Removing The Roadblocks
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Overview
Based on the author's 18 years of experience supervising group therapists, this quintessentially practical book is designed to help practitioners think through and formulate appropriate strategies in their clinical work. Utilizing many clinical examples, and providing explanations throughout for her interventions, Vannicelli pays special attention to the therapeutic stance -- where the clinician positions him or herself in relation to the patient, and why; and how various strategies and techniques maximize the patient's opportunity for therapeutic growth. A hallmark of Dr. Vannicelli's approach, richly illustrated in this work, is her sensitivity to countertransference and the ways it can be used productively in clinical practice.Practical guide to strategies & techniques to maximize therapeutic growth, emphasizing the therapeutic stance.
Synopsis
Based on the author's 18 years of experience supervising group therapists, this quintessentially practical book is designed to help practitioners think through and formulate appropriate strategies in their clinical work. Utilizing many clinical examples, and providing explanations throughout for her interventions, Vannicelli pays special attention to the therapeutic stance -- where the clinician positions him or herself in relation to the patient, and why; and how various strategies and techniques maximize the patient's opportunity for therapeutic growth. A hallmark of Dr. Vannicelli's approach, richly illustrated in this work, is her sensitivity to countertransference and the ways it can be used productively in clinical practice.
Alone among books in the substance abuse field, REMOVING THE ROADBLOCKS analyzes the group therapy issues that arise in the three populations most commonly seen in substance abuse clinics -- substance abusers themselves, adult children of alcoholics, and other family members. The author describes characteristics unique to each population and addresses overlap among them in terms of basic procedures, formats, and hurdles that group leaders face.
The book also differs from most psychotherapy texts by giving the reader an opportunity to "hear the voice" of an experienced therapist as she provides examples of various kinds of interventions and demonstrates how they might actually be communicated and implemented. Rather than reading about psychotherapy or about various kinds of problems, one has the sense of experiencing a thorough consultation with a truly seasoned supervisor.
A particularly useful feature is the appendix at the end of the volume, which provides examples of assessment and intake questionnaires, history questionnaires, ground rules for treatment, contracts, and other practical materials.
Designed for all mental health professionals who work with substance abusers, the book's focus on practical clinical issues also makes it ideal for paraprofessionals. It is an excellent text for courses on substance abuse in social work, psychology, nursing, and other disciplines, as well as for courses in group psychotherapy.
Booknews
Practical guidelines from a practitioner who draws on 18 years of experience supervising group therapists. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This book provides a wealth of practical material for therapists conducting long-term psychodynamic group therapy with substance abusers, adult children of alcoholics, and other family members....Regardless of theoretical orientation, readers will benefit from the author's considerable clinical experience in conducting group therapy with this client population." --G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D., Director of The Addictive Behaviors Research Center, University of Washington"In this book Dr. Vannicelli has brought together all of the important information needed by a beginning or experienced therapist interested in treating substance abusers and their families. In addition to nuts and bolts information about patient selection, assessment, group organization and functioning, the author provides a rich array of clinical examples and guidance in handling the difficulties that regularly arise in ongoing groups. With a minimum of theory and a maximum of practical guidance, REMOVING THE ROADBLOCKS is a valuable resource to any clinician."
--Sheila B. Blume, M.D.
"An important contribution to the field. Thoughtfully discusses the practice of group psychotherapy with substance abuse patients and describes a comprehensive and eminently practical approach to clinical work. I know of no practitioner in the field who would not benefit from this book." --Irvin Yalom, M.D.