Psychotherapy for Addiction

1 Psychotherapy for Addiction Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can utilize various psychotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of psychological disorders like addiction.

Addiction is a disorder manifested by an overwhelming urge to use specific substances or engage in certain activities such as gambling despite their potentially harmful consequences. Most people start engaging in certain activities or use substances voluntarily.

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2 However, with time, addiction takes over, and the person loses self-control. The continued use of substances has harmful health consequences for individuals. For instance, individuals with addiction cannot stop their behavior without psychotherapy. This discussion explores cognitive behavioral therapy, which is commonly used by group facilitators for addiction treatment. The relevance of this approach will be investigated together with the identification of an alternative approach.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is a common approach employed by PMHNPs and clinicians in group therapy during the treatment of addiction and other behavioral problems. This approach is preferred since it can be integrated into group therapy to enhance the use of cognitive, behavioral, and relational procedures in developing the coping skills of the participants (Rizeanu, 2018). Importantly, facilitators use CBT to avert interpersonal and relational problems experienced by group members.

Benefits of CBT CBT is an effective approach since it helps individuals to find concrete connections with their feeling, thoughts, and actions (Şenormancı & Şenormancı, 2018). Further, CBT improves individual awareness, thus, helping individuals to realize that their actions and feelings are the primary cause of substance abuse and addiction. The clinician’s primary intention of using CBT in group therapy is to gain more understanding of the client’s needs and interests and then develop interventions that facilitate the attainment of the client’s goals (Kazantzis, Dattilio & Dobson, 2017). CBT establishes a base for the facilitator to listen, teach, and encourage clients with overwhelming psychological issues.

Application of CBT to Future practice

3 As a counselor facilitating group therapy, I would also use CBT due to its potential to improve interpersonal relationships besides enhancing the coping skills necessary to avert substance abuse and addiction. This approach creates a channel through which the facilitator can help individuals identify distressing thoughts and feelings and evaluate their reality (Rizeanu, 2018). Further, this approach enables the nurse to work closely with the client to change distorted thinking, solve psychological problems, and initiate behavioral changes.

Alternative Approach Humanistic therapy is the most appropriate alternative approach that can be applied by facilitators in therapy. This mental health approach, as pointed out by Schneider and Krug (2017), accentuates the significance of being realistic to have a fulfilling life. The humanistic approach is entrenched in the perception that every person has unique views of life and the world. The views of an individual can impact those of others (Schneider & Krug, 2017). The strength of the humanistic approach is based on its focus on behavioral insights, individual behavior, and client-centered counseling.

Conclusion Mental health nurse professionals use a wide range of approaches during the care of clients with psychological disorders such as addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and humanistic therapy can be utilized in group therapy to tackle the problem of addiction among participants. These interventions promote the development of strong coping skills besides averting relational and interpersonal problems that contribute to substance use and addiction.

4 References Kazantzis, N., Dattilio, F. M., & Dobson, K. S. (2017). The therapeutic relationship in cognitivebehavioral therapy: A clinician's guide. Guilford Publications.

Ledley, D. R., Marx, B.P., & Heimberg, R. G. (2018). Making Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Work, Third Edition. Guilford Publications.

Rizeanu, S. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Clinical Applications, 61-81. http://DOI:10.5772/intechopen.72671 Schneider, K. J., & Krug, O. T. (2017). Existential-humanistic Therapy. American Psychological Association. Şenormancı, Ö., & Şenormancı, G. (Eds.). (2018). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Clinical Applications. BoD–Books on Demand.