The Clinician's Guide to 12-Step Programs - by Diana Guest & Jan Parker (Hardcover)

About the Book

A comprehensive overview of major 12-step programs, this practical manual also describes the nuances of the various programs that address the same addictive behavior to assist the clinician in assessing and referring clients to any 12-step program. One of the unique features of this book is a description of how 12-step program philosophy aligns with eight major psychotherapy orientations. Another feature is the integration of the client's individual needs and ego structure with the appropriateness and timing of a referral to a 12-step program within the overall therapeutic process.

In this day of managed care, it is essential for clinicians to make informed referrals. This book bridges the gap between the desire to refer and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the various programs. Through the use of detailed description, case vignettes, and clinical examples, this book proves an invaluable resource assisting clinicians to guide their clients through the process of integrating psychotherapy with adjunctive 12-step program involvement. Also included is a description of terms used in 12-step programs that allows the clinicians to join the client in a common language.

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive overview of major 12-step programs, this practical manual also describes the nuances of the various programs that address the same addictive behavior to assist the clinician in assessing and referring clients to any 12-step program. One of the unique features of this book is a description of how 12-step program philosophy aligns with eight major psychotherapy orientations. Another feature is the integration of the client's individual needs and ego structure with the appropriateness and timing of a referral to a 12-step program within the overall therapeutic process.

In this day of managed care, it is essential for clinicians to make informed referrals. This book bridges the gap between the desire to refer and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the various programs. Through the use of detailed description, case vignettes, and clinical examples, this book proves an invaluable resource assisting clinicians to guide their clients through the process of integrating psychotherapy with adjunctive 12-step program involvement. Also included is a description of terms used in 12-step programs that allows the clinicians to join the client in a common language.

Review Quotes

"The Clinician's Guide to 12-Step Programs is a carefully crafted, intelligent, and comprehensive guide that is invaluable for all psychotherapists and other health care professionals who are involved with addicted clients. Parker and Guest have made significant contributions to the psychotherapy field and to the twelve-step movement by bringing together this wealth of information that will benefit both."-Virginia Wink Hilton, Past President, International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis

"The Clinician's Guide to 12-Step Programs: How, Why, and When to Refer a Patient is a valuable asset to any clinician. It goes beyond the explanation of 12-Step programs to address what is therapeutic about the programs and how they can be integrated into various psychotherapeutic approaches. The ideas in the book will not only significantly improve clinicians' chances of successful referrals, it will improve the outcome of their interventions and treatments. It is a "must have" book for therapists in any setting who treat people affected by addictions."-Ann Lawson Professor, Department of Psychology and Family Studies United States International University San Diego, CA

"This book fills a significant gap in the literature, bringing together the self-help and psychotherapeutic approaches to addiction. A must for the clinician's and the clinician-in-training's shelf, it integrates psychotherapeutic theory with practice decisions about treatment and informed integration of appropriate 12-step programs. The skilled attention to the strengths and limitations of approaches and clients' needs at different stages of recovery invites the reader to go beyond advocacy to complex assessment and intervention."-Linda Terry-Guyer, Ed.D. Program Director, Marriage and Family Therapy San Diego State University

"This volume is a welcome resource for psychotherapists in their work with clients with addictive behaviors. The authors present guidelines for professionals from a variety of theoretical persuasions, illustrating how the 12-Step program is compatible with different therapeutic modalities. They further clarify how the principles and practice of 12-Step programs enhance and support attainment of therapeutic objectives. Any practicing clinician will find this book useful."-William E. White Licensed Psychologist President, International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis

About the Author

JAN PARKER is Assistant Professor and Lead Program Faculty in the Department of Psychology at National University in San Diego, where she has taught for 15 years./e She is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Poway, CA. working with clients with addictive disorders for the past 20 years.

DIANA L. GUEST is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego, the Intern Program Coordinator at Center for Community Solutions as well as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at National University./e