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

Groups Commonly Used in Substance Abuse Treatment9Principal characteristics. Because of the degree ofindividual variation in client needs, the particularskills taught to a client should depend on anassessment that takes into account individualcharacteristics, abilities, and background.Leadership skills and styles. In skills developmentgroups, as in psychoeducation, leaders need basicgroup therapy knowledge and skills, knowledge ofthe patterns that show how people relate to oneanother in groups, skills in fostering interactionamong members and managing conflict thatinevitably arises among members in a group environment,and helping clients take ownership forthe group.Techniques. The specific techniques used in askills development group will vary depending onthe skills being taught.3. Cognitive–Behavioral GroupsCognitive–behavioral groups are a well-establishedpart of the substance abuse treatment fieldand are particularly appropriate in early recovery.Cognitive processes include a number of differentpsychological activities, such as thoughts, beliefs,decisions, opinions, and assumptions. A numberof thoughts and beliefs are affected by an