NODE-LINK MAPPING - A VISUAL REPRESENTATION STRATEGY FOR ENHANCING DRUG-ABUSE COUNSELING

A multipurpose visual representation strategy, node-link mapping, was taught to randomly selected counselors in 3 methadone maintenance (MM) drug treatment programs. Counselors were trained to use mapping in th eir individual and group sessions as a communication, thinking, and me mory aid. MM clients were randomly assigned to either mapping counselo rs or standard counselors (i.e., ones who did not receive mapping trai ning). In Study 1, there were statistically significant differences in favor of mapping during the lst 3 months of treatment for measures of client commitment to counseling and counselor perceptions of the clie nt (e.g., motivation). In Study 2, the results based on clients at mor e advanced stages of treatment were more limited, but the pattern of m ean differences was similar to that of Study 1.