How practitioners can work with young male clients within a gender-responsive treatment program
Adverse life events can experience significant impairment in neural development which can lead to weakened critical thinking, diminished emotional intelligence, and increased antisocial behavior. Statistics show that traditional treatment programs are inadequate in helping young men—estimated to account for 68% of all teens struggling with substance use disorder—to achieve sustained abstinence that leads to recovery.
A Young Man's Guide to Self-Mastery provides practical guidance on implementing an effective trauma-informed, gender-responsive treatment program that addresses the impact of socialization, adverse life experiences, and substance use. This invaluable guide explains the theoretical foundation and real-life connection between trauma and substance use, and provides clear guidelines and actionable strategies for treating boys and young men challenged by trauma and substance use disorder.
- Provides guidance on integrating evidence-based interventions, mindfulness techniques, and experiential activities
- Covers the effects of environmental trauma, gender development awareness, socialization, identity, sexuality, relational violence, and aggression
- Examines trauma's impact on families, mental health, and comorbid and addictive behavior
- Discusses the key elements of strength-based approaches and mentoring
A Young Man's Guide to Self-Mastery is an invaluable resource for practitioners working with male adolescents in mental health clinics, juvenile justice facilities, and residential and outpatient facilities.
Table of Contents:
Introduction for the Facilitator
Part 1. Trauma in the Lives of Boys and Young Men
- The Need for a Trauma-Informed Program for Treating
- Substance Use Disorders in Young Men
- The Impact of Trauma on Boys
- Prevalence of Problems Associated with Trauma and Substance Use
- Gender and Developmental Awareness Principles
Part 2. Theoretical Foundation
- Theories of Adolescent Psychological Development
- Trauma
- The Process of Trauma
- Common Responses to Trauma
- Triggers and Retraumatization
- Dissociation and Grounding
- Trauma and Substance Use Disorders
- Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Services
- The Therapeutic Environment
- Creating Safety
- Dealing with Current Trauma
Part 3. The Program
- Design of the Facilitator Guide
- Materials Needed for Each Session
Part 4. Facilitation
- Prior to the Session
- Knowing the Boys and Young Men in Your Group
- Co-facilitating
- Tips on Conducting a Group Session
- Considerations for Facilitators
- Special Considerations for Juvenile and Adult Justice Settings
Module A: Myself
Session One: Welcome, Introduction, and Building Our House
This Session
Welcome and Introductions
Being Ourselves in a Group
Building Our House (Mutual Agreements)
The Word Cloud
Five Senses
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Two: A Sense of Self
This Session
My Place
Feelings, Beliefs, and Values
My Castle (Outside)
My Castle (Inside)
My Place (Variation)
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Three: A Boy’s World
This Session
Palms Up, Palms Down
Collage of Gender Expectations
The Anger Funnel
The Container
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Four: Introduction to Trauma
This Session
The Fight or Flight Response
Breathing
Trauma
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
The ACE Questionnaire
Other Traumatic Events
Trauma Can Shape Our Belief Systems
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Module B: Communication and Connections
Session Five: Communication and Connections
This Session
Healing Light
Living Your Values
Barriers to Healthy Connections
Other Ways We Communicate
Four Communication Styles
Practicing Communication Styles
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Six: Abuse and Conflict
This Session
Square Breathing
Abusive Relationships
Soothing and Grounding: Self-Mastery Techniques
A Physical Grounding Technique
The Container
Yoga
Conflict Resolution: The STARE Technique
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Seven: Mothers
This Session
Breathing
What Do Mothers Do?
My Mom
Letter to My Mom
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Eight: Fathers
This Session
What Do Fathers Do?
My Dad
Letter to My Dad
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Module C: Relationships
Session Nine: Friendship
This Session
Power and Relationships
Discussion Questions
The Relationship Wheel
Characteristics of Effective Relationships
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Ten: Gender and Sexuality
This Session
Dating and Sexuality
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Masculinity and Femininity
My Ideal Partner
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Eleven: Barriers to Healthy Relationships
This Session
Teen Equality Wheel
Control and Abuse
Supportive Relationships
Sample Relationship Map
Your Relationship Map
Ending Relationships
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Module D: Healthy Living
Session Twelve: Our Bodies
This Session
Healthy Living Scale
Body Image
Improving Your Body Image
Healthy and Unhealthy Eating
Emotional Wellness
Expressing Feelings
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Thirteen: Dealing with Life as It Happens
This Session
Understanding Addiction
Coping with Stress
Spirituality
Self-Care (SEEDS)
Reflection
Between-Sessions Activity
Session Fourteen: Endings and Beginnings
This Session
Healing Masks
Decision Making
Celebrating One Another
Appendices
Appendix 1. Five Senses Cards
Appendix 2. Local Resources
Appendix 3. Grounding and Self-Soothing Activities
Appendix 4. Yoga Poses
Appendix 5. Optional Activity (Sessions Nine and Eleven)
Appendix 6: Redefining Gender
Appendix 7: Healing Mask
Appendix 8: Optional Activity (Session Fourteen)
References
Feedback Form
About the Authors
Additional Publications
About the Author :
Stephanie S. Covington, PhD, LCSW, is co-director of the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender and Justice, and has served on the faculties of the University of Southern California and the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Covington specializes in the development and implementation of gender-responsive and trauma-informed services.
Roberto Rodriguez, MA, has over 12 years of experience working in intensive outpatient and residential settings in the treatment of substance use disorders. He currently provides trauma-informed interventions, counseling, and individual and family therapy, He is the co-author of Exploring Trauma: A Brief Intervention for Men with Dr. Stephanie Covington.
