APEX Rehab
Along with medically supervised drug and alcohol detox, we offer individual, outpatient psychotherapy sessions. Psychotherapy is used as an adjunct therapy to treat all forms of mental illness, to change negative thought patterns and to help patients set and reach goals related to their treatment and recovery. We find that one-on-one counseling between APEX therapists and our patients provides a very necessary resource and solid relationship to help patients see beyond their illness and forge a smoother path to recovery than they would without psychotherapy.
The dynamics of individual psychotherapy sessions depends on a case to case basis, but generally, once a week is the minimum. The therapy provides a private setting in which to discuss the patient’s compulsive behavior, obsessive thoughts, cravings, guilt, shame and any other negative feelings. It also provides a safe environment in which the patient can deal with any co-occurring mental disorders that have a complex interaction with the patient’s addiction.
The contemporary approach sees psychotherapy as a collaboration between the patient and the therapist. The goals they might try to achieve could be:
·       addressing present-day problems
·       exploring what led to the addiction
·       letting go of the emotional burden of the past
·       promoting self-empowerment and belonging
·       acquiring coping skills
·       providing a guide to those who might need one, or a parent-like figure
·       establishing a relationship based on trust and modeling the experience so that the individual can build such relationships in real life
Individual psychotherapy is completely structured to meet the individual’s needs. Some usual topics that come up are:
·       rehab progress
·       factors that hinder the recovery process
·       interactions and relationships with other professionals involved in the treatment as well as relationships with other individuals in treatment
·       cravings
·       experiences with the new coping skills
·       experiences with other forms of treatment
·       goals for the immediate future and long-term future
Individual therapy can take on many modalities, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention Therapy, among others. Depending on their stage of recovery, the individual sessions will follow the patient’s changing needs.
With these goals and modalities in mind, individual therapy can go in different directions and change directions when appropriate. Supportive psychotherapy is indicated when the patient is fragile emotionally and interpersonally and needs guidance in dealing with the present-day issues. These patients are not ready to face stress and disturbing experiences from the past.
Coping-oriented therapy is among the most effective. It may be best suited if the patient suffers from a mental disorder besides the addiction.
Exploratory therapy focuses on the link between past traumas and painful experiences and present-day behavior patterns which are negative, self-destructive or dysfunctional.
Individual Psychotherapy Sessions