Deciding to seek therapy for substance abuse disorders or other co-occurring illnesses is a serious step toward sobriety and better health. There are many kinds of therapy to consider, but one that many patients find helpful is individual therapy. Individual therapy is personalized, gives patients one-on-one attention, and addresses mental health and substance abuse disorders. At Grace Counseling, we understand the importance of developing a positive rapport and trust between individuals and therapists.
What Is Individual Therapy for Addiction?
Individual addiction therapy is therapy focused on the specific patient. It is private, and it allows the therapist and patient to build a strong relationship without outside influences.
In individual therapy, the style of therapy may vary. Some people will go through art therapy. Others will opt for talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Dialectical behavioral therapy, music therapy, and other types are all possible in a one-on-one therapy session.
Who Benefits from Individual Therapy for Addiction?
Individual therapy has the benefit of being ideal for people of all ages. Young patients may work with art therapists, for example, to better express themselves through drawings or music. Older adults may prefer talk therapy. Some people who want to focus on changing specific behaviors may ask to work through cognitive-behavioral sessions or dialectical behavioral therapy.
What Are the Five Advantages of Individual Therapy for Addiction?
There are many advantages of seeking individual addiction therapy. The five main advantages include:
- More privacy: To start with, individual therapy is more private than other kinds of therapy. Patients don’t work in groups, and they usually have a single provider who works with them over time. They may have sessions in closed office spaces or the privacy of their own homes with telehealth. This allows individuals to feel secure and develop trust with their counselor or therapist.
- Building a customized program: Another benefit of individual therapy is being able to build a customized program. A therapist hears only what the patient is going through and wants to adjust the course of the treatment to suit that patient’s needs. If they need more or less support during one session than another, the provider can alter the session to meet those needs.
- One-on-one attention: One of the biggest benefits of an individualized program is the one-on-one attention it allows. One-on-one attention means there is no fighting for attention from a provider or interrupting other people when they’re talking or trying to express themselves in a group. For some people, their needs are particular, so one-on-one support is more beneficial to them.
- More control over the pace of recovery: Sometimes, group sessions go faster than patients can go. With one-on-one therapy sessions, patients set the pace. The provider may push them to try new things or encourage them to work on specific aspects of their life or health, but the patient is largely in control of how quick the sessions are, how fast they move through those sessions and the discussed topics during recovery.
- Building stronger relationships with professionals: Finally, patients who want to build stronger relationships with their medical professionals will enjoy individual therapy. They get the individual time needed to have a solid conversation about their feelings and health. They have an opportunity to build a support system with this professional and other providers who offer one-on-one care. These relationships build trust and can strengthen resolve.
Contact Grace Counseling for More Support with Individual Addiction Therapy
At Grace Counseling, we know that addiction can be difficult to deal with. We work with our patients to help them overcome challenges in individual therapy, couples therapy, and more. If you are looking for one-on-one therapy support, we’re here to help. Contact us today at 844.564.0712, or contact us online for more information about how we can help.