Teens in drug rehabilitation need guidance and ground rules for their therapy.
Therapists overseeing adolescent substance abuse groups have many tasks to manage in the course of therapy. There are several phases, markers and important activities in the course of a group's treatment. Therapists use them to set rules, boundaries, expectations, deal with issues that arise and most importantly -- to have members of the group help other members and themselves through therapy. Activities that set the stage for how the group functions are particularly important among adolescents who are at a highly-self involved stage of development.
Group Agreement
Every adolescent substance abuse group has its own rules. They vary by therapist and treatment philosophy, but commonly include respecting each other's right to talk, not tearing down one another, talking about themselves at some point in each session and attending faithfully. When starting a new group and at the beginning of meetings with revolving membership groups, therapists often make the an activity. They call on members of the group to explain the rules as well as the reasons behind them. Therapists sometimes invite group members to develop their own rules or to propose new rules and modifications they believe will make the group a safer, more effective environment in which to grow. Members should agree to the conditions of the group when starting out and affirm their commitment whenever group agreement is discussed.
Group Cohesion
The more connections exist between group members, the more effective a group gets. Group therapy leaders have to facilitate the process of connecting. This is done in several ways. Usually, therapists require each group member to introduce herself and share her story about substance abuse and why she is in therapy. Therapists also point out commonalities between participants, support friendships and alliances, encourage constructive discussion and when appropriate allow group members to challenge one another.
Sharing Experiences
Group members who have either been in a group longer than others or who have made significant progress should participate in sharing their experiences and insights with newer group members or those who are struggling. For many teens, understanding that they are not alone in their problems and challenges helps them gain perspective and open up. In some cases, group members begin to admire other group members who make strides which in turn motivates the group as a whole.
Termination
The final activity of a group or can be one of the most difficult, especially when an entire group disbands. Frequently, group members worry about how they will do without the support and benefit of the group. In revolving groups, members sometimes regress to try to remain in group therapy. Therapists have to lead the group or specific members through the termination process, emphasizing how their work and progress have led therapy to an end. The termination process involves closure with the therapist and the group. Therefore, therapists invite people to share their feelings about terminating as well as their insights as to how they have progressed and their thoughts about the overall group therapy experience.
Tags: group members, substance abuse, , adolescent substance, abuse, ground rules, group member
