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 their individual and group sessions as a communication, thinking, and memory aid. MM clients were randomly assigned to either mapping counselors or standard counselors (i.e., ones who did not receive mapping training). 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 client (e.g., motivation). In Study 2, the results based on clients at more advanced stages of treatment were more limited, but the pattern of mean differences was similar to that of Study 1.