Summary
Contents
Group Activities for Families in Recovery offers therapists a wealth of activities designed to help families struggling with addiction address problem areas of functioning, and ultimately shift from dysfunctional patterns to healthy living. Written by expert practitioners in family-oriented substance abuse treatment programs, this text focuses on group therapy as a key component to treatment.
Beginning with a brief overview of the issues involved in working from a systemic family therapy perspective of addiction, the text discusses practical guidelines for working with families in groups and how to best utilize the exercise in the book. The collection of 30 group activities are suitable for a variety of family-oriented substance abuse treatment groups. They are divided into seven sections covering the key issues of:
1. Family Structure; 2. Family Identity; 3. Sober Fun; 4. Toward Health; 5. Anger Management; 6. Healthy Communication; 7. Parenting
The activities are varied and include topics presented through expressive arts (drawing, writing, acting), game-playing, problem solving, enactments, worksheets, and roleplaying. The activities can be used individually, incorporated into another program, or stand alone as a 16-week (or longer) program. They can also be adapted for use in groups where children or present, or for adult-family groups.
Strategies to Manage Anger: Activity: Strategies to Manage Anger Worksheet: Activity Mode: Psycho-Education (Worksheet)
Strategies to Manage Anger: Activity: Strategies to Manage Anger Worksheet: Activity Mode: Psycho-Education (Worksheet)
Rationale
Anger is a common experience and concern in the families we work with. With substance abuse involved, anger can often escalate and become violent, harming everyone in the family. Encouraging a conversation among family members about how to manage anger in safe, appropriate ways is essential.
It is important for clinicians to assess for domestic violence in all couples. Sensitivity to the possibility of danger in working with couples with violence related to power and control is critical. It would be inappropriate and possibly dangerous to work with such couples in this family group. Careful assessment for domestic violence ...
