Registration for this series is closed.
Not surprisingly, data from several studies found that group counseling is offered by over 90% of substance use disorders (SUD) treatment providers (Weiss, et al., 2004 and Crits-Christoph, et al., 2013). For many SUD treatment providers, group counseling services are considered the mainstay of all clinical services. Therefore, it is essential that everyone leading groups possess effective group facilitation skills. Facilitators skilled in group counseling methods are better prepared to assist group members in practicing communications skills, role playing difficult situations, learning how to give and receive feedback, identifying and naming feelings, and providing support, which all correlate to positive client outcomes.
The goal of this Enhanced Professional Learning series (EPL) on Group Counseling: Intentionally Built & Effectively Facilitated is to help group leaders build skills, increase knowledge regarding evidence-based practices in group counseling, avoid unhelpful or non-therapeutic group activities, and elevate their confidence in order to provide quality group counseling services through feedback and practice. Participants will have learning opportunities as part of the EPL to share group counseling experiences and practice group facilitation skills.
This EPL will focus on how to envision and build groups and developing/refining group skills that are facilitation-based (not SUD content-based), including knowledge and skills related to:
(cited by Wendt and Gone 2017; American Psychotherapy Association, 2007; CSAT, 2005; Sobell & Sobell, 2011; and Yalom & Leszcz, 2005)
