History

Criminal Justice Addiction Services

"In 1986, Rand Kannenberg was employed as a Master's level sociologist working as an outpatient therapist at a local mental health center. He had an initial caseload of forty probationers and parolees in addition to other diverse individuals, couples and families. Unable to see all of the correctional clients individually and adequately assess and treat their negative thinking and acting and substance abuse or dependence, he designed Resocial Group (TM) ("Sociotherapy for Sociopaths" [TM]). This is a twenty-four sessions, open-ended, group treatment curriculum for adult felony offenders with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders. The curriculum has proven to be successful with many clients who have ongoing problems with alcohol and/or other drugs as well as continuous and chronic negative experiences and behaviors in which the rights of others are violated resulting in client involvement with the criminal justice system. Group members have achieved goals of becoming deinstitutionalized and/or learning how to function responsibly in society. Clients have demonstrated an increase in awareness of rules and laws; improved ability and willingness to be truthful, to function as a responsible partner, spouse or parent; an increase in motivation to honor financial obligations and improve interpersonal relationships and on-the-job performance; a decrease in problems of indifference, irritability, impulsivity (including substance abuse), carelessness and aggressiveness. Parole would not be a viable option or alternative to prison without group therapy and education at mental health centers and substance abuse programs (See "Test of Parole is Protection of Lawful Citizens," Rocky Mountain News, Rand L. Kannenberg, 1987). Neither would supervised probation. Residential transition and diversion clients alike can also benefit from a cognitive behavioral treatment program like Resocial Group (TM). Sociological counseling or "sociotherapy" is the practice of positive social change methods or modalities for treatment of ineffective human behavior. Sociodrama or role exploration, sociometry or the diagramming of relationships within groups ("Choosing Partners and Companions," Copyright 1999 Rand L. Kannenberg), and goal setting/planning for the future are the three clinical or applied sociology techniques used in this program. By way of written and verbal resocialization exercises, clients are encouraged to briefly explore their attitudes about themselves and the world. Their perception of events that have occurred is the obvious starting point. Accordingly, it is acceptable to discuss how and why a client believes that his attitudes and behaviors were learned. The assumption that stresses that patterns of behaviors and attitudes are learned early in families is taught in the groups along with constant change (new experiences) and interaction (character disorder) models of socialization. Some understanding of how morals are developed and the negative thinking and acting was learned is necessary for motivation to the next stage of voluntary unlearning and then relearning of new norms and values ("Political Socialization and Resocialization," Rand L. Kannenberg, 1984). However, blaming others for their own actions is not tolerated in the group and prevents a client from passing that section ("Community Mental Health: Applying Sociology to the Clinical Setting: Sociotherapy for Sociopaths," Rand L. Kannenberg, 1987; reprinted 1994). A global view of the program is that the client achieves some cognitive and affective recognition of how he has violated the rights of others. The focus is on what the negative consequences have been at home, school and work (for others and self). The part of substance abuse is highlighted in every segment. Clients are presented with new coping, communication and problem solving skills and are given goal-oriented homework to practice skills in a specific problem area after each session. Resocial Group (TM) guidelines/rules are as follows: abstinence/sobriety, honesty, compliance, safety, order, moderation, dependability, participation, readiness and confidentiality."

"Kannenberg's fresh approach to treating psychoactive chemical abusing sociopaths should be in every counselor's arsenal when treating a client of this nature." Misti Storie, Education and Training Coordinator, Counselor Resources, "Reader's Corner," (NAADAC News, August 2005).

Top 10 Bestselling Book List of search by subject on Medicum.net 2005.

(Audiocassette/manual package also available from PESI.)

• Order online from the PESI virtual bookstore now.

This book is also available at bordersstores.com, barnesandnoble.com, or amazon.com and at as many as 12 different online sellers in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and France. Prices vary tremendously if not ordered directly from PESI HealthCare, publisher.

"Even if new to the profession or a seasoned veteran, this book is a helpful resource to all addiction counselors...An addiction treatment facility's library is not complete without this book." Misti Storie, Education and Training Coordinator, Counselor Resources, "Reader's Corner," (NAADAC News, August 2005).

(Audiocassette/manual package also available from PESI.)

• Order online from the PESI virtual bookstore now.

This book is also available at bordersstores.com, barnesandnoble.com, or amazon.com and at as many as 12 different online sellers in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and France. Prices vary tremendously if not ordered directly from PESI HealthCare, publisher.

• Back to Home Page

• Research

• Current Schedule

• Home Study Online Course

• Trainer's Background

• Articles

• Other Courses

• APD/SUD Screening

• Counseling Center in Lakewood, Colorado

It's our 13th Year Anniversary as CJAS!

Copyright 1998-2008 Rand L. Kannenberg (Last update 2/08.)

• Animation Factory Link.