An Introduction to Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)

This Introduction to Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) is a comprehensive behavioural programme for treating substance-abuse problems. It is based on the belief that environmental contingencies can play a powerful role in encouraging or discouraging drinking or drug use. Consequently, it utilizes social, recreational, familial, and vocational reinforcers to assist consumers in the recovery process. Its goal is to make a sober lifestyle more rewarding than the use of substances.  The programme can be delivered live on Zoom to groups or organisations.

Suitable for: Psychologists, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Nurse Practitioners, Youth Workers, Social Care Workers

Programme Duration

Two days.

Programme Aims

The aim of this two day workshop is to provide an overview of CRA and to provide information on the approach and its principles. There will be time allocated to practice the skills associated with CRA. There will be “real” scenarios taken from the group and then worked on using these skills.  This is done to enhance the learning experience and to make the connection between theory and practice.

Programme Content

Participants will receive handouts and relevant literature to enable them to develop their understanding of The Community Reinforcement Approach. Throughout the training attendees will have the opportunity to observe and practice the theory of working with people using a CRA approach through role-plays and scenarios provided by the trainer. There will be the opportunity over the training to allow participants to experience “real” situations and scenarios to transfer the theory of the course into practice.

The methodology used in this training will be a combination of the following:

Participative: The participants will be asked to contribute to the training both in the large group and also in smaller ones. There will be a number of exercises throughout the training that are designed for the group to be split up into smaller groups.

Experiential: The training will allow participants to contribute by using examples of anonymous clients that they have worked with or are currently working with.

Theory into practice: The training will allow some role plays that will encourage participants to put the theory into practice.

Information giving: There will be handouts and information on relevant reading that will be distributed at each days training.

Participant led: The training will be flexible to the needs of the group.

Learning Outcomes

  • To equip attendees with the tools to enable them to develop and build on their own skills in working with clients while using a CRA approach and principles.
  • To strengthen and underpin existing knowledge in relation to CRA within the group.
  • To enhance confidence in participants in working with clients who are experiencing addiction while using CRA.
  • To become familiar with the theory and principles of CRA.
  • To provide space and time for participants to become familiar with CRA and allowing time to explore the skills associated with working with people using CRA tools and skills. This will be achieved by role play’s of “real clients” taken from the group.

Connect with Your Trainer

Where appropriate, The Learning Curve Institute will also distribute a unique pre-course questionnaire to each attendee in order to ensure the training meets the needs of everyone in the room and is tailored to a suitable level while also covering specific situations or scenarios as highlighted by the group.

The Learning Curve Institute also offers a bespoke post course support system whereby participants are provided with the contact details of the trainer and are free to contact him/her with any questions they may have.

Programme Certification

eCertificate of Attendance in “An Introduction to Community Reinforcement Approach” from The Learning Curve Institute.