Group Counseling

group of people sitting together

Addiction Treatment in Wisconsin

Group counseling options require a referral from a North Central Health Care Outpatient Counselor or Therapist and are available at select North Central Health Care locations as the needs of our community change. Counselors and therapists collaborate with you to determine the best group therapy option for your unique situation so that you may achieve your individual recovery goals. Services are available to residents in the counties of Marathon, Langlade, and Lincoln. Current group counseling options are as follows:

Foundations Group Counseling

Foundations Group meets for 1-1/2 to 2 hours twice a week for 14 weeks. The group utilizes a three-part program including:

  • Identifying and eliciting your motivation to change, helping you make the decision to change and taking the first steps toward change.
  • Providing you with the tools and skills that will enable you to successfully make these changes. This may involve learning alternative coping strategies, reducing your reliance on substances for self-regulation and strengthening your relationships and recreational life.
  • Maintaining change by addressing symptom reduction and quality of life issues ranging from personal goals to spirituality.

Motivations Group Counseling

Motivations Group meets for 90 minutes once a week for ten weeks. As you think differently about the role of substances and their consequences, we will help you define goals and decisions for change based on your motivation.

  • Shared decision making is the cornerstone of this group, which includes discussion of your goals and desire to change.
  • The therapist will collaborate with you to listen, offer strategies for change, and support decision making.
  • You make decisions based on your preferences and on your desired outcomes.
  • Education is provided focusing on topics like addiction, stages of change, chemical effects on your life, as well as medical, family and social consequences.

Relapse Prevention Group Counseling

Relapse Prevention Group is for those who have completed at least one previous primary substance abuse or AODA treatment, and who have difficulty developing and/or maintaining a sober/clean lifestyle. This group focuses on:

  • Assessing relapse patterns
  • Identifying strengths and resources as well as barriers to recovery
  • Self-intervention strategies
  • Dealing with daily stresses and life’s challenges without turning to an addictive behavior
  • Developing and practicing sober living plan/relapse prevention plan

Men's Recovery Group Counseling

Men’s Recovery Group is focused on education and support. The main takeaways from this group are a greater awareness of self, and thinking about things rather than just believing what you hear from friends, the media, or surrounding culture. Factual information and discussion material are presented in ways designed to reduce resistance to change and promote healthy living.

  • Group members are not told how to live their lives, but to think through the consequences of their choices.
  • The positive focus is on building a new life as the best way to prevent relapse.
  • Social and coping skills
  • A variety of educational topics are discussed including emotional and interpersonal issues that often trigger thoughts and cravings to use substances or engage in other addictive behaviors.

OWI Group Counseling

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Group is a 10-week group open to both men and women. Absolute sobriety is expected during a driver safety plan which is included with enrollment in this group. The curriculum is designed to meet the educational and motivational needs of people who have been convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Participants of the Driving With Care Program attend the OWI group counseling as part of there recovery.

Discussion of educational material and learning from other group members are the key vehicles of change. Included are the following “present” and “future” orientated educational elements:

  • Stages of change
  • Attitudes, emotions, communication
  • Effects on the brain
  • Prevention of relapse, cross-addiction
  • A better understanding of oneself and life goals
  • A better understanding of addiction
  • Caring for oneself and making wise decisions
  • Support and accountability

Group counseling options require a referral from a North Central Health Care Outpatient Counselor or Therapist and are available at select locations as the needs of our community changes.