Sara A. Smock

Solution‐Focused Group Therapy for Level 1 Substance Abusers

The present study compared solution-focused group therapy (SFGT) with a traditional problem-focused treatment for level 1 substance abusers. Outcome research on the effectiveness of solution-focused group therapy is minimal, especially in treating substance abusers. In the present study, clients were measured before and after treatment to determine therapeutic effectiveness. Clients in the solution-focused group significantly improved on both the Beck Depression Inventory and the Outcome Questionnaire. The clients in the comparison group did not improve significantly on either measure. Therapist skill level and adherence to theoretical models were measured in each group to reduce confounding variables.

An Intergenerational Summer Program Involving Persons with Dementia and Preschool Children

ABSTRACT We implemented an intergenerational (IG) summer program at a colocated site for 2 consecutive summers to maximize continuity and enhance sustainability. We incorporated multiple methods to represent the views of key program stakeholders, including staff and administrators, parents who attended the program, and facilitators’ reports of the experiences of child and adult participants. We generated a list of themes and subthemes from each source and triangulated the data points. Despite the resources invested and the challenges faced, the program was well received and viewed as beneficial. These findings offer insight into the likelihood of sustainability for IG summer programming.

The Role of Social Support in Collegiate Recovery Communities: A Review of the Literature

In the past decades one response to the increase of college drinking is the growing prevalence of Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRC). Numerous publications on these programs exist, yet a review does not. With a growing need for evidence-based model programs to address the concerns of alcohol abuse and dependence on college campuses, the importance of a collection on the effectiveness of CRCs exists. The goal of this article is to compile a thorough overview of data on CRCs in the United States, focusing specifically on the role of social support in recovery maintenance. Recommendations for future directions are discussed.

The development of the Solution Building Inventory.

Throughout the past 70 years, a great deal of research conducted on defining and testing problem-solving skills has led toward solution-focused practices and philosophies. As a result, some literature exists illustrating the efficacy of solution-focused practices. However, no published research exists on the factors that contribute to solution building. This study tested for components of solution building while creating a solution building inventory. Results from a factor analysis failed to find specific factors within solution building; thus solution building appears to be a unidimensional concept. Implications for using the solution building inventory are discussed.

Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Evidence-Based?

This article describes the process of having solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) be evaluated by various federal registries as an evidence-based practice (EBP) intervention. The authors submitted SFBT for evaluation for inclusion on three national EBP registry lists in the United States: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Results of our submission found SFBT was not reviewed by SAMHSA and WWC because it was not prioritized highly enough for review, but it was rated as “promising” by OJJDP. Implications for practitioners and recommendations regarding the status of SFBT as an EBP model are discussed.

Relapse Resilience: A Process Model of Addiction and Recovery

Three phases exist in addressing substance use and dependence: prevention, treatment, and recovery. Recovery is perhaps the most essential stage on the continuum of substance dependence, yet it has failed to receive adequate attention in the literature. This article introduces a relapse resilient systemic Process Model of Addiction and Recovery for recovery. Case examples illustrate the use of a systemic approach in recovering individuals.

Solution-Focused Group Work: Collaborating with Clients Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS

This article looks at the current trends and challenges faced by persons diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Given the lack of resources available to persons living with HIV/AIDS, a rationale for using solution-focused brief group therapy (SFBGT) is presented. The solution-focused approach builds on client resources to move them closer to their desired life despite having a life-threatening illness. SFBT is uniquely suited to facilitating positive outcomes with individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The overall aim of this article is to provide a theoretical explanation and justification of how SFBGT can effectively aid those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS to combat the obstacles they encounter. An example of a group format is also offered as a template for clinicians and practitioners.

Solution-Focused Group Therapy for Substance Abuse

Abstract Solution-Focused Therapy provides a framework by which a competence-based group treatment can be provided to clients who are struggling with substance abuse and dependence. Solution-Focused Group Therapy (SFGT) both preserves the underlying philosophy of competence-based approaches and can be delivered in a group format. The other primary competence-based treatment approach in the substance abuse field, Motivational Interviewing, remains an individual approach that has yet to be successfully formulated for group treatment. There is a need for competence-based group treatment in the substance abuse field, however, since the majority of treatment agencies provide treatment in a group format, and group treatment has the advantages of providing social support, modeling of success, and inspiring hope. This paper reviews the literature on Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy, argues for the usefulness of SFBT in group format, briefly describes a format for SFGT, and provides a case example of a SFGT session.

Systemic Interventions in Substance-Abuse Treatment: Past, Present, and Future

This article presents an historical overview of the systemic treatment of substance abuse in the United States. This article provides various definitions of systemic treatment, as well as trends throughout history. Finally, this article gives an overview of the other articles contained within this special issue.