Preparation of the Group Psychotherapist for Working With Recovery From Addiction

Abstract

Abstract:We believe that addiction is a family disease. Recovery from addiction often occurs in intentional communities such as self-help fellowships, where the covert dynamics that enabled addiction in the family of origin are replaced by explicitly negotiated boundaries and free expression of affect. The functional psychotherapy group is an intentional family-like group that facilitates joining an intentional community of recovery such as Alcoholics Anonymous. This article examines the preparation of the group psychotherapist for conducting a well-functioning psychotherapy group for recovering addicts and their family members. Four aspects of preparing the group psychotherapist for practicing effectively with recovering addicts are considered: personal experience in recovery from addiction as a family disease, including the use of a sponsor and attendance at self-help group meetings; personal experience in psychotherapy and/or training groups; personal experience in group relations conference work; and the capacity to bring one's body and mind into the role of group psychotherapist.