Group therapy can be a powerful tool to aid and support moderation management practices for drugs and alcohol. At Fifth Avenue Psychiatry, our addiction therapists carefully evaluate and select group members to join our group therapy program so that attending individuals feel connected and understood by both the group therapists and other members. In addition, the fundamental core of our treatment is privacy and discretion, and groups are selected to enhance this value.
Our group therapy program is led by two licensed clinical psychologists, Dr. Tracey Bassett and Dr. Britt Gottlich. Dr. Bassett and Dr. Gottlich have a comprehensive history of group therapy experience and have run successful moderation management groups at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry for several years.
While our group therapy program has psychoeducational aspects rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the moderation management group is tailored to the needs and makeup of group members. As a primarily member-driven program, our group therapy program emphasizes process, support, and open dialogue. Historically, group speakers, at the request of members, have been included to speak to themes such as meditation and the impact of substances on the brain in both short-term and long-term use.
Clients are allowed a two-week trial of the group, and then we ask that a ten-week commitment be made, with the option to continue after that period.
While one-on-one addiction treatment programs are favored by some, group therapy for addiction can be beneficial on its own or in addition to individualized treatment.
Amongst other reasons, group therapy offers the following benefits to attendees:
Moderation Management (MM) offers a form of harm reduction for individuals struggling with the consequences of alcohol and substance use who may not be ready or may not need to take an abstinence approach. In contrast to abstinence, moderation management, which instills controlled use practices, is a tool designed to motivate individuals to reduce use, such as moderate drinking.
Rather than forcing an individual into traditional recovery programs or support groups that encourage complete abstinence, moderation programs allow a person to reflect on their behavior to develop their own practical approach. In a moderation management program, therapists can help individuals create goals and set personal limitations that may be more specific to them.
It is critical to understand that moderation management programs are intended for those who do not have a severe alcohol or substance use disorder. Those who have a serious substance use disorder may find it difficult to reduce consumption and may have greater success with an individualized alcohol addiction program.
Learn more about our group therapy program by contacting Fifth Avenue Psychiatry today.
Substance abuse treatment typically utilizes two primary types of groups: Psychoeducational groups and skills development groups. Psychoeducational groups include elements from cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy. The goal of these groups is to work with mental health professionals to cultivate a greater understanding of substance addiction and treatments.
Skills development groups help individuals to develop life skills to improve their daily functioning. In addiction treatment, these skills also include healthy coping mechanisms to fight the urge to use or relapse.
Cognitive therapy groups are the most common and successful in research-based studies. These group therapies examine thought and behavioral patterns while practicing various exercises to work through difficult emotions.
On average, group therapy tends to last between 10-12 weeks. These therapies can have a specific start-to-finish date where everyone in the group begins and ends simultaneously, or they can be ongoing groups where everyone stays for varying amounts of time.
Anyone with mental health or substance use challenges can benefit from group therapy. When combined with individual therapy, these can be an effective way to treat adverse behaviors and thought patterns.
Group therapies typically meet at least once a week but may have up to three meetings weekly, depending on the group’s goals.
Sharing your thoughts and experiences and intently listening to others are key aspects of successful group therapy. Talking to others allows you to receive feedback on areas you struggle with and to learn new skills to overcome challenges.
Be open to group therapy and prepare to share your experiences and listen to others. Focus on engaging with your fellow attendees rather than giving a monologue. You’re all there for a reason and a shared goal of self-improvement. By being your most authentic self, you can open yourself up to learning more about yourself and those around you.
For initial consultations, please provide your phone number and the best time to reach you. For all other inquiries please contact your doctor directly.
