Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy An Alternative Approach to Addictions

by Denning, Patt; Little, Jeannie

• ISBN13: 9781462554966
• ISBN10: 1462554962
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2024-03-26
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

This acclaimed clinical guide helps clinicians put the proven principles of harm reduction into practice with therapy clients who have substance use problems. The paperback edition has a new preface on current research and service delivery models. Written by pioneers in the field, the book shows how to do effective therapeutic work with people still using alcohol or other drugs. It provides clear guidelines for conducting comprehensive assessments, making collaborative treatment decisions, and implementing interventions that combine motivational, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic strategies. The focus is reducing drug-related harm while also addressing co-occurring psychological and emotional difficulties. Detailed clinical illustrations are featured throughout. 

See also the authors' related self-help guide, Over the Influence, Second Edition, an ideal client recommendation.

Author Biography

Patt Denning, PhD, is Director of Clinical Services and Training at the Center for Harm Reduction Therapy (CHRT) in San Francisco, which she founded with Jeannie Little in 2000. CHRT provides a full range of harm reduction treatment services and trains hundreds of professionals each year. Widely recognized as an expert on drug treatment and dual diagnosis, Dr. Denning is one of the principal developers of harm reduction psychotherapy. She is a Diplomate Fellow in psychopharmacology and a certified addiction specialist through the American Psychological Association's College of Professional Psychology. With Jeannie Little, she is coauthor of Over the Influence, Second Edition (for the general public), and Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Second Edition (for mental health professionals).

Jeannie Little, LCSW, is Executive Director of the Center for Harm Reduction Therapy (CHRT) in San Francisco, which she founded with Patt Denning in 2000. CHRT provides a full range of harm reduction treatment services and trains hundreds of professionals each year. Ms. Little is a certified group psychotherapist who developed harm reduction group treatment of substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. She has adapted harm reduction therapy to widely diverse communities. With Patt Denning, she is coauthor of Over the Influence, Second Edition (for the general public), and Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Second Edition (for mental health professionals).

Table of Contents

I. Setting the Stage

1. Why Practice Harm Reduction Psychotherapy?

2. What Is Harm Reduction Psychotherapy and Whom Is It For?

II. Harm Reduction Psychotherapy as an Integrated Treatment

3. Assessment as Treatment

4. Developing a Treatment Plan

5. The Fundamentals of Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

6. The Psychodynamic Matrix of Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

7. Motivational and Cognitive-Behavioral Contributions to Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

8. The Role of Biology in Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

III. Applications

9. Harm Reduction Psychotherapy in Community-Based Settings

10. Harm Reduction Psychotherapy in Groups

11. The Power of Connection: Working with Families and Friends of Drug Users

12. What Does It Take to Practice Harm Reduction Psychotherapy?

Appendix A. Differential Diagnosis

Appendix B. Harm Reduction Supervision, Edith Springer

Appendix C. Additional Resources

Appendix D. Recommended Readings