This article discusses an independent treatment for addicted patients that combines the basic client-centered approach with interventions that are symptom-oriented. After a short introduction, the author discusses the phases that a client undergoes in the treatment of his addiction, and he clarifies how this treatment can center on the specific symptoms of the disturbance. Then he talks about the feelings of guilt and shame that are very common among the addicted, and about how to approach clients that fall off the wagon. The author considers treatment for addiction to be optimal in group therapy. The issue is addressed of how to optimize this process. And finally the author suggests the introduction of ‘intensive group days’ as a possible addition to a longer lasting group process.
addiction, client-centered psychotherapy, person-centered psychotherapy, disturbance-oriented approach
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.
