Group Therapy at MARR
At MARR, group therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment approach. A common saying in 12-Step fellowships is “the disease of addiction thrives in isolation.” For this reason, the connection facilitated in therapy groups helps lay the groundwork for lifelong recovery.
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, states that group therapy can be more effective for treating substance abuse than individual therapy. In a report on groups in addiction treatment, they write, “One reason for this efficacy is that groups intrinsically have many rewarding benefits—such as reducing isolation and enabling members to witness the recovery of others—and these qualities draw clients into a culture of recovery.”
Groups at MARR take several forms, including psychoeducational groups, interpersonal process groups, and skill development groups.
Narrative Therapy Groups
Life Story Group – Clients begin Phase I by presenting their Life Story to introduce themselves to other clients and staff. This practice fosters vulnerability, trust, and connection within the group.
1st Step Group – As part of this group, clients develop and share examples demonstrating their powerlessness over their disease. Sharing this narrative in a group setting reinforces the reality of addiction and creates a shared understanding among clients.
Spiritual Recovery Groups
Facilitators incorporate spiritual principles into these groups, helping clients explore their relationship with a higher power. While we no longer have a dedicated Step 2 and Step 3 group, these concepts are often integrated into discussions within Spiritual Recovery Groups. Clients reflect on their spiritual journey and use the principles of the 12 Steps as a framework for addressing life’s challenges.
Groups Developing Life Skills
Relapse Prevention Group – Clients examine behavioral patterns and emotional triggers that have led to substance use in the past. By identifying these patterns, clients develop personalized plans to prevent relapse and respond effectively to high-risk situations.
Recovery Maintenance Groups – Formerly known as Weekend Planning and Weekend Wrap-Up, these groups help clients create structured plans for their time outside of treatment and process how those plans unfolded. This practice prepares clients for life after treatment while providing a safe space to address conflicts and challenges.
Life Skills and Stress Management Groups – Clients participate in groups designed to provide everyday skills and strategies to manage stress. These tools are essential for maintaining sobriety and resisting the pressure to use mind or mood altering substances.
Values Clarification Group – Led by staff, this group helps clients identify and prioritize their personal values. Clarifying these values provides clients with a foundation for decision-making and aligns their recovery efforts with their long-term goals.
Community Groups
Community Groups facilitate discussions about community issues. In these groups, clients process requests for therapeutic leaves, phone privileges, and car privileges. By participating in these discussions, clients practice collaboration and develop conflict resolution skills.
Group Therapy Helps Free Us from Shame
Isolation and shame form a powerful team in sustaining the disease of addiction. Shame thrives in secret. Groups are an ideal format to expose and provide relief from the lies that shame tells people in addiction and early recovery.
Groups provide constant opportunities and encouragement to open up about past experiences and, in the process, connect with others. Clients often realize they are not alone in their struggles, and their vulnerabilities can become sources of strength and connection.
At MARR, group therapy remains a vital part of our commitment to helping clients break free from addiction and build meaningful, connected lives.