Small Group Therapy Case Study

Deborah “Deb” Barnes is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor employed at Valley Hope (VH), a private residential treatment facility located in Cushing, Oklahoma that specializes in the treatment of substance use and codependency disorders. When I walked through the door at the end of the Lecture Hall I paused, unsure of whether I was in an office or a playroom. Deb explained that her office is used as the unofficial storage room for behavioral therapy props because she enjoys having the stuffed animals and other toys around her. She invited me to take a seat next to a Teddy bear, and for the next hour I interviewed her about aspects of group therapy that is conducted in the facility. Deb taught me much about how her group members are assembled,
Freedom from addiction is no different, so each client should consider what must be sacrificed, what compliance must be made, in order to achieve real recovery from addiction. Individual members of the group are encouraged to set personal goals for themselves, as well. This is where in-group motivational interviewing and reflective listening is useful. What do you want? What is important to you and your loved ones? Where will you be in five years? Can you remember when you were really happy? What did you experience that first time you used? What about the last time you used? What problems are you having now? Based on the answers, a client can be led into a self-epiphany about the role that substances play as a perceived solution to his or her chronic fears and problems, and in turn goals can be set to achieve healthy cognitive and behavioral changes. The client can be shown alternative solutions to fears and problems, and taught coping skills to carry out of treatment and develop further in aftercare. Deb is particularly good at working with defensive clients, and claims that meeting anger with tactful persistence
She immediately replied, “Through empathy.” She explained that group therapy is first and foremost a spiritual and intuitive experience for all involved. A facilitator is responsible TO the group, not FOR the group. It boils down to treating clients the way she wants to be treated. Bad choices should, of course, be pointed out. However, if a client consciously chooses to make bad choices the counselor should still demonstrate support, acceptance, and love. This is what it means to have a therapeutic alliance based on trust and loyalty. My time with Deb was worth more than I could ever pay her, and I am grateful to her and to Grand Canyon University for giving me this learning