Although psychotherapy is sometimes called “talk therapy,” it involves much more than just talking. This type of therapy is especially beneficial for people trying to overcome addiction, as it helps them get to the root of their substance abuse problems. Various types of psychotherapy are used in addiction treatment to give clients the tools and skills they need to maintain sobriety.
Different Types of Psychotherapy
Because each person who struggles with addiction has his own unique set of issues, everyone needs a treatment plan designed to address those particular problems. Different types of psychotherapy offer individuals the best chance at recovery by meeting specific needs.
Common types of psychotherapy used in addiction treatment include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of therapy focuses on how to change an individual’s negative thinking about themselves.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Similar to CBT, this therapy address how to regulate one’s emotions and appropriately express oneself in different contexts.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy: Here individuals learn how to acknowledge their limitations, their qualities, and personality traits while committing themselves to clearly defined tasks and goals of self-care and improvement.
- Family therapy program: For many people, their core social group is their family. From this comes support as well as issues. Family therapy seeks to help all involved with the individual learn how best to express and healthily interact.
- Group therapy program: Often individuals find inspiration and relief from loneliness or isolation in working through issues with others who are going through similar experiences.
- Individual therapy program: Working one-on-one with a counselor or therapist, this kind of therapy allows individuals to identify and work their deep-seated issues.
Some therapy sessions are one-on-one, while others involve the peer group in recovery or loved ones for family counseling.
People have different motivations, so they respond to various types of psychotherapy in different ways. One person may do better with a reward-based program, while another needs help to boost her self-confidence to stick with sobriety. Qualified professionals who specialize in addiction treatment will devise therapy programs that meet an individual’s unique requirements.
How Psychotherapy Helps With Addiction
Besides talking through difficult issues, sometimes buried and long-forgotten, clients also benefit from psychotherapy by learning skills that help them stay sober. In the past, they dealt with stress or negative emotions by drinking or using. In rehab, they’ll learn positive coping skills, such as breathing, listening to music, exercising, or being creative.
Because addiction affects not just the person using but her loved ones, too, talk therapy that involves the entire family is helpful. It allows families to work through difficult issues in neutral territory, with a counselor available to facilitate healing.
Psychotherapy isn’t easy, but it’s a gratifying part of treatment. People learn to turn negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. It takes time, but with practice and patience, a person can learn to live without relying on drugs and alcohol.
Transform Your Life With Us
Serenity House Detox & Recovery gives clients the chance to begin a new life, free from addiction. We provide detox programs that clear your body of damaging toxins. Detox helps build a strong foundation for the rest of your recovery.
Our services include:
- Addiction treatment programs
- Trauma therapy program
- Men’s detox program
- Women’s detox program
- Medical detox program
Instead of trying to detox on your own, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous, why not rid yourself of addictive substances in our safe, supervised facility? Here, you can begin a new phase of your life. With our help, you prepare for treatment and long-term recovery, including various types of psychotherapy. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.516.8356 today to get started.