The American University (Universidad Americana) in Asuncion, Paraguay has invited our Executive/ Clinical Director, Georgi Distefano, LCSW to conduct a workshop on the Paradigm Developmental Model of Treatment.

The event will take place October 8, 2011. An invitation has been extended to all professionals working with substance abuse  and recovery efforts.

El Modelo de Tratamiento Basado en los Cambios Paradigmáticos incorpora los principios de los Doce Pasos de Alcohólicos Anónimos. Estos principios actúan como metas clínicas para guiar al profesional a encaminar al individuo en su tratamiento. Para aquellas personas que participan en reuniones de Alcohólicos o Narcóticos Anónimos, este enfoque fortalecerá su rehabilitación. Para aquellos que tienen dificultad con el aspecto espiritual de los Doce Pasos, este modelo provee una perspectiva diferente que en esencia es cognitiva conductual.

Ambas técnicas se han utilizado ampliamente en el tratamiento de adicciones comprobando su eficacia.

Este modelo ofrece un marco de trabajo para consejeros y terapeutas cuyo objetivo es definir la posición del paciente en relación a su consumo de alcohol y/o otras drogas. En base a la información obtenida del cuestionario de este modelo, el profesional podrá determinar con más acierto el tipo de intervención apropiada.

Este modelo se diseñó para uso en sesiones individuales de consejería y enriquecer el proceso terapéutico grupal en la mayoría de los programas de tratamiento.

Nos complace compartir este nuevo modelo de tratamiento con la comunidad de profesionales en salud mental.

Para ordenar el libro haga click aquí.

O contactar a:

Montezuma Publishing. Kim Mazyck, Publishing Manager. E-mail: kim.mazyck@sdsu.edu. Toll free: 866-683-9862 (US only)

Contacto en español: Patricia Cabezas. E-mail: info@sdsuduip.com. Tel: 858-467-6810 ext. 135

By Kim Mazyck and Taylor Crossland

Montezuma Publishing

SDSU Clinical Director Shares New Approach to Substance Abuse TreatmentGeorgi DiStefano Teaches New Model in Various Countries Around the World

SAN DIEGO – Georgi DiStefano, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and executive/clinical director for the San Diego State University’s Driving Under the Influence Program, has been traveling extensively, sharing her new substance abuse treatment approach.  DiStefano’s global teaching comes after the success of her book, “Paradigm Developmental Model of Treatment: A Clinical Guide for Counselors Working with Substance Abusers and the Chemically Dependent,” now in its second edition.  PDMT, published in English, Japanese and Spanish, utilizes clinical themes inherent in Alcoholic Anonymous’ 12 steps.  This model also incorporates the evidence-based practices of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.

“In the treatment arena we are always searching for innovative practices, techniques, and information to help us assist our clients in their recovery journey,” said Darin Scharer, an Alcohol and Other Drugs professional.  “This book utilizes evidenced-based therapies which are vital to the recovery process.”Since 2005, DiStefano has traveled throughout California sharing her new method of treatment with organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter.  In 2010 she visited the Kurihama National Hospital on Alcoholism Treatment Center in Japan to introduce her model to their treatment staff. She also provided in Osaka, Japan a three day training in her model to Social Work Clinical Supervisors from around the country.  DiStefano is recognized as an honorary member of the Japanese Social Work Association.  In June 2010, she met with various foundation directors hosted by Foundation Fundavac in Buenos Aires, Argentina and presented her model.

In March of 2011, DiStefano received the National Association of Social Workers/Clinical Society – San Diego Chapters Social Work Lifetime Achievement Award.  In May 2011, DiStefano will speak at the 5th Annual International Conference on Sociology in Athens, Greece to present research data on her model.  Plans are in development to speak at the Universidad Nacional in Asuncion, Paraguay.
According to a World Health Organization report, alcohol is responsible for nearly four percent, approximately 2.5 million, of the deaths per year worldwide.  This figure is more than AIDS or violence.  Organizations worldwide are seeking new approaches to reduce their country’s substance abuse problems and alcohol related fatalities.

DiStefano’s model seeks to help those who do not connect with the spiritual aspect of the 12-step program.  Individuals who do not practice religion may find the emphasis of faith in the 12 steps to be a deterrent.  DiStefano model focuses on themes inherent in the 12-Steps of AA from a cognitive perspective.   “For my patients without a spiritual belief system, the reference to a Higher Power, or God, has been a stumbling block to their ability to fully appreciate the benefits of working a 12-step program,” said Abbey Oberg, an AOD counselor.  “I am thrilled to find a model of treatment which incorporates AA technology along with cognitive behavioral concepts and motivational techniques.  PDMT has proven to be very successful with these patients.”DiStefano’s extensive professional background with nearly 30 years of experience has made her an expert in the field of substance abuse recovery. As clinical/executive director for the DUI Program, DiStefano helps treat over 3,000 weekly clients.  As a corporate trainer, she conducts employee seminars and management training in wellness and professional development topics.

As the former San Diego regional Employee Assistance Professional counselor for Kaiser Permanente, DiStefano was the sole consultant for nearly 4,200 employees.  Prior to Kaiser, she was the executive director of the Counseling and Recovery Institute and specialized in consulting with organizations regarding the management of chemical dependency treatment for the impaired executive.
From 1984 to 1986 and 1988 to 1989, DiStefano served as vice president to the California Women’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Dependencies.  In 1991, she was awarded Social Worker of the Year by the California Society for Clinical Social Work, San Diego Chapter.

The same year, DiStefano served as a board member for the SDSU Center on Substance Abuse through 2007.  From 1992 to 1993 she was vice president of the Employee Assistance Professional Association.  In 2005 DiStefano was an honored guest of the Board of Trustees for the Alcoholic Anonymous International Convention.  A tribute she describes as the highlight of her career.