- 12-step group
- Peer-support group
- Church small group
This is not to diminish the value or efficacy of any of these three varieties of groups. In fact, each could contribute significantly in the recovery process for a person or family coming out of addiction. Bridgehaven believes that the local church is God’s chosen vehicle for community, holiness, and mission. However, there are times, when those entangled in habitual, addictive behaviors need additional help in both putting off and putting on.
Our therapeutic process group does not follow a traditional 12-step framework. The process is theologically based, while implementing a ‘trans-theoretical model stages of change’ approach to addiction recovery. Unlike the peer-support groups, it is facilitated by a trained counselor/therapist, so there is a structured process and direction to the group. And unlike a church’s small group, therapeutic process groups are specifically designed for those struggling with similar issues to explore the development of change together. The purpose is to supplement a person’s therapeutic milieu by providing a rich culture of recovery. Recovery requires continuity of care. In addition to individual or family counseling, a therapeutic process group establishes a healthy atmosphere for a person to participate in a people group focused on recovery.
Conducive Culture for Change:
- provide hope
- sense of belonging
- secure place of grace, honesty, & understanding
- value placed upon group’s insight towards recovery
- prototype environment to practice expressing self, problem-solving, active-listening, conflict resolution, & empowerment of others
- counselor can demonstrate healthy worship, thinking, expression, & communication
- group provides context for new perspectives & interpersonal learning
- cohesive purpose
- safe forum to express self & share story
- platform to discuss nuts & bolts of existential & theological implications
This sort of culture allows a safe environment for the counselor to facilitate participants together towards a common purpose…wholeness. Wholeness is not synonymous with perfection. Wholeness is a bold humility, rooted in Christ, where one has a sense of coherence or congruence in their biblical identity and purpose embedded in a solid redemptive community.
Therapeutic Process Group Dynamics:
- approach from Christian worldview (biblical psychology of addiction)
- trans-theoretical model (stages of change)
- method is person-centered (empowering person with choices of resources specific tailored to their unique situation)
- involve their family & church into the process
- individualized & comprehensive treatment plan
- spectrum of care for continuity
- community-based (collaborative with other resource agencies to develop healthy network)
- collaborative treatment plan design
- emphasis of strengths (brief-solutions focused, motivational interviewing)
- culturally contextualized & sensitive
- attentive & respectful, yet engaging to the variety of worldviews of participants
- encourage & utilize peer support
- introduce to others involved in sustained recovery
- facilitate interfacing of resources according to participant’s personal desires, strengths, and issues
- long-term treatment options for continuity across lifespan development
- process-oriented, result measured, practical
- informed by evidence-based research
- financially accessible
Bridgehaven’s Addiction Recovery Group will be composed of three elements:
- A theological recovery map to helps participants understand a biblical psychology of addiction.
- An exploration of the mechanics of transformative change specifically geared toward addiction.
- Personal guidance in practically applying holistic change in the various aspects of their life; recognizing that overcoming addiction is a lifestyle change and not just the removal of a particular destructive habit
Addiction Recovery Group Info:
- Launch Date: September 15, 2014
- Audience: Men, 18 & above
- Target: Substance (alcohol & drugs) or Behavioral (pornography, gambling, eating)
- Recurrence: Every Monday Night
- Time: 6-8pm
- Location: 313 South Blount St. 2nd floor, Suite C, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Duration: Program is built around a 13 week schedule (open enrollment until participant capacity reached)
- Cost: $500 for each 13 week cycle (individual or family counseling available at additional expense)
- Contact Person: Chris Ball (information provided below)
Let us know if you have any questions, and please help us in sharing this program throughout our Raleigh-Durham community. Thank you.
Christopher Ball
Executive Director of the Downtown Raleigh Office
Phone: 919.825.1742
cball@bridgehavencounseling.org