The Use of the Early Memories Procedure in a Psychotherapy Group of Substance Abusers

Abstract

Treatment programs in prison settings lacka solid basis regarding the rehabilitation of inmates who sincerely want to change. Although the need for practical and effective treatment programs continues to increase, few viable interventions exist. Richard's program for substance abusers, customized to eight modules for an offender population, constitutes one promising exception. One module, in particular, involves filling out Bruhn's Early Memories Procedure (EMP) and discussing these memories in a 10-person group. Although the EMP is fairly well known as an assessment instrument and is used in individual and couples treatment, nothing has been written about its application in a group therapy context. In this article, the utility of the EMP in a prison population of substance abusers is explored.

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