For all therapists who work with adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), this comprehensive guide provides expert guidance in setting up and running a psychotherapy group. Successfully integrating theory and practice, the book surveys the current ACOA literature, explains the rationale for group therapy, describes how to set up a group, and suggests specific group leader techniques. Also included are insightful discussions on countertransference issues, the preparation and training of ACOA group leaders, and key areas for future research.
This is the official ACA Fellowship Text that is Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization (ACA WSO) Conference Approved Literature. Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families (ACA) is an independent 12 Step and 12 Tradition anonymous program.
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.
The originator of the ACoA "Laundry Lists" gives an insider's view of the early days of the ACoA movement. Tony A. discusses what it means to be an adult child of an alcoholic parent and what the self-help group can do for its members. Includes stories, history and helpful information for the ACoA.
Rich with insight and awareness, Recovery explores the secrets, fears, hopes and issues that confront adult children of alcoholics. Authors and widely respected therapists and ACOA workshop leaders Herbert Gravitz and Julie Bowden detail in a clear question-and-answer format the challenges of control and inadequacy that ACOAs face as they struggle for recovery and understanding, stage-by-stage: Survival * Emergent Awareness * Core Issues * Transformations * Integration * Genesis. If you feel troubled by your post, Recovery will start you on the path of self-awareness, as it explores the searching questions adult children of alcoholics seek to hove answered: * How con I overcome my need for control? * Do all ACOAs ploy the some kind of roles in the family? * How do I overcome my fear of intimacy? * What is all-or-none functioning? * How can ACOAs maintain self-confidence and awareness after recovery? * How do ACOAs handle the family after understanding its influence? * And many other important questions about your post, family and feelings. Written with warmth, joy and real understanding, Recovery will inspire you to meet the challenges of the post and overcome the obstacles to your happiness.
Bestselling author, psychologist, and psychodramatist Dayton examines childhood trauma through an exploration of the way the brain and body process frightening or painful emotions and experiences.
More than 28 million Americans grew up in alcoholic families. They bear a painful legacy of confusion, fear, anger and hurt--and they are at shockingly high risk of marrying an alcoholic or becoming alcoholics themselves. In this authoritative book, Wayne Kritsberg shows how to recognize--and remedy--the long-term effects of the dysfunctional, alcoholic family. His proven techniques, based on extensive clinical experience using the Family Integration System offer REAL help and REAL hope for adult children of alcoholics--and those they love.
In the 1980's, Janet Woititz broke new ground in our understanding of what it is to be an Adult Child of an Alcoholic. In this updated edition of her bestseller she re-examines the movement and its inclusion of Adult Children from various dysfunctional family backgrounds who share the same characteristics. After decades of working with ACoAs she shares the recovery hints that she has found to work. Read Adult Children of Alcoholics to see where the journey began and for ideas on where to go from here.
The child of an alcoholic develops patterns of behavior during childhood which carry over into adult life. As children they were taught to cover up the family secret and suppress their feelings. No matter what is going on, as adults, when asked how she or he is doing your partner will likely answer "fine." Distrust, fear of abandonment, and sensitivity to criticism are all major issues for your adult child. Recognizing these patterns and changing the ones that cause problems will help you and your partner enjoy a deeper relationship.
When the authors of The Solution said that "The Solution is to become your own loving parent," they really meant it. Becoming your own loving parent by developing your reparenting skills can change your life. The goal of reparenting is to give ourselves what we needed to receive as children but did not. Reparenting won't change the past, but it can transform the way you relate to it and help you change how you live today.
