Most people experience personal difficulties throughout life and know what it is like to struggle with negative emotions or problematic behaviors. Participating in individual therapy is one way that people with these experiences can find help. Unfortunately, there has been a stigma around mental health care in the past. Still, the truth is that therapy and counseling are immensely beneficial to anyone who values self-improvement and personal well-being. Individual counseling plays an essential role in the context of a treatment program for substance use disorder, intensive mental health treatment, or an opiate detox program and similar offerings.
If you’re considering individual therapy or looking for a treatment program for a substance use disorder, contact DetoxLA by calling 818.616.7341 today. Apart from detox services, we also offer other rehab options, including individual therapy sessions when necessary.
What Is Individual Therapy and What Are Its Goals?
Individual therapy is a process in which a patient and counselor work together towards agreed-upon goals. Often, this process includes addressing past traumas, changing unproductive ways of thinking, learning to identify situations that may be beneficial or harmful, and developing better communication skills. Individual therapy goals might be changing unwanted behaviors, handling stressful situations more skillfully, communicating more effectively, and processing feelings in productive ways.
What Are the Different Types of Individual Therapy?
There are many kinds of individual therapy used in addiction treatment programs. Some of the types of individual therapy you may encounter are the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – These types of therapy focus on patients’ thoughts and feelings and how they can readjust their reactions. CBT and DBT can be helpful when a patient is experiencing mental or emotional distress or having difficulties managing their response to stressful situations.
- Interpersonal therapy – This type of therapy focuses on communication skills and relationship-related interactions.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) – In ACT, patients and therapists work together to help patients become more aware of their thoughts and emotions while reframing them in positive and productive ways.
- Motivational interviewing (MI) – In this style of individual therapy, patients are encouraged to explore their goals for self-improvement and find what motivates them.
Specific therapeutic approaches depend on a patient’s circumstances and the therapist’s expertise and training. Usually, various therapeutic techniques are used rather than a single type.
What Is the Role of Individual Therapy in Treatment for Substance Use Disorders?
Frequently, patients experiencing substance use issues also deal with trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions, or personal difficulties related to substance use. Although help for the physical aspect of quitting substance use is essential, it is also important to address the psychological and behavioral elements and explore and resolve past issues that may be driving the substance use. Research has suggested that patients who have participated in a treatment program for alcohol or substance use disorder have more success maintaining their recovery over time and rejoining activities such as work, school, family obligations, and hobbies. Most of the time, individual and group therapies are both used in the context of a substance use disorder treatment or detox program.
DetoxLA Offers Individual Therapy for Substance Use Disorders
At DetoxLA’s luxury detox center, our patients can participate in various therapeutic activities, including individual therapy. We provide a safe, close-knit, recovery-focused, and comfortable environment so our patients can access the healing and treatment they need. Our programming is based on best clinical practices, as well as the knowledge and expertise of our highly trained staff of clinicians. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with alcohol or substance use, reach out to our caring staff today at 818.616.7341.