It’s not always easy to get clients to actively participate in substance abuse groups, particularly if they’ve been mandated to enter treatment. Clients often come to group with their defenses up. Group leaders must know how to create an environment in which group members feel safe enough to lower their defenses and begin to share authentically. Our first task as group leaders must be to help group members connect with each other and find commonalities so that they can take the risk to be vulnerable. We are gearing this workshop towards working with substance abuse groups but these techniques are useful in all groups. The participants will learn the therapeutic value of Sociometric Exploration in Substance Abuse Treatment groups, experiential structures to uncover commonalities among members, and practice tools to get clients talking to each other so that they can connect.
**SPECIAL NOTE**
Though this training is not mandatory, space is very limited. This training is very interactive and various activities will be conducted. Use of your video camera will be required throughout the entire training. If you believe you will be unable to make this commitment, please allow someone the opportunity to register. In the event that you register and later learn that you will no longer be able to participate, please let us know as soon as possible. By proceeding with registration, you are confirming your complete participation.
Jennifer R. Salimbene, MSSW, LCSW-R, CASAC, TEP is the Director of the Addiction track at the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute. She has been Director of Clinical Services at several in and outpatient substance abuse programs including Lexington Center for Recovery in Dutchess County, NY, and St. Christopher’s Inn at Graymoor in Garrison, NY. She has over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist. She has a clinical supervision and private therapy practice with offices in Hopewell Junction and Rhinebeck, NY, a Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP), and is a graduate of the School of Playback Theatre.
Regina Sewell, PhD/ MEd, LMHC, PCC, CP is a licensed mental health counselor in New York and a licensed professional counselor in Ohio. Regina specializes in co-dependency, addictions, LGBT issues, stress management, and getting unstuck. She has a private therapy practice with offices in Hopewell Junction and Rhinebeck, NY. She is currently the Secretary of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP) and is also a Fellow of the ASGPP and the president of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the ASGPP. Regina also teaches Theatre Therapy at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and Sociology at SUNY New Paltz.
