Title : Enhancing substance use disorder group therapy: Experiential methods for safety, engagement & impact
Abstract:
Group therapy forms the backbone of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, yet many clinicians and paraprofessionals receive little formal training in how to facilitate effective groups. Shame, fear of judgment and disengagement often prevent clients from fully participating, which undermines treatment outcomes. This presentation introduces a replicable framework for running safer, more engaging and culturally responsive SUD groups using psychodrama, sociometry, accelerated resolution therapy (ART) and other experiential modalities. Drawing from more than seven years of work in PHP, IOP and residential settings, Mordy Gottlieb shows how to rapidly build psychological safety, foster trust and increase participation in group sessions.
The session outlines practical methods for integrating movement?based warm?ups, sociometric exercises and trauma?informed facilitation techniques to address shame and encourage vulnerability. By combining evidence?informed practice with real?world case examples, the talk demonstrates how these experiential methods reduce client drop?off, improve retention and promote more meaningful therapeutic outcomes. Participants will leave with a clear group structure, scripts for managing high?emotion disclosures and strategies for adapting these tools across diverse populations—including men’s groups and process addiction groups—while honoring cultural identities. This presentation is ideal for therapists, peers, counselors and program directors seeking to elevate group facilitation skills and enhance the effectiveness of SUD treatment programs.
