Group Activities for Families in Recovery

Zimmerman and Winek (Appalachian State U.) offer a collection of 30 structured activities for therapists, utilizing a range of methods, from drawing, writing, and acting to game-playing, problem-solving, enactments, worksheets, and role-playing. The majority are based on the authors' work with a family-oriented outpatient substance abuse treatment program. The text opens with a concise overview of the issues involved and discussion of key factors in developing a systemic approach to family group. The curriculum that follows is organized into seven sections: family structure, family identity, sober fun, toward health, anger, communication, and parenting. Each activity includes the activity title and mode, rationale, objectives, list of materials, opening question suggestions, method, group discussion and prompts, tips on avoiding pitfalls, cultural considerations, and tips for groups with young children. No subject index. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)