67th Annual Conference

Saturday, February 27

Session 216

Radical Inclusion: A Model for Working with Substance Users in Harm Reduction Groups

    Presented under the auspices of the AGPA Addiction and Recovery SIG
 

Presenters:

Anna Berg, M.S.W., Staff Therapist, Harm Reduction Therapy Center, San Francisco, California
Perri L. Franskoviak, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, Harm Reduction Therapy Center, San Francisco, California
Jamie Lavender, MFT, Staff Therapist, Harm Reduction Therapy Center, San Francisco, California

Harm reduction drop-in groups are designed to attract members whose functioning may vary depending upon their mental health and substance use issues. Using analytic and systems inspired techniques, the group therapist creates an experience of "radical inclusion," in which members build self-esteem and motivation to change through group interactions.

Learning Objectives:
The attendee will be able to:

Define the value of radical inclusion in the context of running a harm reduction group;
Name at least two interventions used to create the experience of radical inclusion;
Describe how a group leader can build connection between psychotic and non-psychotic group members;
Describe how leader countertransference can be integrated in interventions that support radical inclusion.

Course References:
Franskoviak, P. (2008). Treating Trauma in the Tenderloin. Unpublished manuscript.

Little, J., Hodari, K., Lavender, J., Berg, A. (2008). Come as you are: harm reduction drop-in groups for multi-diagnosed drug users. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, vol. 3, 161-192.

Little, J. (2001). Treatment of dually diagnosed clients. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 33(1), 27-31.

Ormont, L. (1992). The Group Therapy Experience: From Theory to Practice. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

Rosenthal, L. (1987). Resolving Resistance in Group Psychotherapy. Northvale, NJ & London: Jason Aronson, Inc.

Spotnitz, H. (1976). Psychotherapy of Preoedipal Conditions: Schizophrenia and Severe Character Disorders. New York: Janson, Aronson, Inc.

Winnicott, DW. (1958). Hate in the countertransference. Chapter in Through Pediatrics to Psycho-Analysis, p. 194-203, New York: Basic Books.