Introduction
Various therapeutic approaches can make it overwhelming to determine which may be most effective for a specific client or situation. In the videos, the approaches to counseling discussed are solution-focused, reality, and cognitive behavior therapy. While each method has unique strengths and techniques, they share the goal of helping clients achieve their desired outcomes. Cognitive behavior therapy is the most appropriate when handling an adolescent with substance use disorder.
Summary of Assumptions and Techniques of the Methods
The three methods discussed in the video are Solution-focused reality and cognitive behavior therapy. Solution-focused presupposes that small changes can lead to larger ones and that the future is more crucial than the past and the present (Gilley, 2019). It involves a series of questions, such as the miracle and scaling questions.
Reality therapy helps individuals examine their behavior realistically (Gilley, 2019). It is built on the notion of choice and the belief that people are responsible for their behavior and the consequences that follow. Cognitive behavior therapy assumes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, focusing on changing behaviors by changing thoughts and beliefs (Hamann, 2009). It is about recognizing thoughts and beliefs, challenging negative thoughts, and replacing them with positive ones.
Comparison and Contrast of the Three Methods
Solution-focused is a brief, goal-oriented approach that focuses on current resources and future goals rather than the past. It emphasizes exceptions to the challenge and what the client can do to help find a solution (Gilley, 2019). The method is based on the idea that small changes can lead to significant changes, and it is not compulsory to understand the problem to solve it. Strengths of this approach include its strength-based approach, focus on the future, optimism, and collaboration with the client. However, some limitations and weaknesses of solution-focused therapy include its focus on current affairs, which can limit the exploration of underlying issues, and its limited efficacy with more severe mental health issues.
On the other hand, reality therapy is based on the belief that people are in control of their behavior and that their conduct results from their choices. It is a non-judgmental approach that focuses on the present and encourages the client to take action and make better choices in the future (Gilley, 2019). The strengths of reality therapy include its focus on action and responsibility, its use of collaborative problem-solving, and its ability to help clients become more self-aware (Hamann, 2009). Similar to the solution-focused approach, one limitation of the approach is its limited focus on the past. In addition, some of the shortcomings are its lack of focus on unconscious processes and its limited efficacy with more severe mental health issues.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the idea that an individual’s thoughts and beliefs influence their emotions and behaviors and that people can change their behavior by changing their thoughts and beliefs (Hamann, 2009). Unlike solution-focused and reality theory, some of the strengths of cognitive behavior include its focus on the connection between thoughts and behaviors, its focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, and its efficacy in treating various mental health issues. However, similar to solution-focused and reality theory, one of the shortcomings of cognitive therapy includes its lack of emphasis on the past (Hamann, 2009). Other limitations are its focus on short-term interventions and its potential for creating dependency on the therapist.
The Method That Works Best with an Adolescent
Cognitive behavioral therapy will be the most effective approach for adolescents with substance use issues. This is because it focuses on helping the client to identify and address negative thoughts and behaviors that can lead to substance abuse (Hamann, 2009). The method focuses on aiding the client to learn new coping strategies and problem-solving skills that can lead to healthier decisions and behaviors.
Furthermore, it strengthens the client’s self-efficacy, which can help them make more positive choices related to their substance use. Cognitive behavior therapy can aid clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how they can better manage their emotions and make astute decisions (Hamann, 2009). Therefore, the intervention is vital for helping adolescents with substance use problems because it helps them better understand and manage their substance use and make healthier choices.
Another Important Approach
Reality therapy is another method that would be great in handling adolescents with substance abuse. It focuses on assisting clients in accepting responsibility for their behaviors and actions and stresses the significance of acting in the modern world (Gilley, 2019). The approach is based on the notion that individuals are responsible for their lives, and it is up to them to make changes.
Reality therapy utilizes goal setting and choice theory analysis to help clients become more aware of their current behavior (Hamann, 2009). It enables them to make conscious decisions about how to move forward. The approach can be practical when working with adolescent clients, as it helps them become more aware of their behavior, take responsibility for it, and make conscious decisions about how to move forward.
Integrating the Approaches
Integrating individual approaches with group therapy sessions with adolescents can be challenging, as adolescents may be more resistant to change or more open to peer pressure or group dynamics. However, it can be highly beneficial, allowing adolescents to explore different perspectives and learn from their peers in a safe environment (Hamann, 2009). When integrating individual approaches with group therapy sessions, it is integral to ensure the individual techniques are tailored to the individual’s needs. This can involve offering different activities for different individuals and allowing for individual time for the adolescent to work through their issues. Thus, combining the approaches should be done by personalizing the activities to the needs of individuals.
Different challenges are experienced when using individual and group approaches. Firstly, one of the biggest challenges that might arise when seeing an individual adolescent session is the lack of trust and openness. In a group setting, they may feel self-conscious or embarrassed to share their thoughts and feelings in front of others.
Secondly, catering to each individual’s needs and concerns in a group setting may be difficult. The adolescent may feel neglected or unheard if the therapist focuses more on group dynamics than on individual issues. Thirdly, group sessions may lead to conflicts or disagreements among adolescents, which may be challenging to manage and resolve.
Conclusion
Cognitive behavior therapy is the most appropriate method for adolescents with substance use problems, as it focuses on understanding how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact and affect one another. It can help adolescents become aware of their beliefs, replace self-defeating thoughts with more positive and empowering thoughts, and learn how to use coping skills to manage their cravings and triggers. Cognitive therapy provides a structured and goal-oriented approach to treatment that can help adolescents build meaningful and lasting change.
References
Gilley, E. D. (2019). Reward deficiency syndrome solution-focused brief therapy to begin integrating the sciences of addiction & reward deficiency syndrome (RDS). Journal of Reward Deficiency Syndrome & Addiction Science, 5(1), 1-6. Web.
Hamann, E. (2009). Three counseling approaches: One adolescent client. Alexander Street. Web.