Working with Addictive Tendencies

Working with Addictive Tendencies

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

208

Unit Type

Core Unit

Study Period

Year 2, Semester 1

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

  1. Critically examine the process oriented approach to working with addictive tendencies and differentiate from other substance abuse counselling and self-help approaches
  2. 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
  3. 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

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

Student Workload

(Student work load not in usable format)

Available in Courses

This unit is available in the following courses:

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Holistic Practice)

Created: April 28, 2021, 4:48 p.m. • Updated: June 2, 2022, 2:18 p.m.