Why counseling?
Counseling can be helpful for people of all ages, from different backgrounds, and in various stages of life. For anyone suffering from addiction, in particular, psychotherapy plays a pivotal role in long-term recovery. Successful and holistic addiction treatment involves addressing genetic and environmental causes of addiction along with the mental and physical side effects that arise. By forming a close relationship built on trust and free of judgment, a counselor can offer you support, resources, and guidance through your recovery journey.
At its core, recovery relies on your personal motivation for change, but you don’t have to do it alone. A counselor can help you recognize bad thoughts and behaviors that worsen your addiction, and teach you better ways to manage it. In working with a counselor, they can collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs at your own pace.
At Addiction Recovery Center our counselors are trained to create a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore your feelings surrounding your addiction. The group, individual, and family therapy sessions that we offer can help you and your loved ones understand the multifaceted effects of addiction. In working with a counselor, you will be able to learn coping methods to address triggers and help you positively reframe the way you think about your recovery journey.
Individual psychotherapy
Our highly recommended one-on-one psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to sit down with a counselor in sessions that are focused solely on you. This allows your counselor to tailor the content and pace of meetings to your specific needs. Individual therapy sessions can be set with your preference in mind: whether you want to meet once a month or every two weeks, we’ll be there. This type of therapy relies heavily on collaboration between you and your counselor; you’ll be involved in setting your own goals and tracking your progress every step of the way.
Due to the nature of individual therapy, you may find that the process feels more intensive. At times, the work that you do may be difficult or uncomfortable or require you to examine parts of yourself that you have never thought of before. These counseling sessions can be tiring; however, the more effort you put in, the greater the effect they will have on your recovery.
Individual therapy can help to increase your self-awareness and foster resilience to stay sober. Going to counseling while in recovery can help you to address the underlying causes behind your addiction, not just the symptoms. An individual counselor can facilitate your understanding of the deeper meaning behind your addiction, which can lead to a more holistic recovery process.
Group psychotherapy
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), group therapy has been shown to be effective in treating addiction disorders. People who abuse substances are more likely to remain committed to recovery when in group treatment, due to the more rewarding nature of the therapy.
Humans are social creatures by nature, and group therapy takes advantage of this. Group therapy is a process of forming bonds with like-minded people that are choosing to better their lives through their commitment to recovery. This collaborative format allows you to gain insight on what works for others and to share in the trials and triumphs of addiction recovery.
SAMHSA explains that working in a group has many advantages, such as:
- Lending positive peer support through all stages of recovery
- Reducing feelings of isolation
- Being able to witness the recovery of others
- Learning how others cope with similar issues
- Receiving feedback to help better understand yourself
- Providing a family-like experience
Our psychotherapy groups are led by experienced and credentialed counselors, who help to provide structure and facilitate growth. Group facilitators are trained to create a safe, affirming space for you and your peers to explore your addiction and recovery process in a place free from judgment. While group participants are encouraged to be the primary focus of the discussion, the group leader can help address recurring themes, enforce group rules, and keep the group on task.
It is important that our groups provide a safe and comfortable space for you. With that in mind, Addiction Recovery Center has some group rules to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. Confidentiality is expected of group members to make sure that each member feels safe and comfortable in sharing their experiences without fear.
During sessions, confidentiality is required and must be respected. We make no exceptions for that. Group members and facilitators must be respected as well. It’s also important that you are an active participant in group discussions. Restroom breaks should be taken before or after group, not during and we ask that there is no profanity, no cell phones, no side conversations, no sleeping. Violent behavior or other inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. Appropriate dress attire is required: please be mindful of logos and symbols on clothing. We also ask that children are not permitted in therapy sessions and they may not be left in the lobby unattended. Addiction Recovery Center patients are permitted in therapy sessions (no friends or family members).