Upcoming Courses

The programme of courses for 2008-09 may be found below.

See COURSE COSTS page for indicative prices.

Phone Carol Driver on 01985 843782 or Patsy Ford on 01985 843783 or email carol.driver@actiononaddiction.org.uk for information and bookings.

June 2-6 2008 - INTERPERSONAL GROUP THERAPY in Addiction Treatment: the model and the method

 6 ECTS credits at Level C        Monday to Friday     max. 14 participants       places available now

This 5 day course is suitable for all those conducting group therapy in addiction treatment settings. It provides a clear model and rationale for Interpersonal Group Therapy, which helps clients explore how they relate to others, how this changes when they are no longer using alcohol or other drugs, and helps them learn more satisfying ways of meeting their needs in relationships. This powerful way of working could be described as 'Interpersonal Relapse Prevention', as we know that many relapses happen in the context of conflict with others or feeling lonely and cut off from others. The course provides conceptual clarity and an understanding of the tasks of a group facilitator which can be immediately transferred to improve your practice. The course also forms a suitable foundation for the Honours level unit 'Developing Group Work' which will be offered in 2009. Course leader: Tim Leighton

July 14-18 2008 - MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING

 6 ECTS credits at Level I        Monday to Friday    max. 14 participants       places available now

Motivational Interviewing has had an enormous influence on the substance misuse field. Participants are introduced to the concepts of MI, learn to understand and work with ambivalence, to recognise and reinforce 'change talk', and to extend their client-centred counselling skills with some useful techniques to promote health behaviour change. The collaborative and respectful 'spirit' of MI is stressed. The use of an MI spirit to motivate clients within treatment programmes is encouraged, and students record a DVD of a role-played session using the MI approach which they evaluate and reflect on for an assignment. The Unit lays a foundation for a more in-depth exploration of MI research and practice in the Honours Units 'MI and CBT theory' and 'Developing Motivational Interviewing' which will be offered in late 2008 and 2009. Course leader: Lorraine Parry

July 21-25 2008 - COGNITIVE THERAPY & SUBSTANCE MISUSE 

 6 ECTS credits at Level I        Monday to Friday   max. 14 participants       places available now

This course introduces the fundamental ideas of Cognitive-Behavioural theory, and explains Beck's cognitive models of emotional disorders and of substance misuse. The framework of Cognitive Therapy is presented, including formulation of the case, educating the client to the model and collaborative empiricism.The basic skills of Cognitive Therapy including structuring the session, setting an agenda, using Socratic dialogue, homework assignments and seeking feedback from the client are demonstrated and practised.  The appropriate integration of this framework and these skills into treatment programmes is explored. Students make a DVD recording of a role-played session using Cognitive Therapy skills, which they evaluate and reflect on for an assignment.The course provides a foundation for a more in-depth exploration of Cognitive Therapy research and practice in the Honours Units. Course leader: Tim Leighton

July 28-August 1 2008 - RELAPSE PREVENTION 

 6 ECTS credits at Level I        Monday to Friday     max. 14 participants       places available now

Addiction has been described as a chronic, relapsing condition, and the ability to anticipate, prevent and exit from relapse is key to sustaining recovery. An established and influential cognitive-behavioral model of the relapse process (developed by Marlatt & Gordon) is presented and evaluated, and relapse prevention skills training workshops are developed by students. The Marlatt model is compared and contrasted with Gorski's model, and research evidence for the effectiveness of relapse prevention is discussed. Course leader: Trevor Smith

September 1-4 2008 - DEVELOPING COGNITIVE THERAPY

 6 ECTS credits at Level H        Monday to Thursday      max. 14 participants       places available now

This course builds on the level I course offered in July and is also suitable for those with some prior training and experience in Cognitive Therapy with substance misusing clients. Participants develop their knowledge and skills in case formulation and collaborative focused work. They are introduced to the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale and trained in its use. They record two role-play sessions in pairs and use the scale to rate Cognitive Therapy competence. Application of the approach in various settings is discussed, and the course offers the opportunity to role-play recent or current clients to gain insight into how this approach might help them. Course leader: Tim Leighton 

November 17-21 2008 - WORKING WITH FAMILIES & SUBSTANCE MISUSE

A programme offering those working with substance abusers and their families further understanding of the dynamics of such families and aid development of the skills and techniques required to help and support them. (Delivered by our Families Plus team).

MANAGEMENT COURSES (2 Day courses for the busy manager)

(for further information, please contact Centre for Addiction Studies Administrator)

  • April 2008 - Managing Performance
  • May 2008 - An Introduction to Finance
  • November 2008 - Recruitment & Selection
  • January 2009 - Managing Quality & Risk

Booking forms can be printed from the downloads section of this website.

For further information, please call 01985 843782 or email carol.driver@actiononaddiction.org.uk