Engage the Group, Engage the Brain

Book excerpt: A comprehensive, evidenced-based collection of group activities for professionals in the field of addiction treatment. Designed to creatively utilize the mind-body connection, these activities are engaging and fun, linked with evidence-based interventions and drawn on emerging brain research, providing a window into reaching clients who may be resistant to traditional talk therapy. This book uses a variety of approaches including multisensory, art therapy, novelty enrichment, mindfulness, therapeutic movement, and brain resilience theory to help build both insight and skills. Each activity includes a list of materials needed, the objectives, directions, brief observations, and reproducible handouts. By doing tasks that stimulate a balanced variety of areas in the brain, the pathway to recovery may be enhanced. The authors present a model for healing from addiction that is designed for clients to take with them and use to support their ongoing recovery. Kay Colbert, LCSW, works in private practice in Dallas, Texas, specializing in adult addiction, mental health, trauma, pain management, anxiety, and women's issues. Roxanna Erickson-Klein, PhD, LPC, works in private practice in Dallas, Texas, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Milton H. Erickson Foundation.