Addiction Counseling Session Notes Template
Description:
This template is designed for documenting ongoing addiction counseling sessions, providing a structured format to track the client's progress, the interventions used, and the plans for future sessions. It focuses on the client's current substance use, emotional state, and recovery efforts.
Note:
This template is for general therapy sessions in addiction counseling. Adjust sections based on the session's focus and the client's needs.
Date: [Record the date of the session]
Session Number: [Note the session number in the sequence of therapy]
Client Name: [Enter the client’s full legal name]
Therapist Name: [Enter the therapist’s full name]
Check-in
Emotional State: [Note how the client is feeling, any recent emotional experiences related to their recovery]
Substance Use Update: [Detail any substance use since the last session, including type, amount, frequency, and the context in which use occurred]
Cravings and Triggers: [Describe any cravings or triggers experienced, how they managed them, and any challenges]
Significant Events or Stressors: [Note any recent events or stressors that may impact their recovery, such as job changes, family issues, or celebrations]
Review of Previous Session and Homework
Summary of Last Session: [Briefly summarize the main points discussed in the last session, including any key insights or decisions made]
Homework Review: [Review any homework or tasks assigned, including what was completed, and any challenges or successes in applying the skills or strategies]
Support System Engagement: [Note any engagement with support groups, sponsors, or other recovery resources, including frequency and perceived benefits]
Current Focus and Topics Discussed
[Describe the main issues or areas of focus for this session, such as managing cravings, improving communication, or setting boundaries]
[Detail specific topics or concerns discussed, including any client questions or areas of confusion]
Interventions and Techniques Used
[Detail the specific interventions, techniques, or exercises used during the session, such as cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, or role-playing]
[Note the client's response to these interventions, any insights gained, or areas where they struggled]
Observations of the Client
[Record the client's engagement with the session, their behavior (e.g., attentive, distracted), and any notable statements or actions that reflect their recovery process]
[Note any progress or regressions observed in their recovery efforts, such as increased confidence or new challenges]
Goals and Progress
[Review the client's current recovery goals, such as maintaining sobriety, improving relationships, or enhancing self-care]
[Note their progress towards these goals, any specific successes or areas needing more attention, and any adjustments to the goals based on their current situation]
Plan for the Next Session
[Outline the plan for the next session, including any specific topics to cover, activities to use, or skills to practice]
[Assign any homework or tasks for the client to complete before the next session, such as practicing a new coping strategy or attending a support group meeting]
Risk Assessment
[Assess any risks related to the client's substance use or recovery, such as recent use, high risk of relapse, or other safety concerns like suicidal thoughts]
[Identify protective factors or strengths that can be utilized to mitigate these risks, such as a strong support system or effective coping strategies]
Therapist's Observations and Impressions
[Record the therapist's overall impressions of the session, including any hypotheses about the client's recovery process or the effectiveness of the interventions used]
[Note any adjustments to the treatment plan or concerns that need to be addressed in future sessions, such as increasing the frequency of sessions or referring to additional services]
Addiction Counseling Session Notes Template (Filled Mock Session)
Date: May 15, 2025
Session Number: 4
Client Name: John Doe
Therapist Name: Dr. Emily Smith
Check-in
Emotional State: John reports feeling somewhat anxious due to an upcoming work event, but overall, he's doing well.
Substance Use Update: No alcohol use since the last session. He had a moment of craving last week but managed it by calling his sponsor.
Cravings and Triggers: Craving occurred when he passed by his old bar on the way home from work. He used deep breathing and positive self-talk to manage it.
Significant Events or Stressors: His daughter's birthday is coming up, and he's excited to celebrate with her. No major stressors were reported.
Review of Previous Session and Homework
Summary of Last Session: We worked on identifying and challenging negative thoughts about his self-esteem.
Homework Review: John completed his thought-challenging worksheet and found it helpful in reducing negative self-talk. He struggled a bit with believing his positive thoughts but saw progress.
Support System Engagement: Attended two AA meetings this week and had a good conversation with his sponsor about managing cravings.
Current Focus and Topics Discussed
We focused on preparing for the work event, which is a potential trigger for John.
Discussed strategies to manage stress and avoid relapse, such as setting boundaries, taking breaks, and using support networks.
Interventions and Techniques Used
Used cognitive restructuring to help John challenge thoughts like "I'll fail at this event."
Introduced a relaxation technique (progressive muscle relaxation) to manage anxiety.
Role-played scenarios for the work event to practice assertive communication and boundary setting.
Observations of the Client
John was engaged and participated actively in the session. He seemed more confident in his ability to manage his thoughts and emotions.
He expressed pride in his progress and was optimistic about the upcoming event.
Goals and Progress
John's goal is to remain sober and manage stress effectively. He's making good progress, with no relapses and increasing use of coping skills.
We will continue to work on self-esteem and assertiveness.
Plan for the Next Session
The next session will focus on reviewing the work event and how John managed it.
Homework: Practice the relaxation technique daily and keep a journal of any stressors and how he manages them.
Risk Assessment
Low risk of relapse. John has good support systems and is actively using his coping skills.
No immediate safety concerns.
Therapist's Observations and Impressions
John is showing significant progress in his recovery, with increased confidence and effective use of coping strategies.
It's important to continue reinforcing his skills and preparing for potential future triggers.