Individual Therapy for Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
IT’S NOT “JUST THERAPY.” IT’S A STRATEGIC AND INTENTIONAL TRANSFORMATION.
Individual therapy for addiction treatment in Massachusetts and therapeutic services promote personal wellness and lifelong recovery. Through guided internal processing and practical coping skill development, clients are empowered to overcome personal challenges and create for themselves the life they truly wish to lead.
At Refresh Recovery, we’ve seen clients safely navigate mental health and substance use disorders time and time again. Professional counseling and therapy are often the catalysts you need to sustain lasting recovery and personal renewal. Start here.
PSYCHOTHERAPY: WHERE EFFECTIVE ADDICTION TREATMENT AND HUMAN COMPASSION COME TOGETHER.
More often than not, the root cause of substance dependency lies in the gray areas of everyday life. While some people are able to work out of this area on their own, others require additional support from individual therapy in Massachusetts. These sessions approach each client as a whole person with a holistic view and help numerous clients learn new healthy ways to navigate their recovery journey.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a type of therapy treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional to address mental and behavioral health concerns and improve emotional well-being.
The goal is to help individuals better understand their internal process and more fully grasp their ability to cope with their thoughts, feelings, and resulting behaviors. It’s effective in treating a range of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
During these sessions, your therapist uses scientifically validated processes to help you or your loved one develop healthier and more effective coping skills and habits, like how to manage cravings.[1] Psychotherapy can also help resolve past traumas and develop healthier relationships with others.
Though psychotherapy is typically conducted in a one-on-one setting, group and family therapy are also types of psychotherapy. The best type for an individual depends on their specific needs and concerns, and a mental health professional will work with the individual to determine the best approach.
It’s a collaborative process where your therapist works with you to maintain a treatment plan that has been tailored to your individual needs. They may incorporate contingency management into the plan, a behavioral therapy that reinforces or rewards positive behavioral change related to substance use.[2]
Psychotherapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to gain a deeper understanding of how these factors impact their mental health. You can gain insight into their thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions and learn new coping skills and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
WHAT LEADS TO SUBSTANCE USE?
Substance use can develop from a complex interaction of factors, including:
- Genetics: Substance use disorders can run in families and may be influenced by genetic predispositions.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to drugs or alcohol in early life, peer pressure, availability of drugs, and stressful life events.
- Mental health disorders: Individuals with mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, may use substances as a form of self-medication.
- Trauma: Traumatic experiences, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
- Social and cultural factors: Social and cultural factors, like peer groups and community attitudes towards substance use.
INCREASED RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
It’s important to note that mental health concerns can be influenced by multiple risk factors and that no single factor can account for their development:
- Genetics: Mental health disorders may be influenced by genetic predispositions.
- Trauma: Exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, or natural disasters, can increase the risk.
- Chronic stress: Prolonged exposure to stress, such as poverty, unemployment, or relationship problems.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse and/or drug use, especially in early life.
- Medical conditions: Chronic medical conditions, such as chronic pain, can increase the risk of developing mental health problems.
- Social and cultural factors: Social and cultural factors, such as stigma, lack of access to care, and lack of support.
BEGIN YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY WITH INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES AT OUR MASSACHUSETTS TREATMENT CENTER
HOW INDIVIDUAL THERAPY HELPS
When major life events or past trauma affect your daily activities, life can quickly feel overwhelming. But participating in individual therapy with qualified treatment providers goes beyond the surface issues and often deep-dives into underlying causes, such as mental health disorders.
Using evidence-based methods, these sessions are frequently used for a range of situations, including:
- Alcohol use disorder;
- Opioid use disorder;
- Eating disorders;
- Prescription pills use; and
- Cannabis use disorder.
Over time, you or your loved one develop improved interpersonal skills, enhanced mindfulness, and gain a better understanding of yourself.
What’s The Difference?
Psychotherapy Vs. Counseling
Both are forms of therapy sessions but have distinct differences in approach, length, and scope:
- Approach: Psychotherapy often involves a deeper exploration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences, while counseling may be more solution-focused and skills-based.
- Scope: Psychotherapy deals with more complex and long-standing mental health issues, while counseling focuses on more specific and short-term concerns.
- Treatment length: Psychotherapy may involve longer-term treatment, while counseling is often shorter in duration.
What’s The Difference?
CBT Vs. DBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two evidence-based forms of psychotherapy interventions with some key differences:
- Focus: CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues, while DBT incorporates CBT while emphasizing acceptance and mindfulness.
- Skills-training component: DBT includes a structured skills-training component to teach individuals emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, while CBT may not.
- Therapist approach: DBT therapists adopt a balanced and non-judgmental approach, while CBT therapists may be more directive and goal-oriented.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT: MASSACHUSETTS REHAB CENTER
Outpatient Treatment Programs
At Refresh Recovery, we provide different levels of outpatient treatment plans to meet our clients where they are in their recovery journey.
- Partial hospitalization program: A full-day program during the week for those who want a greater level of support each day than from our other rehab programs.
- Intensive outpatient program: With three levels of intensity, this program gives you the flexibility to attend treatment while maintaining a regular schedule.
- Outpatient program: This program continues your work with an individual therapist each week and focuses on several areas, including relapse prevention.
Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment provides a structured, 24-hour environment with round-the-clock access to healthcare and support. It’s best for individuals with a severe substance use disorder who need to remove themselves from the triggers and stressors to focus solely on recovery.
Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, allows you to receive treatment while continuing to live at home and attend to your daily responsibilities, like school, work, or family. Outpatient treatment involves attending daily therapy sessions and support groups operated by clinicians several hours a week.
This program is the best fit for individuals with mild to moderate use disorder who have a strong support system at home and can independently maintain their recovery outside of a structured treatment setting.
Client-Focused Therapeutic Treatment Options At Refresh Recovery
It’s our core belief that the whole person is capable of recovery when supported by high-quality therapeutic treatments, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on discovering and identifying underlying causes of unhealthy behavior and habits then equipping you with practical coping skills.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Similar to CBT, but focuses on your safety and self-acceptance while regulating internal unhealthy patterns.
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT): Uses medications in a highly controlled environment to manage withdrawal symptoms at the beginning of recovery.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): Focuses on generating a change in actions while activating core values and personal motivation.
- Trauma-informed treatment: Focuses on processing traumatic experiences with professional guidance in a safe and supportive space.
- Group therapy: Focuses on peer learning and practicing coping skills with others in the same or highly similar situations.
Family therapy: Family members are invited to learn, heal, and support in effective and healthy ways.
Individual Therapy Vs. Group Therapy: What Happens?
Individual therapy provides an opportunity for the person to receive focused attention and personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs and goals.
In group therapy, several individuals with similar mental health concerns meet with a mental health professional to participate in therapy together. Group therapy provides an opportunity to receive support from others who understand what you’re going through and to learn from each other’s experiences. It can also be beneficial in helping build social skills and gain a sense of community.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE WOULD BENEFIT FROM PSYCHOTHERAPY
It’s always an individual choice to seek help through psychotherapy. The reasons to or not to work with a psychologist may be as individual as the person themselves.
They may be nervous, having heard common misconceptions about how effective therapy actually is. A daily work and family schedule might not leave much perceived time each week to meet with a professional.
However, there are common signs that indicate you may benefit from psychotherapy:
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns;
- Chronic physical symptoms with no medical explanation;
- Difficulty functioning at work, school, or home;
- Difficulty managing emotions, anger, or impulsive behaviors;
- Difficulty with relationships and social interactions;
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, or shame
WHY CHOOSE REFRESH RECOVERY
INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLANS
FOUNDATIONAL SUPPORT FOR LIFELONG RECOVERY
TREATMENT FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF DISORDERS
MORE THAN A TREATMENT CENTER: WE’RE YOUR RECOVERY PARTNER
Many of our supportive staff have been right where you are and know the strength it takes to maintain a lasting recovery, and they’re here to help in every step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Does psychotherapy work for addiction?
What techniques are used to treat addiction?
There are several techniques that can be used to treat addiction, including:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Contingency management (CM)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
Is CBT or DBT better for addiction?
How long does it take for psychotherapy to work?
It’s important to approach psychotherapy with patience and an open mind, as the therapeutic process can take time and effort. The goal of psychotherapy isn’t to relieve symptoms but to help you develop the skills and insights needed to maintain lasting recovery.
Sources
[2] Petry, N. M. (2011, May). Contingency management: What it is and why psychiatrists should want to use it. The Psychiatrist. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083448/
[3] Stubbs, K., & Merrill, B. M. (2019, March 1). Addiction disorder considerations for patients seeking psychotherapy. Innovations in clinical neuroscience. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6538396/
Experience Comprehensive Healing with Our Evidence-Based Therapies at Refresh Recovery
At Refresh Recovery, we offer evidence-based therapies that can help you heal from substance use and mental health issues.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a talk therapy similar to CBT. However, DBT goes a layer deeper and focuses more on client safety and self-acceptance. This process helps establish greater emotional control and equips you to regulate the internal harmful or unhealthy patterns that lead to undesirable behaviors.
MEDICATION-ASSISTED THERAPY (MAT)
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING (MI)
TRAUMA-INFORMED TREATMENT
GROUP THERAPY
Working closely with a group of like-minded and goal-oriented individuals is a critical recovery component. It allows each client to share safely, learn from their peers, and practice their coping skills. Each session is guided by a qualified and experienced moderator.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
At Refresh Recovery, we’re committed to seeing each client as a unique individual. This requires a customized approach to therapeutic interventions for each client.
Through psychotherapy or talk therapy, our goal is to help individuals better understand themselves and how they process experiences and to increase their ability to cope with their internal processes.