Cultural competence in Addiction Counseling

Running Head : CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN ADDICTION COUNSELING

Cultural competence in Addiction Counseling

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Cultural competence in Addiction Counseling

Introduction

Most of the literature on the psychological and familial correlates of work addiction is anecdotal . Krestan (2002 , who collected more than 100 anecdotal self-reports from self-professed Addicts in his clinical practice , suggested a pattern among work-addicted individuals such that compulsive Chemical Dependency--often originating in family of origin dysfunction and being carried into adulthood--leads to broken marriages and brittle social relationships "The overabundance of work

takes precedence over everyone and everything else in the lives of Addicts . Excessive work prevents them from forming and maintaining intimate relationships and close friendships (Kresten 2002

Moreover , both the clinical and empirical literature describes the adult addicted as having elevated depression and anxiety relative to nonwork-addicted populations . The primary responsibility of addiction counselors is providing appropriate therapy for their clients . Providing the best quality treatment is a serious business--life and death decisions can be part of the daily routine for addiction counselors Sometimes , the work itself and the relationships with clients physicians , administration , and other employees can be stressful . Fun at work , at the appropriate time and place , can relieve much of the Social construction on the job . Humor can dispel fears , promote healing , and create a pleasant workplace environment . For counseling personnel , the secret to having fun at work is to focus on humor

An atmosphere of professionalism should prevail in the treatment center yet this professionalism can include humor at appropriate times and places . There has been continuous controversy regarding the use of humor in various situations , particularly in a therapeutic setting . However Mosak (2003 ) made a strong case for the personal , as well as healing benefits of appropriate humor . He described a theory of humor as being nonpathologic , and more important , as a contribution to the evolution of social interest

If humor is to be used effectively to encourage client change , the central importance of the therapeutic relationship must be determined Humor should be spontaneous , but never used at the expense of a client 's feelings . Laughter can be beneficial however , caution must be used to avoid generating negative feelings

`Power over` vs . `Power to ' Theory by Jo-Ann Kresten

Using Power Over in psychotherapy does not take away the seriousness of therapy . The goal of using Power Over should be to help a client become more integrated and more spontaneous in relationships . Power Over can be used creatively to facilitate development of the psychotherapeutic interaction . The use of Power Over is recommended in individual marital , and family therapy . Each of these therapeutic approaches is used in addiction counseling . However , group therapy is the primary mode of therapeutic intervention with most addiction diss

Kresten indicated the need for caution in using Power Over in group therapy because the potential for counter transference is high and narcissistic injuries can be inflicted . However , he also emphasized the important role of Power Over in healthy emotional development in group therapy . He stated...