One-on-one counseling is an effective treatment option for individuals struggling with substance abuse problems. A psychotherapy program, in particular, shows lots of promise for dealing with these cases. It’s interesting to note that this form of treatment doesn’t upstage 12-Step programs. Instead, it supports them. What should you know about this kind of therapy during addiction treatment?
Exactly What is a Psychotherapy Program?
Although it means many things to many people, a psychotherapy program is simply the collaborative professional relationship between therapists and clients. It’s a tool for professionals to help people learn more about themselves. As such, it cannot fix a person. In other words, it can’t undo the damage caused by your past or by others.
It can, however, encourage someone to make changes she or he recognizes as being necessary. Concurrently, it can help someone deal with issues of the past and process them appropriately. For this reason, experts incorporate the practice frequently in addiction counseling. Since many of the causes of substance abuse problems rest in past traumas or peer relationship settings, this approach works.
Types of Addiction Psychotherapy
Just like anything else in addiction treatment, a psychotherapy program, too, cannot adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach. Because you’re dealing with individuals who respond differently to life situations, it makes sense that they need customized counseling techniques. Rehab facilities understand this need and offer various therapies such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps people recognize disruptive thought and behavior patterns with an eye on change
- Dialectical behavior therapy works well for individuals who don’t respond to CBT and need to focus on acceptance
- Family therapy brings in the people who live with the person overcoming addiction
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing assists with severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder connected to addiction
- Group therapy is a tool for relapse prevention as well as self-esteem building
Of all approaches, CBT is the most promising. Program participants who respond well to its precepts have the opportunity to anticipate problematic situations. Doing so allows them to employ coping strategies that disarm triggers before they can become temptations to use again. Looking forward, CBT not only helps with overcoming an addiction but also with preventing future relapse.
Because addiction finds possible roots in genetics, traumatic experiences, or social conditioning, working with therapists to overcome it makes sense. Experts agree that substance abuse constitutes a brain disease with physical manifestations. Because many drugs have the potential for altering the brain’s chemistry, planning to undo changes at that level works. This understanding highlights the importance of a treatment approach that factors in physical and psychological healing.
Incorporating Therapy in a Rehab Facility Setting
More and more rehab facilities understand the importance of a psychotherapy program in recovery. Steps to Recovery incorporates it into their daily treatments and adjusts care approaches to support it. Examples of these settings include:
- Partial hospitalization program provides addiction treatment throughout the day while the client lives at home
- An intensive outpatient program customizes an approach for individuals with moderate addiction problems or uncompromising home, school or work responsibilities
- Standard outpatient rehab benefits people who’ve already gone through the residential phase
- Sober living homes assist individuals who get ready to transition back home but want to try out coping strategies first
Therapists use one-on-one as well as group therapy settings to incorporate the opportunity for reflection and healing. Moreover, skilled experts have the flexibility to switch between modalities as needed to elicit the maximum result. Customized treatment approaches make it possible to align therapeutic care with the client’s changing needs. The latter typically occur as recovery progresses and the client discovers connections between thought patterns and behaviors.
If you or a loved one could benefit from this approach to substance addiction counseling, Steps to Recovery is the best option. Compassionate therapists work with you every step of the way. Dial 866-488-8684 today for help!