For Substance Abuse Counselors ·
What you'll accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have a personal, organized library of 15–20 group therapy session plans — covering the topics you run most often — each with a session outline, discussion questions, and a client handout. You'll build this once and use it indefinitely, eliminating weekly group prep time almost entirely.
What you'll need
Before opening ChatGPT, write down the group topics you facilitate most frequently. Common examples for SUD counselors:
I'm a substance abuse counselor running outpatient group therapy sessions. I want to build a session library. For each topic I give you, create a complete session plan including: (1) 60-minute session outline, (2) 3 discussion questions, (3) one group activity, (4) a one-page client handout at 7th-grade reading level.
My group population: adults in [outpatient/IOP/residential] SUD treatment. Mix of substances. Recovery-oriented, not confrontational in style.
First topic: [your first topic]
What you should see: A structured session outline + handout for your topic, formatted and ready to use.
Tip: You can ask ChatGPT to vary the approach: "Make this one more activity-based and less lecture-style" or "Create a version for early recovery (first 30 days) clients."
What you should see: A Google Drive folder with 10+ organized, print-ready group session docs.
Adapting a session for different populations:
Modify the [topic] session plan for a group specifically focused on [opioid use disorder / trauma history / justice-involved clients]. Adjust the language and examples accordingly.
Creating a series of related sessions:
Create a 4-session psychoeducation series on relapse prevention for adults in early recovery. Each session should build on the last. Session 1 is triggers; Session 2 is warning signs; Session 3 is coping strategies; Session 4 is building a personal relapse prevention plan.
Quick session plan for an unexpected topic:
I need a 45-minute group session on [topic] in the next hour. Give me a streamlined plan: opening question, 2-3 key teaching points, one discussion question, and a brief closing.