Individual therapy involves only the client and the therapist and is individualized according to the needs of each client. Sessions can vary in length and frequency; however, most sessions last about an hour and occur, on average, once per week. This type of treatment focuses on problems specific to the individual which have had or are currently affecting their mental health and contributing to unhealthy or unsafe behaviors, including substance use. It also deals with the thoughts and emotions of individuals brought to the fore by rehab, such as feelings of shame, stress, fear, anxiety and how to handle immediate challenges.

Individuals may have many topics to address which are crucial to the process of recovery but difficult to discuss in group therapy; and individual treatment provides a safe, judgment-free space where they can speak freely, especially about topics which may concern or hurt their loved ones if they were disclosed to them. Therapists can listen, respond and help their clients explore their concerns, helping them achieve closure, insights and breakthroughs that can promote self-awareness, increase their client’s self-confidence, foster healing and resolve and minimize the risk of relapse after rehab.

Individual Therapy Fosters Relationships of Trust

While many facets of addiction are common to all who suffer from the disease, some drivers of addiction are very personal and highly sensitive. Some clients may never feel comfortable sharing these details of their lives even with individuals who they have known for a very long time let alone someone they have only recently met during rehab. Some thoughts and feelings — for example, about self-harm or suicide — can feel almost impossible to share with a family member or have unwanted repercussions on their loved ones and personal relationships.

However, therapists have a professional responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of their clients which makes an individual therapy setting a zone of safety in which even the most challenging topics can be discussed and examined openly and honestly so healing can occur. Often, without dealing with these issues directly and in-depth, the recovery process cannot proceed, or individuals may face a much higher likelihood of relapse after their rehab stay. Participation in individual therapy can be one of the most reliable indicators of long-term recovery.

Individual Therapy Builds Communication Skills

Individual therapy gives clients a judgment-free setting to communicate what’s most important to them without any of the pressure, stress or scrutiny that they might worry about encountering in a group setting. The therapist-client relationship offers a special opportunity to focus on issues which may only affect the client and which could positively impact and improve their recovery. Therapists can also give a lot of focus on these specific issues, giving them more attention than they would have in a group setting and asking questions that can help frame issues in a new light, allowing clients to achieve clarity and breakthroughs.

Also, because individuals do not have to struggle to be heard, individual therapy sessions can provide a valuable way for clients to develop their communication skills, improving their self-confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness which will help them throughout their recovery. Merely being heard can have a profound impact on a client’s recovery since feeling disconnected socially can be one significant source of pain for many users which can lead to or sustain substance use.

Individual Therapy Can Tackle the Deepest Issues

Group therapy fosters the social connections which can underpin long-term recovery, and it allows individuals to gather a wide range of perspectives on common problems which can accelerate the healing process. However, some topics are too personal and sensitive for a group setting, yet seeking resolution for these issues also has a crucial place in the recovery process. In these instances, individual therapy is ideal, because in a one-on-one setting, founded on trust and confidentiality, clients can open up, get answers and find relief, leading to the wellbeing they want and deserve.

Individuals who tackle addiction with a comprehensive approach to rehab and recovery, that includes one-on-one therapy, have a better chance at long-term sobriety. Bayview Recovery in Tacoma, Washington offers you one of the broadest and complete rehab programs anywhere, and we can help you take your first steps toward recovery and health. Call 888.570.7154 now to learn more and get started.