Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

The frequency and duration of group meetings should be determined by what factor?

1. The age of the clients

2. What is occurring in the group

3. The therapist's time availability

4. Left open to interpretation

The correct answer is: What is occurring in the group

Determining the frequency and duration of group meetings is fundamentally dependent on what is occurring in the group. This involves assessing the dynamics, needs, and progress of the group members. If the group is engaged in deep emotional work, it may require more frequent and longer sessions to effectively process issues and foster therapeutic change. Conversely, if the group is functioning smoothly and members are progressing well, meetings may not need to be as frequent or could be shorter in duration. The group's needs can change over time, influenced by factors such as the stage of recovery, specific challenges faced by members, or the emergence of new issues that need addressing. Consequently, being responsive to these factors ensures that the group remains beneficial and relevant to its participants, tailoring the meeting structure to best support their therapeutic journey. By focusing on these aspects, the group can create a supportive environment that meets the collective and individual needs of its members more effectively. In contrast, while age and therapist availability are important considerations in a broader context, they do not directly address the specific dynamics and needs of the group in real-time. Leaving the frequency and duration "open to interpretation" lacks the necessary guidance to effectively support the therapeutic process.