Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: a Case of Substance use, Multiple Trauma, and Suicidality

Harm reduction is a new paradigm that seeks to reduce the harmful consequences of substance use & other risky behaviours without requiring abstinence. This article discusses integrative harm reduction psychotherapy, one application of harm reduction principles to psychotherapy. 7 therapeutic tasks are described with attention to clinical process, skills, & strategies. A case is presented that illustrates the application of this approach with life-threatening substance use that was related to multiple traumas & suicidal depression. (18 refs.)