63rd Annual Conference

Friday February 24

Early Bird Sessions

7:15 A.M. – 8:15 A.M.

Session 217

The Efficacy of Groups in Wellness and Recovery Models

Chair:         

Robert Klein, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

Presenters: 

Stephan Betz, Ph.D., Assistant Director, County Clinic, Fairfield, California

Richard DeGette, M.A., Program Coordinator Vocational Services, Solano County Mental Health Services, Fairfield, California

This presentation will brief participants on the best and most efficient use of support groups in wellness and recovery models where clients achieve self-sufficiency through employment. In recovery oriented practice, it is critical to utilize groups in order to build upon the aspirations for recovery by involving each group member in the personal journey of each member of the group. Steps in recovery and toward employment or vocational learning can be best tracked and supported by way of a group process that emphasizes these building blocks.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Collect meaningful information to determine whether a group-oriented wellness and recovery model would suit their clinic treatment center.

2. Describe the six components of wellness and recovery to interested peers back at work.

3. Explain the role of group processes in the six components in wellness and recovery to peers at work.

4. Integrate aspects of group processes in their own practice which support rehabilitation in the context of employment search or vocational learning.

Course References:

1. Rasmussen, B. (1999). Joining Group Psychotherapy: Developmental Considerations, International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 4, 513.

2. Galanter, M., & Brook, D. (2001). Network Therapy for Addiction: Bringing family and peer support into office practice, International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 1, 101.

3. Mishna, F., & Muscat, B. (2004). I'm Not the Only One Group Therapy with Older Children and Adolescents Who Have Learning Disabilities, International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 4, 455.

4. Shapiro, E. (2005). Joining a Group's Task: The Discovery of Hope and Respect, International Journal of Group Psychotherapy,55, 211.