Individual Therapy in California

What is Addressed During Individual Therapy?

Each session of individual therapy covers a different topic, this is typically discussed by the person and their therapist. Along with this, a person will learn techniques and coping mechanisms for other parts of their life.

One of the main aspects of individual therapy is identifying and handling triggers. Triggers are anything that may incite a craving to use, these can vary in severity. Some common triggers that are addressed during individual therapy include:

• Life stressors – Work, relationships, school, family, and other stressors can be major triggers for those dealing with addiction. These situational stressors can end up leading to self-medication
• Social cues – In some cases, a person’s friend’s can be triggers, especially if they are joining in on drinking or using drugs. Individual therapy helps to reevaluate unhealthy relationships and control when it comes to social situations
• Environmental patterns – Certain locations or past moments can trigger the craving to use. Restaurants, bars, and other locations can incite certain behavioral patterns. Individual therapy helps reassess these feelings and techniques to cope.

Individual therapy involves several important aspects of a person’s life and works to improve and avoid relapse down the line.

Therapy Methods Used During Individual Therapy

There are several different methods and techniques that are used during individual therapy. These evidence-based treatment types have been used for decades and have helped millions overcome their addictions and coping mechanisms.

Commonly used forms of therapy include the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT is one of the most widely used forms of counseling for individual and group therapy. CBT focuses on changing a person’s behavior and way of thinking
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – DBT attempts to figure out and eliminate negative ways of thinking, as well as set boundaries and other sections of life management
• Motivational interviewing (MI) – Motivational interviewing is used in many rehab centers, as the name suggests, motivational interviewing uses several motivating factors to help encourage change and growth
• Aftercare programs – Life after treatment can be daunting for some, this is why aftercare programs help smooth the transition back into life after treatment is over
• Relapse prevention plan – Another method that is used in creating a relapse prevention plan. Having a set plan to avoid and deal with relapse can be an important part of the recovery process.

These therapy methods each take on different aspects of a person’s way of thinking and behavioral patterns. What will work best, depends on the person and other factors related to their addiction. Ultimately, these are the building blocks for a life free of addiction.

At Tulua Health, we take pride in having professional and experienced therapists ready at a moment’s notice. The quality of the facility and staff will directly impact how much you get out of addiction treatment, that is why turning to a center like Tulua Health is the right move.