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What to Expect in Individual Therapy

In substance abuse rehab, your recovery team will probably recommend that you receive at least one form of psychotherapy. This therapy may be conducted in groups where multiple people work with the same therapist. However, you may also receive it as part of an individual therapy program. This option gets its name from its distinctive one-on-one treatment format. What should you expect in individual therapy? This approach has several key features that help promote positive outcomes. Contact Northpoint Recovery online or call 888.296.8976 today to speak with someone from our knowledgeable team about your individual therapy expectations.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Psychotherapy is the general term for treatment that helps you talk through the problems affecting you. This treatment has two main aspects. The first of these aspects is the specific therapy method in use. The second is the format employed to support that method.

What is individual therapy? The format only includes two participants: your therapist and you. Within this format, your therapist may rely on any of a range of psychotherapy methods. However, regardless of the technique, treatment always occurs one-on-one.

Why is this setting used in substance rehab centers? Its format is known for its ability to provide essential treatment benefits. Common examples of these benefits include:

  • In-depth focus from your therapist
  • Ample time to explore the unique details of your situation
  • The chance to build a solid, positive relationship with your therapist

You may also develop a deeper understanding of the problems affecting you than you might in group therapy sessions.

Individual Therapy Expectations

A therapeutic alliance doesn’t form all at once. Instead, it builds and strengthens throughout your treatment. You’ll continue to work on it throughout your time in therapy.

The First Session

What to expect in individual therapy when you begin your first session? Purposes of this session include:

  • Introducing you to your therapist and introducing your therapist to you
  • Explaining the basics of the one-on-one therapy format
  • Going over the basics of the therapy method in use
  • Helping you get comfortable with therapy participation
  • Giving your therapist a better idea of the kinds of help you need

The session also helps you start forming what’s known as a therapeutic alliance with your therapist. What is this alliance? It’s a collaborative relationship built on mutual trust and respect. In this relationship, you work together to set your treatment goals. You also develop an understanding of each person’s role in effective therapy.

Follow-Up Therapy Sessions

What are the individual therapy expectations for your follow-up treatment sessions? That depends, in part, on the methods used by your therapist. In all cases, you’ll get a thorough explanation of those methods and how they are applied.

There are also expectations common to all therapy methods. For example, you should expect to participate actively in each session. You should also expect to talk honestly and openly with your therapist. Generally, the more you throw yourself into the process, the better your therapy participation results.

Reach Out to Northpoint Recovery to Find Individual Therapy in Idaho

Individual therapy is a potent tool for substance abuse treatment. By knowing how it works beforehand, you can potentially gain more incredible recovery benefits. Have more questions about any aspect of individual therapy? Get them answered today at Northpoint Recovery.

Northpoint specializes in using individual therapy as part of inpatient drug and alcohol treatment. We also use it to address the mental health issues that can accompany addiction. Want more information on how we customize individual therapy to support your recovery? Just call us today at 888.296.8976. We’re also available through our online contact form.