Introduction - How to Use the Manual

Brief Couples Therapy: Group and Individual Couple Treatment for Addiction and Related Mental Health Concerns

In the Introduction:

• Who Will Use This Manual?
• Who Is BCT For?
• Why Is There a Need for Brief Couples Treatment?
• Development of the Manual
• The Integrative Model
• Brief Couples Therapy (BCT)
• Tips on Implementing the Program
• How to Use the Manual

The clinical materials used in Brief Couples Therapy (BCT) consist of four types:

1. Session Guidelines
   • Objectives
   • Checklists
2. Session Resources
   • Materials
   • Summaries
   • Tips
3. Handouts (marked with H under page number)
4. Progress Notes.

The session checklists are to be used by counsellors. These checklists outline the key topics to be covered in each session. The summaries that follow each checklist provide a handy outline that can be used for in-session reference. Session checklists give the order in which in-session exercises are usually completed, and they include examples of how to introduce, explain and utilize each of the exercises. Therapists should read the appropriate checklist before each session. Note that the size of the checklist-item descriptions is not necessarily associated with the amount of time required for the in-session components. For example, the check-in description is quite short, but the actual time taken to check in can vary considerably, depending on the size and needs of the group. Therapists should plan ahead to ensure that adequate time is allotted for each component of the session. Comments, tips and clinical interpretations from therapists who have used the materials and contributed to the project are also included to facilitate use of the materials. Therapists should familiarize themselves with all of the sessions in this manual prior to the first therapy session, so that they can re-order the sessions to match the needs of the group or the couple as necessary.

The handouts included after each of the session checklist summaries provide clinical exercises and materials that are to be used by clients. Most handouts are given to clients at the end of each session. It is intended that they be completed as homework for the following session. The homework assignments will become the focus of each session, so it is important that therapists emphasize the need for homework completion.

The progress notes list the key topics that are covered in each session. These notes provide an opportunity for reporting on client substance use and goal achievement. Additional space is also provided for other issues that are specific to the particular client. The progress notes are designed to be efficient and easy to use, while capturing pertinent clinical information.

With respect to the materials, the differences between individual and group sessions are minimal. For either type of session, therapists should review the checklists prior to each session. The checklists are written from the perspective of running a group. Tips for conducting an individual couple session follow each checklist and summary.

Brief Couples Therapy

Acknowledgments

Introduction

• Assessment Session
• Session 1: Introduction
• Session 2: Genogram/Family Tree
• Session 3: Miracle Question
• Session 4: Goal Setting
• Session 5: Communication
• Session 6: Trust/Intimacy
• Session 7: Relapse Prevention
• Session 8: Conclusion

References

Appendix A: The Background of the Integrative Model

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