim Leighton, PhD is Action on Addiction’s director of professional education and research. He came to work for Clouds (residential treatment center) as a counselor in 1985, and in 1987 he went to Hazelden in Minnesota to look at their addiction counselor training programs in order to develop a course suitable for British counselors in the field. He has been leading professional education courses and degrees in the field of addiction for over 25 years. Leighton has been a UKCP registered…

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Disclosures

Tim Leighton was compensated for his/her/their contribution. None of his/her/their books or additional offerings are required for any of the Psychotherapy.net content. Should such materials be references, it is as an additional resource.

Devin Ashwood was compensated for his/her/their contribution. None of his/her/their books or additional offerings are required for any of the Psychotherapy.net content. Should such materials be references, it is as an additional resource.

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