Leadership Practice in Addiction Counselling: Involving Family Members in the Change Process

This report discusses the benefits of involving family members in addiction counselling, using the double-loop learning theory of leadership. It also highlights the challenges and benefits of this approach, and proposes ways to apply it to professional practice.

Running head: REPORT
Leadership Practice
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Executive summary
My role as a professional addiction counsellor requires me to interact with several people
who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, and are in need of assistance for reducing the severity
of their problems. The report summarized the different leadership theories and illustrated the
double-loop learning theory of leadership, in relation to my job role. This was followed by
discussing the change process that focused on involvement of the family in the counselling
services, its potential benefits and challenges. The report concluded by elaborating on my
leadership goals and the way by which family involvement could enhance effective delivery
of addiction counselling services.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................3
2. Theories of leadership.........................................................................................................3
3. Double-loop learning theory of leadership.........................................................................4
4. Professional practice...........................................................................................................4
5. Change process...................................................................................................................5
6. Justification for change process..........................................................................................6
7. Critical reflection................................................................................................................7
8. Challenges for the process..................................................................................................8
9. Applying change process to professional practice..............................................................9
10. Resistance to change.......................................................................................................9
11. Goals.............................................................................................................................10
12. Role of change process..................................................................................................11
13. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................11
References................................................................................................................................13

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1. Introduction
The term leadership refers to the capabilit6y of a person to set and accomplish certain
challenging goals and objectives, by taking swift decisions, and inspiring other team
members to perform well in their work. A good leader is expected to demonstrate certain
traits of integrity, honesty, passion and commitment towards work, accountability,
innovation, and creativity (Alvesson & Spicer, 2012).
The primary aim of this report is to elaborate on the area of change, in relation to the
work as a counsellor of drug and alcohol service. My role as a counsellor requires me to
directly interact with several people who are subjected to substance abuse and seek
professional help. I provide them assistance to understand the ill effects of drug dependency
and alcoholism, followed by implementation and evaluation of treatment plans. The report
will further illustrate the benefits of different tools that can help in implementing change in
the area of practice.
2. Theories of leadership
The four most relevant theories of leadership are namely, (1) Trait Theory of
Leadership, (2) Contingency Theories, (3) Transformational Leadership Theory, and (4)
Behavioural Theory (Carroll, Ford & Taylor, 2015). According to the Trait theory, five
physical traits or attributes such as, energy, height, appearance; 16 personality traits such as,
aggressiveness, enthusiasm, and self-confidence; four ability and intelligent traits; nine social
traits such as, cooperativeness, interpersonal skills and administrative ability; and six task
related traits namely, drive, persistence and initiative, are expected from a leader (Chemers,
2014). Behavioural theory focuses on the study of precise conducts of a leader that
determines the success (Kempster, Jackson & Conroy, 2011).

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According to Waters (2013) the contingency theory, effective leadership must focus on
certain aspects such as, (i) task requirements, (ii) organisation’s policies and culture, and (iii)
behaviour and expectations of the peers. On the other hand, Shanafelt and Noseworthy (2017)
stated that the theory of transformational leadership emphasises on the fact that leaders work
in collaboration with teams for identifying necessary changes, for developing a vision and
guiding the change through inspiration.
3. Double-loop learning theory of leadership
This leadership theory was proposed by Argyris in 1976 and relates to learning to
alteration underlying morals and assumptions. According to Argyris (1977) emphasis of the
theory is on resolving problems that are multifaceted and ill-structured that transform as
problem-solving progresses. Double loop theory is founded on a “theory of action” viewpoint
sketched by Argyris and Schon. This standpoint scrutinizes reality from the point of opinion
of human beings as performers. Variations in behaviours, values, helping others, and
leadership, are most involved by the theory of action. The four imperative steps in the
learning process are (i) creation of new meanings, (ii) discovery of theory-in-use and
advocated theory, (iii) result oversimplification, and (iv) production of new activities (Griffin
& Hu, 2013). Owing to the fact that this theory is directed towards personal change and is
typically oriented towards professional education, in organisational leadership, I consider it to
be allied with my role as an addiction counsellor.
4. Professional practice
My profession as an addiction counsellor requires me to assist all patients to overcome
their dependence on alcohol and drugs, and subsequent addictive behaviours like gambling. I
often intervene when the patients who come to seek assistance are found to be at their lowest
points, while struggling with the ill effects of addiction. I demonstrate a passion for my work

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and have pursued this professional domain with the belief that I will be able to bring about a
real difference in the lives of the sufferers, by adoring proper leadership skills. As an
addiction counsellor, double loop learning theory leadership is linked to my work domain
owing to the fact that I consider it imperative for my profession to determine the goals, and
motivate all team members for accomplishing the goals that are directed towards enhancing
the health and wellbeing of the service users.
Furthermore, I also identify with the key attributes of people oriented leaders who are
held accountable for focusing self-behaviour with the aim of ensuring satisfaction of the inner
demands and preferences of the people. I always seek opportunities to motivate my staff and
co-workers by emphasising on the aspect of human relations, and often focus on manifesting
a range of behaviours that are in accordance with observation, encouragement, listening, and
mentoring.
5. Change process
Families of individuals with serious psychological problems have often been recognised
as an irreplaceable source of support for the management of issues faced by the patients.
Many persons with serious mental disease either reside with their family members such as,
parents, siblings, spouses, and children, or are also found to maintain contact with them
(Tambuyzer, Pieters & Van Audenhove, 2014). Additionally, in the words of Meis et al.
(2013) family members are usually the first people who identify behavioural variations that
complement a mental malady and can support an individual in getting associated with mental
health care services. Families of persons diagnosed with any such problem also adorn the role
of informal case managers, thus delivering and directing care for their relatives. While
working in the addiction counselling facility, I also became aware of the fact that family
members often perceive the indications of addiction relapse and can inspire their kin to
pursue early help from the services that I provide.

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I have also encountered several instances during my professional practice where there
occurs lack of family engagement in the treatment programs, due to the existing
discrimination and stereotypes towards the addicts. This in turn makes the patients feel
dejected, isolated and depressed, thus forcing them to flee from the situation (Mora-Ríos,
Ortega-Ortega & Medina-Mora, 2017). This made me consider the option of involving the
family members in the treatment programs, to provide the much needed support to the
patients, and hasten their recovery process. Hence, encouraging the family members to
participate in the recovery program will help in the elimination of the helplessness and sense
of despair that is usually faced by the alcoholics and drug addicts (Cabrera & Tamis-
LeMonda, 2013).
6. Justification for change process
Change process or management refers to the systematic approach that is usually adopted
and implemented for dealing with the different transformations or transitions that are required
for accomplishing the goals of a particular organisation. The change process is required in
this case scenario owing to the fact that not only will addiction counselling help the patients
with their recovery, but will also play an important role in treating any core mental health
illness, the patients might have, which plays an important part in their addictions. There are a
plethora of social and psychological factors that can result in a relapse such as, stress, which
in turn forces the patients to return to their old environment (Wang & Sheikh‐Khalil, 2014).
According to Baker-Ericzén, Jenkins and Haine-Schlagel (2013) although it is usually
unbearable for the patients to resist their use of alcohol and drugs, lack of family support
often triggers the onset of depression and feelings of worthlessness, thus making them resume
their old habits. My professional experience has made me realise the fact that families are
intricately involved in the recovery of addicts. Role of family in addiction recovery begins

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when families unintentionally display a system of dysfunction. With a change in the negative
dynamics of family members, substance abuse recovery becomes easy and also significantly
reduces the chances of other members becoming addicts (Umberson, Thomeer & Williams,
2013). Owing to the fact that recovery from substance abuse addiction is a lifelong process, I
consider family support to be most effective for displaying a lifelong commitment in
enhancing and safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of the patients. Thus, I intend to
foster connection between patients and their families, for facilitating the recovery process.
7. Critical reflection
The change process focuses on involving the family members in the treatment and
recovery programs of the people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs, and seek help from
counselling services. My prior knowledge and professional experience have helped me
identify certain strengths of the change process. The first strength can be attributed to the fact
that the change process will create provisions that will allow the addicts and their family
members to develop a connection and rapport with each other, in a free and open manner,
thus allowing the latter to identify the problems that are being faced by the patients (Carman
et al., 2013). The initial days of recovery from addition are usually lonely. However, having
the care and support of family members will lay the foundation for continual accomplishment
in abstinence.
I also hold the opinion that a display of commitment from all family members will
facilitate the recovery process. There is mounting evidence that considers stress as a
substantial factor in the commencement of drug and alcohol abuse, besides governing the
addiction relapse. Owing to this fact, it is vital to understand that the patient recovering from
alcohol and drug abuse is more predisposed to stress (Carr, 2015). Hence, involvement of the
family will help in the easy identification of different stressors such as, financial problems,
health issues, and exposure to certain situations, and work pressure. Hence, this will enhance

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the relationship that the addicts share with their kin and will be easily motivated to withdraw
from the use of drugs and alcohol. However, I realised that one major weakness of the change
process is associated with the feelings of emotional weakness that might arise on confronting
the family members. This in turn might prevent the addicts from continuing their addiction
therapy and might trigger the manifestation of destructive behaviour such as, self-harm.
8. Challenges for the process
Some of the key challenges that I might encounter while implementing the change
process are related to restrictions that might get imposed on the freedom of the client and
other underlying threats. Although involvement of the family members will play a potential
role in crisis intervention and will also facilitate the monitoring of symptoms for possible
relapse of addiction symptoms, some parents and kin might take their participation too far for
the patients. They might start visiting the addiction counselling centre so much that they grow
into a cause of distraction for the patient, me and the other team members. Being excessively
involved in the recovery process might also lead to their frequent stepping in for dealing with
the issues that the patients face, while adhering to some of the recommended therapies
(Schwarzer, 2014). Also, I and all staff members might not always feel comfortable with the
presence of a family volunteer in the counselling sessions.
Distraction due to the presence of family can also lead to a loss of focus or subsequent
behaviour problems. Furthermore, for addicts who suffer from severe forms of social phobia,
it might be problematic for them to share their issues in front of their family members (Ek &
Eriksson, 2013). Besides, for patients who have been subjected to certain traumatic events, it
could be overwhelming or triggering for them to participate in discussions about the trauma
that made them resort to addiction. Having to share close details of previous addiction
experiences with relatives might be tough for patients with social fears. Lack of
confidentiality on patient information would be another potential challenge.

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9. Applying change process to professional practice
I have realised that involving family members in my professional practice will also
enhance my role as an addiction counsellor and allow me to better fulfil my job duties and
responsibilities. I intend to discuss with my family members about my regular encounters
with different addiction patients, each suffering from unique psychological problems.
Involving my family will help me discuss with them about my intended goals and how I want
to accomplish them. Taking their advice and suggestions will largely help me identify a
different perspective of the challenges that might arise in the change process, thus providing
with better ideas of dealing with those trials (Hildebrand, 2018). Regular conversations with
my family members will also help them to keep a track of my progress in counselling the
addicts.
This in turn will help me easily identify the strengths and drawbacks of the tools that I
intend to use for appropriate counselling. By observing, supporting and encouraging, my
parents and other family members can be engaged in conducts that ensure that I am able to
utilise each opportunity for achieving success. Some of the common challenges that I might
encounter while delivering counselling services are realted to anger, anxiety, and stress.
Cooperation from my family members will create opportunities that will allow me to work on
my self-esteem and self-confidence. They will also play a vital role in working towards
supporting me in achieving my personal goals. During the process of assisting me in my
profession, my family will also encourage me in my future decisions and plans.
10. Resistance to change
Any kind of organisational and professional change does not come easy. In most
instances, senior members of an organisation have been found to place the blame of failure of
a change process on their employees. At times the middle managers have also been found
resisting all changes that are proposed for betterment of a process (Bateh, Castaneda & Farah,

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2013). The loss of status in the addiction service centre might make some of the employees
resist the change process if they feel that the change will result in their role of being reduced
or eliminated.
Although family involvement will not threaten the job of any of the employers or
managers, they might feel that encouraging the family to participate in the recovery of the
patients, will lessen their duties, in relation to treating the addicts (Matos Marques Simoes &
Esposito, 2014). There is a common saying that leaders are often rewarded for their actions.
The key stakeholders of the addiction centre might create barriers in the implementation of
the change process, if they do not see any rewards or incentives. The less the team members
are aware of the impact and potential benefits of family involvement, the more fearful they
are expected to become, thus making them sabotage the efforts for change process.
11. Goals
Some of the key goals that I intend to set in my professional practice are encompass
namely, (1) listening, (2) strategic thinking, (3) coaching, (4) cross functional knowledge, (5)
financial acumen, (6) collaboration, (7) talent management, and (8) time management. I need
to improve my capability to observe the wider perspective of the change process and focus on
“why the change is required”. Learning to pay adequate attention to the views and opinions of
the team members and subordinates and using active listening skills, concomitant with a
warm body language will help in easy explanation of the information that is intended to be
conveyed (Huczynski, Buchanan & Huczynski, 2013). I also wish to work with all of my
direct subordinates to generate their own discrete development plans. Learning about other
facets of the occupation will also assist me in adorning the role of an efficient leader. I also
need to communicate in a reliable way that motivates others. Learning to implement and
endure transformation in my organization is another goal that I wish to accomplish in near
future.

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12. Role of change process
One primary advantage of the change process (family involvement) is associated with
better outcome for the patients who are addicted and have come for counselling assistance.
The addicts are expected to form a bond with their family members, thus lowering their
addiction rates, demonstrating stronger social skills and improved behaviour. Engagement of
the family members will increase the satisfaction of the addiction patients with the
counselling services that are being delivered to them, thereby helping them demonstrate a
commitment towards using the service. The family members while monitoring the behaviour
of the addicts, will also play an important role in commencing and supporting the use of
counselling services.
Furthermore, the family members will also be imperative in encouraging and motivating
the patients to abstain themselves from the use of alcohol and drugs, thus lowering the risks
of relapse episodes. Other potential benefits of the change process can be attributed to the fact
that it will deepen the understanding of the drug and alcohol addicts, of the advantages that
the change process will bring about in their overall mental health and wellbeing. Parents have
acute information about the strengths, possessions and wants of their child that will help me
make better informed decisions for the benefit of my service users.
13. Conclusion
Almost everything that has been attained in the mental health system has occurred
because of encouragement by peers and family members of persons who were affected. It is
significant for clinical decision makers at all stages to perceive the opinions and views of the
persons the health care service is supposed to aid; otherwise, it cannot perhaps be receptive or
accommodating. The change process discussed in this essay emphasises on involving the
family members in the counselling process, owing to the fact that most of the time, the family
is aware of variations that the affected being is unable to detect or perceive. To conclude,

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although several challenges might arise during the change process implementation, I intend to
overcome the challenges by enhancing my leadership skills and convincing all employees of
the advantages of the change process.

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