International Centre for Certification and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE)

The Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders (UTC)

Curriculum 4

Basic Counseling Skills

for Addiction Professionals

MODULE 6: PSYCHOEDUCATION GROUPS

FOR CLIENTS AND FAMILIES
Module 6 Learning Objectives

Define and describe psychoeducation and

differentiate it from group therapy
Develop topics for both a skills-based group and
an information-based group
Develop content for a psychoeducation group
Assess your programs psychoeducation services
and identify possible improvements

6.2
Psychoeducation

What is psychoeducation?

6.3
Definition of Psychoeducation

Educate clients about substance abuse

Educate clients about related behaviors and
consequences
Present structured content
Often use visual aids
Facilitate discussions

Source: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (2005). Substance abuse treatment: Group Therapy. Treatment
Imporvement Protocol (TIP). Series 41. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 05-3991. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse Mental
Health Services Administration.

6.4
Psychoeducation and Group
Therapy: Similarities

Group of clients with similar characteristics

Common goal
Focus on substance use and recovery
Facilitated by a leader
Encourages interaction among clients

6.5
Differences

Focuson education, not therapy

Emphasis on information, not feelings
Emphasis on skill building, not behavioral change

6.6
Large-group Exercise: Value of
Psychoeducation

Why should we offer psychoeducation to our

clients?
How can it benefit them?
What are possible outcomes for clients and family
members?

6.7
Types of Groups

Clientsonly
Family only
Family and clients
Community settings

6.8
Skills-based Groups

Teachhow, not what

Examples of skills:
Problem-solving
Techniques for managing cravings
Refusing drug offers
Other relapse-prevention strategies

6.9
Information-based Groups: For Clients
or Families

Address knowledge, not skills

More didactic than skills-based
More specific
Less interaction in group
No discussion of personal issues

6.10
Break
15 minutes

6.11
Group Leader: Qualifications

Investment in providing psychoeducation

Demonstrated concern for clients
Experience in leading educational groups
Familiarity with agencys treatment programs
Experience with clients and families

6.12
The Group Leader: General Tasks

Help identify appropriate group members

Recruit group members
Adjust the group approach
Develop a curriculum and a schedule
Prepare visual aids
Select reference materials and handouts
Deliver training
Provide after-session support as needed
Keep up-to-date regarding relevant knowledge
Be flexible

6.13
During Each Session

Provide a welcoming atmosphere

Encourage questions and comments
Provide sources of additional information
Remain in the room afterward
Talk to people with problems and concerns

6.14
Considering Learning Styles

Age
Education level and fluency
Stage of treatment or recovery
Didactic vs. interactive
Visual vs. auditory

6.15
Tailoring Instruction

Variety
Visualaids
Role-plays
Videos

6.16
General Training Guidelines for Group
Leader

Periodicallyreview information
Use common language
Break information down
Check for understanding

6.17
Cognitive Deficits

Common in early recovery

Particular effect on:
Short-term memory
Attention span
Helped by repeating information

6.18
Avoid Overt Triggers

CRITICAL!!!
No:
Drug images
Paraphernalia images
Images of substance use or drinking

6.19
Countering Triggers What to do?

Stay after group

Have one member escort another home
Call a family member

6.20
Potential Topics

Information about specific substances

Relapse prevention
Finding supports
Avoiding triggers
Others?

6.21
Small-group exercise: Psychoeducation
Topics

What are the main points you would cover under

your assigned topic?

6.22
Stages of Treatment

Treatment engagement: working to motivate

client to get involved in treatment
Early recovery: dealing with special issues such
as lingering physical effects and cravings
Maintenance and continuing care: help client
maintain abstinence and prevent relapse

6.23
Small-group Exercise: Stages of
Treatment

Note all psychoeducation topics you think would

be appropriate for your assigned stage of
treatment
Grab another sheet of newsprint if you need it!

6.24
Journal Exercise

Did anything you learned today surprise you?

What will you be most likely to use in your
practice?
What burning questions do you still have about
working with groups?

6.25
Family Groups

Includea wide range of people

Can re-establish relationships
Can help family support recovery
Help members realize that their situation is not
unique

6.26
Goals: General

Learning
Working together
Understanding relapse
Improving relationships

6.27
Goals: Specific

Present accurate information

Discuss how recovery affects families
Enable families to discuss recovery
Correct any misunderstandings about substances
or recovery
Promote self-care
Convey dignity and respect

6.28
Topics Specific to Family Groups

SUDS and families

Putting the family back together
Rebuilding trust
Family roles
Families in recovery
Living with an SUD
Communication traps

6.29
Large-group Discussion: What are your
Programs Doing?

Do you offer psychoeducation?

What types?
Is there anything you want to change?

6.30
Wrap-up and
Day 4 Review
15 minutes

6.31