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Last Updated:
November 20th, 2024
Individual therapy
Addiction can be an isolating battle, but understanding that you don’t have to face it alone is a crucial step towards recovery. The power of discussing issues around substance use and addictive behaviours with an experienced therapist can bring forth understanding, empathy and transformative healing. At Oasis Runcorn, individual therapy serves as a cornerstone in our rehab treatment process. This empowering therapeutic approach will allow you to delve into the depths of your dependency struggles, paving the way for remarkable progress on your journey to recovery.
Understanding individual therapy
Individual therapy, also known as one-to-one counselling or one-to-one therapy, involves working closely with a trained professional to address personal issues and achieve specific goals. It is a form of therapy that can be highly effective in the management and treatment of a range of different conditions, including addiction.
The benefits of individual therapy for addiction recovery
Individual therapy provides a safe, confidential setting where you are encouraged to openly express the feelings, thoughts, fears and expectations that arise during recovery.
A tailored approach
Each individual therapy session can be uniquely tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. This personalised approach ensures that you receive the most relevant and effective treatment for your unique circumstances and dependency history.
Enhanced self-awareness
Individual therapy encourages introspection and self-awareness. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your patterns of thoughts and emotions and how these may be contributing to your substance use or compulsive behaviours. With increased awareness, you can start making healthier choices that support your recovery.
Coping strategies
Your therapist can provide you with practical tools and strategies to cope with triggers, manage stress and deal with the emotional ups and downs of recovery. These coping strategies are an essential part of preventing relapse.
Emotional healing
If your dependency has roots in past trauma or emotional issues, individual therapy can help you process these experiences. By addressing these deep-seated issues, you can start healing from the emotional pain.
Improved relationships
Individual therapy can also focus on improving your interpersonal skills and relationships, which may have been damaged by addiction. Through therapy, you can learn to communicate more effectively, rebuild trust and foster healthier relationships.
Individual vs group therapy
At Oasis Runcorn, we provide both individual and group therapy, as each form provides its own unique benefits. However, some of the main advantages of individual therapy include:
Focused attention
In individual therapy, the therapist’s attention is solely on you, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of and therapeutic intervention.
Flexibility
Each individual therapy session’s pace, intensity and focus are more flexible than group therapy, which needs to cater to as many participants as possible.
Privacy
If you have concerns about discussing sensitive issues about your dependency or feelings, individual therapy can provide a reassuring setting.
Immediate feedback
Individual therapy allows for immediate and direct feedback from your therapist, which can lead to quicker insight and understanding into your recovery.
Comfort level
For those uncomfortable speaking in a group or who find it difficult to relate to others’ experiences, individual therapy can be a more comfortable and productive alternative.
What to expect from an individual therapy session
At Oasis Runcorn, we use a variety of different rehab therapy approaches in our individual therapy sessions. These include:
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT will help you develop the necessary skills to manage emotions, improve relationships and reduce impulsive behaviours. All of these skills are crucial for lasting recovery.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): MI will allow you to explore the reasons you want to overcome your dependency and empower you to make positive choices.
- Trauma therapy: Trauma therapy addresses past traumatic experiences that may contribute to addiction so you can find closure. This can prevent the relapse of traumatic memories or feelings in the future.
An individual therapy session at Oasis Runcorn generally lasts around 50 minutes and takes place in private, comfortable, and confidential rooms. This will help you feel at ease and fosters an environment conducive to focused discussions.
Other features of individual therapy at Oasis Runcorn include:
- Qualified and compassionate therapists: Our therapists are highly qualified and possess the necessary certifications in their respective fields. They bring expertise and empathy to guide each client through the ups and downs of their unique recovery journeys.
- A strong therapeutic relationship: Our therapists prioritise building trust and rapport, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for open discussions about concerns and challenges. Having this mentorship available can be invaluable in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
- Ongoing progress monitoring and adaptation: Your therapist will regularly assess your individual progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ensures that therapy remains relevant, effective and responsive throughout your stay in rehab.
Integration with other therapies
Individual therapy seamlessly integrates with other evidence-based therapies, enhancing the overall effectiveness of addiction treatment. Here’s how individual therapy harmonises with some other key therapeutic modalities at Oasis Runcorn:
Family therapy collaboration
Family therapy plays a vital role in repairing and strengthening relationships with loved ones during the recovery journey. It helps family members understand addiction and learn how to provide effective support. Individual therapy complements family therapy by offering individuals a private space to address personal issues that may impact family dynamics. Together, these therapies foster open communication, empathy and a supportive home environment for lasting recovery.
Synergy with group therapy
Group therapy provides a valuable opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences. In a group setting, individuals can learn from one another, share their stories and develop a sense of camaraderie. Individual therapy enriches the benefits of group therapy by allowing individuals to delve deeper into personal challenges, explore their experiences in relation to those of their peers and receive personalised guidance and support. Oasis Runcorn provides ongoing group therapy in our aftercare programme, and some clients also choose to continue individual therapy through local services to receive the maximum support.
Reinforcing relapse prevention strategies
Relapse prevention is a vital component of effective recovery as it equips you with the tools and support necessary to maintain sobriety long after leaving rehab. In individual therapy, you will work closely with your therapist to identify triggers and develop effective coping mechanisms tailored to your specific needs. This personalised approach will empower you to navigate challenging situations, enhance resilience and sustain your sobriety in the long term.
Begin individual therapy with Oasis Runcorn
To learn more about individual therapy for addiction or to embark on your journey of addiction recovery, we invite you to reach out to Oasis Runcorn. Our compassionate team is here to answer any questions, address concerns and guide you through the healing process. You don’t have to face addiction alone – together, we can pave the way to a brighter, healthier and more fulfilling future.