Description
Book SynopsisHealing in Action: Adventure-Based Counseling with Therapy Groups is a practical guide for therapists wanting to integrate interactive games and challenges into their work. It provides current research supporting using ABC with trauma survivors and those recovering from addictions, as well as its efficacy with a broader population. Twelve activity-based chapters take the reader through various one-hour sessions of activities based on a particular theme or material used, complete with 50 descriptive photos of groups in action. Therapists will be able to use these activities to help their patients experience in vivo the joy, freedom and playfulness that are the hallmarks of sound mental health. With its combination of sound theoretical material and practical application, this book is a valuable resource for practitioners and graduate students alike.
Trade ReviewThis book is an impressive tour de force as it integrates the simplest forms of play with the most complex psychological dynamics that unfold as we work with mental illness and addiction. The most outstanding characteristic is its availability to the relatively new and inexperienced activity therapist and its simultaneously profound implications for the more seasoned and sophisticated psychotherapist, particularly those of us who practice group psychotherapy. -- Jeffrey D. Roth, Jeffrey D. Roth, MD, lecturer, department of psychiatry, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and medical director, Working Sobriety Chicago
Barney Straus has created a very useful guide for integrating group activities and exercises into the practice of group psychotherapy. Throughout the book, he recognizes the importance of these activities and understands the meaning and process of their implementation and impact. This thoughtful approach to Adventure-Based Counseling will be of interest to group therapists broadly and those treating patients with trauma or addictions in particular. -- Molyn Leszcz, Molyn Leszcz, MD, CGP, professor, department of psychiatry, University of Toronto, and president-elect, American Group Psychotherapy Association
Straus provides another resource where we can pull his book off the shelf, get clients out of their chairs, and walk the talk of adventure therapy. No longer is staying on the couch the way to approach therapy. -- Michael Gass, PhD, LMFT, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire
Table of ContentsIntroduction The ABC’s of Adventure-Based Counseling Part I History and Theoretical Underpinnings of ABC Chapter 1 Group Theory Applied to ABC Chapter 2 ABC for Trauma Survivors Chapter 3 Unique Attributes of ABC and Some Practical Matters Part II ABC in Outpatient Mental Health Settings Chapter 4 Overview of a Session Chapter 5 Can Day: Discovering New Abilities within You¾What “Can” You Do? Chapter 6 Noodle Day: Using Your Brain for Positive Growth and Change Chapter 7 Ball Day: So-Long, Gym Class; Hello, Self-Acceptance Chapter 8 Word Day: Saying and Playing What You Mean Chapter 9 Paper Day: Beyond Reading and Writing On Chapter 10 Numbers Day: Multiply Your Strengths! Chapter 11 Rope Day: Securing Success Chapter 12 Playing Card Day: Everybody Wins! Chapter 13 Tarp Day: An Indoor Adventure Chapter 14 No Prop Day: Pure Fun—Willingness Not Included Chapter 15 Animal Day: Let Your Essence Shine Chapter 16 Balloon Day: Finding the Levity within You Part III Adventure-Based Counseling for Recovery from Addiction Chapter 17 Walking the Walk: ABC and Recovery from Addiction Chapter 18 Recovery Adventure Day
