Title : Experiential group treatment at the intersection of addiction and trauma
Abstract:
This interactive presentation will highlight the connection between addiction and trauma while emphasizing the importance of providing treatment that addresses both. Experiential Therapy will be introduced as an alternative to traditional talk therapy. The triadic system of J.L. Moreno, sociometry, psychodrama, and group psychotherapy, will be outlined in the context of addiction treatment. The historical trajectory of group therapy, in the context of Moreno’s triadic system will be incorporated into the presentation.
The Therapeutic Spiral Model of trauma-focused experiential therapy will be presented for its utility in providing safe, strengths-based treatment. A brief overview of the Therapeutic Spiral Model clinical map will be provided with emphasis on its capacity to guide clinicians in the implementation of safe clinical work with trauma, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Sociometry tools and TSM safety structures will be presented for their ability to establish group safety, uncover connections within a group, provide group assessment, and strengthen relationships. An experiential sociometry tool will be used for experiential learning, demonstration, and to provide participants with the opportunity to connect with each other. Neurobiology and clinical research evidence will be referenced to ground experiential therapies into the research literature.
The presenter will leverage his clinical, academic, and research experience with experiential therapy providing clinical vignettes and adaptations for addiction treatment. Case examples will be provided from the presenter’s clinical experience at Mirmont Treatment Center, as well as the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy.
