Individual therapy is one of the foundational aspects of addiction treatment. Stopping drug use is the first step in recovery. Yet what follows the end of drug use is just as crucial for achieving lasting sobriety. Therapy remains stigmatized or else cloudy in the public perception. Of course, the stereotypical therapy session is common fodder in movies and television shows. But the media often fails to present what to expect in individual therapy accurately.
The process need be neither scary nor intimidating. Individual therapy for addiction recovery is a fundamental component of treatment. Put your mind at ease by knowing what to expect in individual therapy. Contact 844.470.0410 to get information related to the individual therapy programs offered at Vertava Health.
What to Expect in Individual Therapy
Individual therapy programs begin with an assessment. During the first session or two, you can expect to discuss any past and current challenges related to addiction. Early discussions are also focused on getting to know your therapist and them getting to know you. The relationship between therapist and client is critical to the success of therapy. Thus, trust-building is one of the early goals of individual therapy.
Individual therapy is also sometimes called talk therapy. That part of the stereotype is true. Much of the time you spend in individual therapy sessions will be spent talking with your therapist. Processing emotions, discussing challenges, practicing coping strategies, and more all play a role in ongoing therapeutic intervention.
Two of the biggest questions people ask about therapy are how long will sessions last and what kind of commitment does it require? Most of the time, therapy sessions last 60 minutes and are held one or more times per week. In terms of how long you might see a therapist, it depends upon individual needs. Some people may only see a therapist for the 30 or 90 days they attend inpatient addiction treatment. Other people benefit from continuing to attend therapy for years after they leave formal treatment.
People attending therapy can also expect confidentiality. What gets shared remains between yourself and a therapist. The most significant exception to this rule is imminent danger. If someone expresses a desire or compulsion to harm themselves or the people around them, therapists are required to report that information.
Common Individual Therapy Programs
Many different types of individual therapy programs exist. Most therapy in addiction recovery programs fits into a specific category. This specificity means patients receive a targeted approach based on their needs, unique challenges, and recovery goals. A few common individual therapy programs used during addiction recovery are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- EMDR therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most popular and effective approaches for treating addiction. It focuses on challenging and modifying the underlying thoughts and behaviors that govern a person’s addiction. Root causes of addiction are identified, processed, and overcome. Over time, people undergoing cognitive-behavior therapy acquire healthy habits and reorient their lifestyle around realistic, positive self-perceptions.
Begin Addiction Recovery at Vertava Health
Individual therapy is a foundational piece of any addiction treatment plan. Nonetheless, the people who put time and effort into therapy will experience significant benefits. It offers a chance to develop coping mechanisms, learn techniques for avoiding relapse, and inhabit a safe space where emotions and stressors can be freely discussed.
Therapy is effective at helping people recover from addiction. It can also be effective when combined with medications to address mental health problems. The majority of people seeking addiction treatment also need mental health support. Through individual therapy in our dual diagnosis treatment programs, we can simultaneously address mental health needs and guide people through recovery.
Therapy can be a helpful outlet for people who otherwise have limited or no healthy opportunities to process their challenges. They can then figure out how to achieve their recovery goals. Reach out to Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 to connect to individual therapy for addiction recovery.
