Topic: treatment planning

I contend that the outcome of a given treatment episode is often determined right at the outset, based on why the clients is in treatment in the first place.

Addiction programs, conversely, targeted elimination or at least substantial reduction in substance use– a narrower goal that permitted greater focus in treatment.

Ambivalence isn’t just a matter of figuring out what we want to do. It’s very much about the ability to make good decisions and feel confident about them.

By the time a client lands in treatment, it may be hard to tell whether their family relationships offer a potential asset or a problem set to address.

Clinicians working with addicted offenders and ‘coerced’ (court-ordered) clients often find these problems complicating substance abuse treatment; this tool can help identify particular areas of concern.

We can’t always predict which problem will require attention first — or indeed, when opening a door in therapy will introduce a whole new set of emotional needs and issues.

The behavior of antisocial persons is a challenge to traditional substance abuse counseling. Offender populations are packed with antisocial clients. It helps to address these behaviors directly, beginning with the treatment plan.

The key question involves which part of the COD population you’re going to serve. It’s not really a homogeneous group.