Quick Guide for Clinicians - SAMHSA Store - Substance Abuse and ...

8 Substance Abuse Treatment: Group TherapyPrincipal characteristics. Psychoeducationalgroups generally teach clients that they need tolearn to identify, avoid, and eventually master thespecific internal states and external circumstancesassociated with substance abuse.Leadership skills and styles. Leaders in psychoeducationalgroups primarily assume the roles ofeducator and facilitator.Techniques. Techniques for conducting psychoeducationalgroups are concerned with (1) how informationis presented and (2) how to assist clientsto incorporate learning so that it leads to productivebehavior, improved thinking, and emotionalchange.2. Skills Development GroupsSkills development groups teach skills that helpclients maintain abstinence, such as• Refusal skills• Social skills• Communication skills• Anger management skills• Parenting skills• Money management skills