Clients speak: Participatory evaluation of a nonconfrontational addictionstreatment program for older adults

Objectives: To describe the important aspects of the Lifestyle Enrichment f or Senior Adults (LESA) program from the clients' perspective and why these aspects were important to them. Methods: The study used a participatory ap proach. Researchers collaborated with counselors and clients to develop an evaluation that (a) respected the experiences and knowledge of people in th e program and (b) provided an accurate assessment of the important aspects of the program from the clients' perspective. One-to-one interviews were co nducted with 52 clients, Results: Clients' relationships with counselors, t he positive emotions experienced during individual and group counseling, an d the program's flexibility were of key importance. Allowing clients to cho ose their level of involvement and the general acceptance of drinkers also contributed to perceived benefits of the program. Discussion: The benefits of client-centered addictions therapy warrant closer examination, Senior ad ults' motivation for behavior change may be highly sensitive to the relatio nal aspects of the treatment approach.