Unit Description
This unit provides students with a range of methods and approaches for working with people who struggle with addictive tendencies.
The Process Oriented model, the Anthroposophical model, substance abuse counselling models such as Motivational Interviewing and the twelve-step self-help program of Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous will be critically compared and analysed within the context of the National Drug Strategy. Theoretical material on addictive tendencies will be explored, using case studies and examples from clinical practice. Students will work experientially to examine their own addictive processes in every day life in order to develop self-awareness. Students will develop skills in working therapeutically with people struggling with addictions.
Unit Code
204
Unit Type
Core Unit
Credit Points
2.0
Consultation Times
30 minutes before and after workshop intensives and by appointment during the semester
Topics Covered
- The perspective of the holistic model of psychotherapy on addictive tendencies
- The Twelve-Step self-help program of Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous and other substance abuse counselling approaches, including Motivational Interviewing
- Understanding addiction: Sociological influences and role of society, family and peers
- Self-reflection on addictive processes
- Understanding addiction: Physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs
- Skills for addiction counselling: Applying the holistic model of psychotherapy to conceptualisation and treatment planning
- Skills for addiction counselling: knowing professional limits, when and how to refer
Learning Outcomes
- Critically examine the process oriented approach to working with addictive tendencies and differentiate from other substance abuse counselling and self-help approaches
- Analyse the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs abuse and the role of society, family and peers in developing and maintaining addictive processes
- Critically reflect on their own addictive processes using the holistic model of psychotherapy
Apply the holistic model for working with addictive states to case studies and competently demonstrate case conceptualisation and treatment planning skills
Assessment Overview
Theoretical Essay
Critically evaluate the application of the holistic model to therapy with people who struggle with addiction to alcohol and other drugs, and analyse sociological and family influences.
Online Discussion Forum Posts
Students are to participate in analysing and discussing two case studies, the first focusing on childhood development and the second on ageing, in the online discussion forum
Unit Resources
Prescribed reading
Abadinsky, H. (2017). Drug use and abuse: A comprehensive introduction (9th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Mindell, A. (2008). City shadows: Psychological interventions in psychiatry. Portland, OR: Lao Tse Press.
Delivery Mode
Tick all applicable delivery modes for the unit and provide details in the following text box: If necessary or preferred, you may provide this information in a separate document, using the ‘Attach evidence here’ function of the online form.
- Face to face on site
- E-learning (online)
- Intensive/block mode (where the unit or a face to face component is delivered in a block)
- Mixed/blended
- Distance/independent learning (un-timetabled)
- Full-time Part-time
Written by: Mr Samuel Minton • Created: July 21, 2020, 10:02 a.m.