Professionals in psychology, social work, counseling, and other disciplines often use workbooks as a component of treatment programs. However, the best use of workbooks is rarely discussed, and there are differences among existing workbooks. The Stages of Accomplishment workbooks are based on decades of professional experience and research into what works in treatment with adolescents who have sexually abused. This training begins by examining workbooks in general, including their strengths and limitations, and provides guidelines for their use. It offers 13 pointers for how to use workbooks in treatment (for example, considerations for how and when to use assignments and how to check for comprehension and retention of learned material). The training then looks specifically at the Stages of Accomplishment workbooks. The training, presented by the author of the workbooks, offers specific tips for fitting the workbook to the treatment program. It includes steps for both standardizing and individualizing workbook use in treatment.
Topics discussed:
1) Construction and purpose of workbooks
2) Strengths and weaknesses of workbooks
3) Guidelines for the use of workbooks
4) Detailed outline of the Stages of Accomplishment workbooks
5) Examples of workbooks exercises
6) Cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational concepts used in the Stages of Accomplishment workbooks
7) Guidelines for the use of the Stages of Accomplishment workbooks