“Once they accept and surrender to the fact that this is part of who they are, it becomes an easier process.” – Deb Murphy
Play with a Purpose Counselor uses varied tools to engage clients
Because each client is a unique individual, they pose different challenges for the counselors whose job it is to help them. Murphy says one of the most common is “getting clients to accept the fact that they have the disease of addiction.” Addicts’ and alcoholics’ denial systems are very strong and difficult to break through – along with the shame that accompanies addiction – “but once they accept and surrender to the fact that this is part of who they are, the recovery process becomes easier.” One factor that makes the counselor’s role interesting is the constant challenge to “come up with new ideas or new avenues in order to reach them; I’m always searching and trying to find new things for them to do in group,” says Murphy. As a staff member at New Life, Murphy says she’s come to appreciate the fact that “as counselors, we are given ample room to be able to use our personal talents, because every counselor is a little different in their approach. I feel I have free rein to do what I feel is appropriate.” Every client is different, and every group has a different dynamic, which requires a somewhat fluid, adaptable approach.The program at New Life which includes Intensive Outpatient and Continuing Care is 6 months (2 months IOP and 4 months COC). 55
Getting clients involved Murphy uses a number of techniques to involve clients in the group therapy process, such as role playing and art therapy. She might ask group members to draw Venn diagrams (simple charts consisting of two or more overlapping circles) comparing and contrasting thinking patterns in addiction versus recovery, to help them transition into healthier ways of thinking and acting. She might have them draw “recovery towns,” or more generally “draw what recovery means to them.” The goal is to help clients articulate their feelings, which have typically been numbed by long-term chemical use. “It’s difficult for them to be in touch with how they are feeling and thinking and articulate those feelings.The activity gives them an avenue to do that.” Role-playing is used as a way to help patients see themselves more realistically, particularly the defense mechanisms which often accompany addiction. Clients are asked to “act out” various scenarios where they would typically use defense mechanisms – denial, for example. Murphy begins with a lecture on defense mechanisms, and then clients pair up to create five-minute role plays.The exercise “makes a huge difference” in moving clients toward a mindset that will promote recovery, she says. Murphy even uses children’s stories in working with adult clients. She says classic stories, like “The Giving Tree” or “The Little Engine That Could” are other simple, but effective tools. In group sessions, she talks about “what is really going on in the story so the clients can see how it relates to where they are in recovery.” For example, “The Giving Tree” deals with selfishness and “taking from the people you love,” which is a typical part of addictive behavior, Murphy says.
“It’s difficult for them to be in touch with how they are feeling and thinking and articulate those feelings.”
– Deb Murphy, New Life group
Deb Murphy, a group counselor at New Life Addiction Counseling Services, began her professional career as a registered nurse and then spent seven years as a teacher. While working as a grade school teacher in north Baltimore, she became aware of the far-reaching problems caused by addiction to drugs and alcohol. The experience of “seeing a lot of kids who seemed to need help” motivated her to switch careers to the addiction counseling field.
Murphy, who joined the New Life staff in April, 2014, leads groups in New Life’s intensive outpatient program and the continuing care groups which last six months, including intensive outpatient treatment, followed by continuing care. In helping treatment clients face their addictions and move toward recovery, Murphy says she has learned the importance of engaging
the client. “It’s so important for them to actively be part of the treatment process.” Some clients who are dealing with the effects of their addiction may initially be unwilling, or unable to fully participate in program activities, at least in the early stage counseling, Murphy notes.
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