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

18 Substance Abuse Treatment: Group TherapyLeadership characteristics and style. A groupleader for a culturally specific group will need tobe sensitive and creative. How much authorityleaders will exercise and how interactive they willbe depends on the values and practices of thecultural group. The group leader should pay attentionto a number of factors, all of which should beconsidered in any group but which will be particularlyimportant in culturally specific groups.Clinicians should• Be aware of cultural attitudes and resistancestoward groups.• Understand the dominant culture’s view of thecultural group or community and how thataffects members of the group.• Be able to validate and acknowledge past andcurrent oppression, with a goal of helping toempower group members.• Be aware of a cultural group’s collective griefand anger and how it can affect countertransferenceissues.• Focus on what is held in common among groupmembers, while being sensitive to differences.Techniques. Different cultures have specific activitiesthat can be used in a treatment setting. Somecommon elements in treatment include storytelling, rituals and religious practices, holiday celebrations,retreats, and rites of passage practices.