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

40 Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy• Confidence. Leaders should be a model of theconsistency that comes from self-knowledgeand clarity of intent while remaining attentive toeach client’s experience. This secure groundingenables the leader to model stability for thegroup.• Spontaneity. Good leaders are creative andflexible.• Integrity. Leaders should be aware of ethicalissues that arise.• Trust. Group leaders should be able to trust others,and vice versa.• Humor. The therapist needs to be able to usehumor appropriately.• Empathy. The ability to project empathy is anessential skill for the counselor.For more information on these personal qualities,see pages 93--95 of TIP 41.Leading GroupsGroup therapy with clients who have histories ofsubstance abuse or addiction requires active,responsive leaders who keep the group lively andensure that members are continuously and meaningfullyengaged with each other. The followingbehaviors and abilities are important when leadinggroups:• Leaders are able to vary therapeutic stylesbased on the needs of clients.