Plenary Session: Finding a New Freedom & a New Happiness: The 12-Steps of AA and the Gift of Self in Addiction & Trauma Treatment

Description: 
This session will unpack and explain AA's conception of alcoholism and contrast it with a Thomistic view of the problem. Significant focus will be given to understanding AA's 12 steps and its proposed model and principles of recovery. Attention will be given to the influence of Catholicism on the development of AA and its principles. With a clear appreciation of the program as intended by its founders and understood by its members, a summary of the empirical literature on the efficacy of AA will be provided. The session will end with a robust discussion of self-gift and the role the 12 steps play in cultivating this capacity as well as the importance of self-gift in helping members of AA stay sober.   

Category of Education: D1.1 Assessment/ Evaluation, Intervention

Intended Audience: 

• Students
• Psychologists
• Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors
• Clergy/Religious

Content Learning Level: Beginner, Introductory

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the 12-steps and underlying principles of AA and how they relate to self-gift
2. Summarize the empirical literature on the efficacy of AA
3. Explore how the 12-steps cultivate the "gift of self" as a treatment for alcoholism

Schedule:

• First 30 minutes: Lecture on the history of AA and its concepts/principles
• Middle 30 minute: Lecture on the empirical evidence and efficacy of AA
• Last 30 minutes: Lecture on the treatment and relevance of AA to the concept of "gift of self". 

The Catholic Psychotherapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Catholic Psychotherapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.