Primary Objectives of Group Counseling

Group counseling for drug and alcohol rehab provides positive social reinforcement for clients in pursuit of a life in recovery. Group discussion explores a variety of topics and is often combined with other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step facilitation therapy to help build a solid foundation for the ongoing recovery of each person in the group.

Our recovery specialists thoughtfully format all group sessions to provide a safe and supportive environment that encourages abstinence from drug and alcohol usage. With consistent group therapy, you will learn how to modify your thought patterns and behaviors to align with your recovery goals and form meaningful connections with other group members to help keep you accountable. Some of the relationships you form in group counseling may even grow to become lifelong friendships that continue to endure through struggles, temptation and relapse.

Expressing empathy for the problems and experiences of others may not always come naturally, but group therapy in rehab can help you develop compassion for your peers in recovery, as well as strengthen your resolve and motivation to remain sober.

Benefits of Group Counseling During Drug and Alcohol Rehab

1. You receive ongoing support from your peers who are also in recovery.
2. You have the opportunity to observe other people’s methods for problem-solving, can discuss those methods and apply them to your own struggles and experiences in recovery.
3. You learn to empower others by providing feedback and giving suggestions based on the things you’ve learned from your own recovery journey.
4. You develop healthy relationships with other people in recovery that can grow into strong friendships and mentorships outside of rehab.
5. You build self-esteem and self-worth while learning how to discuss personal experiences and struggles in a group setting.
6. You receive additional information about the disease of addiction and how it impacts your relationships, thoughts and behaviors.

What to Expect at Nova

Group counseling at Nova is facilitated by our recovery specialists and counselors. Each session is designed to provide a safe space for you to discuss issues and experiences related to your addiction with your peers. Group session curriculum is also designed to help you learn and apply the principles outlined in the 12-step program to stay sober.

Throughout the course of your recovery program at Nova, you’ll participate in 3-5 group counseling sessions per day. These may include awareness groups and Big Book groups facilitated by a recovery specialist, as well as process groups and educational group sessions led by a clinical counselor.

Some group sessions will utilize the Core Emotional Addiction (CEA) Model. We use this clinical treatment method alongside other complementary evidence-based therapies to help our clients sustain their recovery and prevent relapse as they adjust to a new lifestyle of sobriety.

Our recovery program at Nova divides clients into three groups based on their step work progress. Group one focuses on steps one through three; group two focuses on steps four through nine, and group three focuses on steps ten through twelve. In the Big Book chapter, “Working With Others,” it states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much as ensure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.” Therefore, all clients are encouraged to engage with their peers while working through each of the steps.

Qualifications of Our Counselors and Recovery Specialists

Recovery specialists at Nova are all in recovery themselves and have been where you are. Many of them have been sober for five to fifteen years and can provide powerful and trustworthy insight on applying the 12 basic principles of recovery based on their own personal experiences.

Our counselors are licensed therapists or licensed drug addiction counselors. They maintain consistency and reliability in all aspects of treatment while fostering a safe and judgement-free atmosphere during all group counseling sessions.