Who This Book Is For

This resource is designed for mental health professionals across Canada, including therapists, counsellors, and social workers, who support clients living with addiction and trauma. It is equally valuable for group facilitators in inpatient, outpatient, and residential programmes. Experienced DBT practitioners will discover creative ways to enrich their groups, while those newer to addiction counselling will gain essential insights. The programme can be adapted for diverse populations and integrated with individual treatment sessions.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress and Addiction

Post-traumatic stress and addiction frequently occur together, presenting complex challenges for both individuals and clinicians. Traditional talk therapy may not always reach the deeper emotional and somatic layers where trauma resides. This book addresses that gap by weaving experiential group therapy interventions with dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). It offers a structured 30-day programme that combines psychoeducation, skill-building, and experiential exercises to support healing.

Key Concepts in Experiential Group Therapy

Experiential therapy emphasizes action and expression over verbal processing. Techniques such as role-playing, guided imagery, and art-based activities help clients access and process traumatic memories in a safe group setting. When paired with DBT’s core skills—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—these interventions create a powerful therapeutic framework. The book provides step-by-step guidance for facilitators, including scripts, handouts, and session outlines.

How to Use This Book

The 30-day programme is organized into daily sessions, each with a specific focus. Facilitators are encouraged to follow the sequence while tailoring exercises to their group’s needs. The book includes reproducible handouts and detailed facilitator notes. It is recommended that therapists have a foundational understanding of DBT before using this programme. The interventions are designed to complement, not replace, ongoing individual therapy and medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience with DBT? Basic knowledge of DBT is helpful, but the book provides enough background for those new to the model. However, it is not a substitute for formal DBT training.

Can this programme be used for non-addiction populations? Yes, the interventions are trauma-informed and can be adapted for other mental health conditions.

Are the sessions suitable for all ages? The programme is designed for adults; modifications may be needed for adolescents.

Does the book include digital resources? The paperback includes reproducible handouts; no digital companion is provided.

What Readers Appreciate

Many readers highlight the book’s clarity and practical applicability. They find the activities easy to understand and adapt for different groups. The structured 30-day format is praised for providing a clear roadmap while allowing flexibility. Beginner group leaders especially value the ready-to-use interventions. The book’s ability to combine DBT principles with experiential techniques is seen as a fresh and effective approach.