The Therapeutic component of the programme, forms the core around which all other sessions are interwoven. All the work in TRP is carried out in a safe, healthy, confidential, caring and nurturing environment. The programme aims to provide a broad based humanistic approach to the issue of drug use, in a therapeutic/physico social model which is a non-medical approach.
By ‘therapeutic’ we mean to heal, to assist and to help restore a person’s well being. There is a vast and varied approach to the programme at TRP and in fact all sessions have a development and therapeutic aspect to them. We endeavour to help participants to evaluate and become aware of self-destructive thinking and behaviours underpinning serious addiction.
Participants are also asked to commit to a residential weekend within the duration of their programme. The residential setting is used to explore issues of loss and bereavement, relationships, life stories, etc..
The following is a brief outline and explanation of some of the therapeutic strategies currently used to assist and support participants throughout the programme:
Addiction Awareness:
This module addresses people who are in the early stages of recovery. The approach is very practical and heightens the participant’s knowledge and awareness of their addiction.
Some topics covered:
‘Tips for Slips’
Managing dangerous and stressful situations.
This training is carried out in a group setting. participants are encouraged to share their experiences and support each other. This process is reinforced in the ‘one to one’ key working sessions with a staff member.
Relapse Prevention:
As people progress through the therapeutic process at TRP, there is a more in depth focus on issues underpinning a person’s addiction.
Topics include:
Analysis of triggers, cravings and urges to use mood-altering chemicals. An understanding of the process that may lead to lapse and eventual relapse, an in depth understanding of the dynamics of addiction.
The staff team will actively support any participant who may feel ready to decrease or detox from their prescribed medication. T.R.P will only support participants who are detoxing with the active participation of their G.P.
Open Group:
This is an on going group that consists of 6-8 participants and one group facilitator. The process includes discussion of any difficult issues the members wish to share with each other. An important part of the group experience is learning to relate with each other in a caring and supportive way.
Group Reflection:
This offers the opportunity for participants to reflect on how their week has progressed, what goals may have been achieved and gives time for evaluation of a persons overall engagement throughout the week.
Participants are encouraged to share the positives and negatives of their experiences throughout the week within their recovery process. The group also explores the participant’s preparation for the coming weekend. Thus enabling them to access fun activities and to avoid dangerous situations.
Key Working
Each participant is appointed an individual staff member, (Key Worker) at the commencement of his or her programme in TRP. They meet together once a week to discuss the client’s issues and the Key Worker offers assistance and support where possible. Most participants find this a worthwhile and valuable part of their personal development at TRP.
Counselling:
Short Term Counselling is provided at TRP when the client and their Key Worker identify a need.
On occasion a participant may be referred to other specialist Agencies for Long Term counselling following an assessment of the need for it by the staff team and with the request and agreement of the client.