The complexity of how addiction affects people makes addressing the issues that drove the illness’s progression a challenge. Therapy sessions allow you to work through those problems in a setting where you dive deeper into what led you down the path of addiction. You also get the opportunity to grapple with the consequences of your actions while under the influence. Individual therapy and group therapy are two common ways for people to work through their addiction during their recovery journey.
What Is Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy involves having clients sit down and receive treatment on a one-on-one basis with a therapist. It’s one of the most popular forms of therapy since a client gets the chance to establish a rapport and focus on each other without any distractions.
There are some advantages that individual therapy offers over other formats, including:
- What’s discussed between a client and their therapist remains confidential
- Therapists get the chance to gain a more thorough understanding of a client’s problems
- The sessions can be designed to fit the pace desired by the client
- Therapists can provide more comprehensive and thorough treatment to a client
- Clients may be more likely to gain self-awareness based on discussions with and feedback given by the therapist
- Individual therapy sessions can be scheduled to fit the client’s needs
- Clients can learn to develop better one-on-one communication skills
Most individual therapy sessions start with the therapist asking the client for details on their physical and mental history. They talk through what the client wants to get out of the sessions, and the therapist decides on the treatment they believe most likely to help the client accomplish their recovery goals.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy typically works by having one or more therapists sit down with a group of clients. The number of people in the group can vary. Everyone gets together for treatment around once or twice per week. Group therapy sessions typically focus on a specific problem, like substance abuse.
Some of the advantages provided by a group therapy format include:
- Allowing individuals to feel less alone while they listen to the experiences of others who have similar problems
- Members get the chance to give and receive support from and to each other
- There are other people besides the therapist available to hold each other accountable for actions taken while under the influence
- Individuals learn communication and social skills that can carry over into daily life
- Group therapy provides a safe outlet for people to discuss what they’ve gone through
Which Form of Therapy Is Best?
How much a person gains from individual or group therapy depends on their personality and willingness to commit to a format. Each brings its positives and negatives. If you are not comfortable sharing in front of others, you might prefer individual therapy where it is just you and the therapist. However, group therapy can offer you the chance to get past that hesitation, which can benefit you in the long-term.
A therapist can choose different approaches to help clients dealing with an addiction. Some of the most popular therapies employed for assisting people with a substance use disorder include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Traditional psychotherapy
Many clients benefit from a combination of group and individual therapy. Your therapist may also recommend other courses of treatment for your addiction, including medication management. Other complementary therapies often incorporated into a client’s treatment plan include:
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Relaxation techniques
Find Effective Addiction Treatment at Midwest Detox Center
Midwest Detox Center provides clients with access to treatments designed to assist them with their addiction issues and other problems. Find out more about our services by calling Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392, or contact us online. Real change is possible in your life.
