Abstract

This practical resource provides a wealth of activities and photocopiable worksheets to use with children and young people affected by parental substance misuse.

Children living in substance abusing homes are at risk of many different negative outcomes, such as behavioral problems, low academic achievement, depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, as well as self-blame for their parent's substance abuse. The activities and worksheets in this book have been designed to assist counselors, therapists and other professionals to facilitate group sessions for children of addicted parents. Each chapter reviews a different issue related to children living in substance abusing homes, and gives step-by-step instructions for leading a group session, accompanied by the latest research and suggestions for discussions based on best practices. Children will learn to reduce feelings of shame and isolation, better understand the nature of addiction, increase self-care and create healthy interactions.

This is an essential resource for professionals working with children affected by parental substance misuse, including counselors, child psychologists, therapists, and youth workers.

This is a well-structured book... aims to give "step-by-step instructions for leading a group session that allows the facilitators to lead a group with little preparation"... I will be using the book in my practice, both to draw on within my groupwork with children impacted by substance misuse, but also within other client groups and even with individual clients.... I would recommend the book to practitioners in both their group and individual work. it offers evidence-based information about the key issues for this client group and provides resources that can be used directly or adapted to stimulate discussion in sessions.
Sarah Burrell, CYP counsellor, M-PACT practitioner
BACP Children & Young People
Tonia Caselman is Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Oklahoma, USA. She is an experienced clinical social worker and counselor and has worked with families for many years. Tonia is the author of Working Therapeutically with Families: Creative Activities for Diverse Family Structures, also published by JKP.