Millions of people in the United States respond to life stressors by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. This reaction is often due to a lack of the appropriate coping skills to deal with chronic stress, grief, trauma, or mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Substance abuse is a common method to help numb the discomfort of emotional and psychological struggles. Addiction treatment that includes an individual therapy program can be your greatest ally for recovery.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we include one-on-one therapy in our mental health and addiction treatment programs. We understand the importance of supplying our clients with healthy coping skills and lifestyle habits to manage life situations more healthily. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about the benefits of individual counseling.
5 Benefits of Individual Counseling
If you have not tried one-on-one therapy before, you may not realize how valuable it can be for healing. Some people are hesitant to speak with a therapist since they assume it will not be effective. Others may not feel comfortable talking to a stranger about their problems. Understanding more about the benefits of individual counseling can help put your mind at ease and encourage you to get the help you need.
The following are five benefits of enrolling in an individual counseling program:
1. Improving Stress Management Skills
Stress is at the root of many health conditions, including substance use disorder. Without good stress management skills, a person is more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Chronic stress can lead to many physical and mental health problems, leading to or exacerbating substance abuse. In one-on-one therapy, your counselor can help you learn how to deal with stress more effectively. As a result, you will not feel the need to turn to substances to manage your symptoms.
2. Learning Healthy Coping Strategies
Interpersonal relationship problems, financial worries, issues at work, the loss of a loved one, or any other life stressor affects many people.
Many individuals respond with an automatic response based on a variety of factors, such as:
- Their upbringing
- Home environment
- Behavioral patterns
- Whether they learned how to manage problems in a healthy manner
For some, drugs or alcohol help numb painful emotions or help them forget about their problems for a while. Unfortunately, this never addresses the root of the problem, continuing the cycle. A therapist will help you examine your default method of dealing with difficult life situations during individual counseling. They will then work with you to build healthy coping skills.
3. Building a Support System
Everyone needs a solid support system to help them overcome life challenges. Without support, you may struggle more with life challenges and be more likely to relapse. When you enroll in an individual therapy program, you will have the unconditional support of a qualified counselor. They can also help you strengthen relationships with friends and family members to fortify your support system further.
4. Developing Healthy Boundaries
A lack of healthy boundaries in relationships can contribute to substance abuse and mental health struggles. A person who does not set and follow through with healthy boundaries is more likely to accept unfair treatment from others, increasing feelings of anxiety and depression. A therapist can guide you through the process of boundary setting so you can put an end to dysfunction in your relationships.
5. Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Overcoming substance abuse and mental health conditions requires making healthy lifestyle changes. While you are battling substance use disorder or untreated mental health conditions, it can be challenging to see the needed changes. A therapist can work with you to increase your motivation for change and help you implement healthy habits into your life that are conducive to recovery.
Get a Fresh Start at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
When you need help overcoming drug or alcohol addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders, you can count on Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our individual therapy programs will equip you with greater confidence to handle life stressors more constructively. Give us a call today at 866.516.8356 to get a fresh start on your life.
