Individual Psychodynamic Treatment - Research Paper Example

? Individual Psychodynamic Treatment and CBT of Individual Psychodynamic Treatment and CBT The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in conjunction with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment identified 123 competencies that counselors for drug related problems should possess. These competencies comprise of a set of skills, knowledge and attitudes that are required of professional practitioners. These competencies were published within the Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21. This paper is aimed at giving evidence based argument on top ten competencies within TAP 12 publication which are considered the most significant in effective support for individuals with drug problems. Moreover the paper includes a professional development plan which is necessary for the attainment of the identified top competencies. More specifically the areas which may not be relevant to the selected choice in practice are identified with justifications. The paper also gives a detailed description of the treatment modalities that are congruent with the selected competencies. The first competency within TAP 21 publication stipulates that professionals must have sufficient understanding of the various theories and models that are used to describe problems of use and abuse of drugs (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). For this to be possible counselors and health professionals concerned with the drug problem must have knowledge of the theoretical framework, etiology and evidence based practice (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). The provisions of the publication are supported by the fact that counselors must be able to have sufficient knowledge of the theoretical framework on drug abuse so that they would be able to understand the social, economic, cultural and psychological factors which cause substance use and abuse (Kaplan & Gladding, 2011). The treatment modalities that are associated with the theoretical aspect of treating drug problems include cognitive and behavioral therapies. For example the developmental theories such as Freudianism can be used to ascribe the treatment modalities for clients. Moreover, the cognitive theory would be applied during a group therapy session to allow clients speak out the logical justification for their actions. The fourth competency within the TAP publication is also very significant in the management of drug addiction and substance abuse. This is because it provides that a health care professional must be able to understand the disorders related to the drug problem as they coexist within the patient or client (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). In order to attain sufficient knowledge of the theories which underlie substance abuse as stipulated in the first competency, I will study scientific literature on substance abuse, theory and practice. Additionally, I will employ critical thinking approach that will help me to be able to diagnose the various problems related to drug use and abuse. This will enable me to understand and apply the disorders that are related to every client’s drug problems and make decisions that are supported by the theory of health care. Psychoanalysis is the most appropriate treatment modality that will help in the understanding of the various developmental and social disorders that are linked with the drug problems of clients. Moreover, cognitive approaches to treatment are applicable in understanding mental states that which contribute to an exaggerated desire to use and abuse drugs (Freed, 2010). The tenth competency in the TAP 21 publication postulates that a professional must be able to describe alternative strategies of helping the client to overcome the problem of drug dependence (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). Therefore the professional must have knowledge and skills on evaluation methods and relevant interventions. It is argued that the interventions and methods of solving the drug problem of a patient must be understood by healthcare professionals and counselors and used with the right attitude and intention of helping the patient (Ray, et al, 2011). The Twelfth Competency is also very important in the management of drug problems because it incorporates culture in the proposed treatment methodology (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). It is pointed out that people with drug related problems are diverse in culture, norms and beliefs which require counselors to have knowledge of these differences for effectiveness in treatment (Smaby, et al, 2009). In order for me to achieve skills and knowledge of different cultures, I will employ technology such as Second Life to have active interaction with other cultures. This will enhance my understanding of the cultural factors which determine individual behaviors towards drug use. Competency 27 prescribes that professionals should help clients to identify the impacts of substance abuse on their lives (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). This is achieved through skills of establishing a therapeutic relationship with the clients. This competency is very important because knowledge of effects of drugs motivates users to strive for change (Ray, et al, 2011). Competency thirty is crucial in the management of substance abuse. This competency enables professionals use the right criteria and hence recommend proper treatment approaches (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). Skills in diagnosis and the supporting knowledge are required within this competency. Professionals with diagnostic skills are able to recommend the most appropriate treatment criteria for substance abuse which helps those affected to overcome their problem. Nonetheless it is notable that competency 27 is not significantly relevant to my chosen practice. This is because my practice is focused at the working group and the work related factors that lead to substance use and abuse. These people are educated and informed and hence aware of the impacts of drug use both to themselves and the society in general. Competency 46 is also very significant in the management of substance use and addiction. This competency provides that professional must recommend a treatment approach that is acceptable to the client (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). The cooperation of drug addicts in the treatment program is achieved if they support the approaches used to solve their problem (Smaby, et al, 2009). Nonetheless it is important to note that drug addicts accept treatment approaches only if they demonstrate willingness to recover. Competency 52 within the TAP 21 publication prescribes the skills and knowledge that will assist professional counselors to arrange referrals to agencies, professionals, programs or organizations that would meet the needs of the client for recovery (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). This competency is important because proper referral means that the client will be managed according to the specific needs and problems as identified at the diagnosis stage (Kaplan & Gladding, 2011). Competency 55 is also very important for effective management of the needs of clients for recovery. This competency postulates the skills that professional must exhibit in evaluating the outcome of the patient referral (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). The evaluation of the client referral is very important in treatment of drug addiction because it defines whether the objectives of the treatment process are achieved or not (Freed, 2010). In order to achieve sufficient knowledge and skills on evaluation of the success of treatment programs, I will enroll in distance learning courses. References Freed, C. R. (2010). Addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry in America: Commonalities in the medical treatment of addiction. Contemporary Drug Problems, 37(1), 139-163. Kaplan, D. M., & Gladding, S. T. (2011). A Vision for the Future of Counseling: The 20/20 Principles for Unifying and Strengthening the Profession. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 89(3), 367-372. Ray, D. C., et al, (2011). Research in Counseling: A 10-Year Review to Inform Practice. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 89(3), 349-359. Smaby, M. H., et al (2009). Academic Admission Requirements as Predictors of Counseling Knowledge, Personal Development, and Counseling Skills. Counselor Education & Supervision, 45(1), 43-57. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2006).Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice. Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) Series 21 Read More