Assessment as Intervention
using the G R O W S coaching method
| Drug assessments often tend to focus on the
amount of drug use, problems associated with use and some sort of assessment of the
client's willingness to change their consumption patterns. The GROWS coaching method (adapted from John Whitmore) of interview can be used for peer supervision and client assessment. It is one of the tools used by life coaches to help motivate and focus on what is possible at it relates to life goals (see: Coaching Web Sites). This method is useful for contemplators, actioners, maintainers as well as those who may have recently relapsed. |
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| The sequence of GROW is: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| G R O W S |
= = = = = |
GOALS REALITY OPTIONS WILL Support |
Setting Goals for the session What is Really going on What Options or alternatives for action exist What Will you do. By When and with Whom, Will you do it. Who will support you in your plan? |
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GROW Steps as Applied to Drug Assessment/Intervention |
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In setting session goals, the counsellor needs to differentiate between other goals such as end goals (i.e. to be in a healthy relationship and have control over my drug use) and performance goals (the measurable parts of end goals - i.e. to have a partner who compliments me at least daily and never hits me - not to have any more than six drinks at any one session). |
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The format below may assist to record the helps and hinders of what has been going on(see below). This may subsequently be useful in stimulating client options: |
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Session Goal: ............................. |
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Secrets of Success |
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HELPS . . |
HINDERS . . |
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| Consider the use of an action planning sheet such as the one below: |
Issue/Goal |
Action Planned |
When |
Support |
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| . . |
. . |
. . |
. . |
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| Review (follow-up): How did it go - What did you do? | ||||
. . |
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What helped - What worked |
What hindered - What didn't work |
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| . . |
. . |
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| Guide Only These questions and format are a guide only. For example, the client may need to re-negotiate their goal after examining what's happening (Reality). However, it is useful for the client to leave with their session goal (and other goals if formulated) and their short-term action sheets with them. |
| Source/Reference. ISBN 1 85788 013 7 |
