Group Facilitation for Addiction Counselors

Catalog description

This course is designed as an introduction to the dynamics of group interaction with the emphasis upon the individual?s firsthand experience as the group studies itself (under supervision). The factors involved in problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth will be highlighted. The emphasis will be on group process as a means of changing behavior. This course reviews the major goals, stages, and processes of group counseling in addiction treatment programs. The role, responsibilities, and ethics of the group leader are emphasized along with the strategies and techniques for facilitating group processes. Learners practice and demonstrate competencies through group leadership practice and participation as well as other measurable indicators, such as use of interventions learned. This course is one of several expertise/skills courses developed (special attention paid to TAP 21 criteria) to provide the practical knowledge required for successfully navigating credentialing (Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor) examinations. This course is designed to address the needs of students with no prior addiction treatment training as well as provide appropriately challenging coursework that will offer upper division scholarship for an advanced education in addiction studies.