Experience and Effectiveness in Group Therapy

How might clients feel if they discovered that their substance abuse therapist had no personal experience with substance abuse?

Would they feel betrayed? Lied to? Would they even care? Does past recovery experience influence the effectiveness of a substance abuse therapist?

Therapy is an intensely personal journey, and it is important that clients trust their therapist to successfully guide them through the process.

For this Discussion, review the media titled "Audio Therapist: Colleague Calling." Think about how you might respond to your colleague on the phone.

Consider the relationship between effectiveness as a therapy group leader and firsthand experience with the recovery process. Use your own words in clear terms, as though you are speaking directly to a colleague.