What Is Psychotherapy

As many patients enter treatment, they may wonder what is psychotherapy and how can it help an addiction? Depending on the patient’s unique mental health history and addiction, psychotherapy can help in a variety of ways. Many of the top rehab centers offer psychotherapy and counseling options because these tools help support long-term recovery. Addiction is a complex disease because it has physical symptoms that need to be addressed at the same time its mental health symptoms are. While it is exceptionally common for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder to have a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, addiction by itself requires a psychological approach to help people heal. At Beaches Recovery, we offer extensive therapies to our clients to have their specific needs met both physically and psychologically.

What Is Psychotherapy

A psychologist uses techniques like dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and other talk therapies during psychotherapy. These types of treatment are collaborative, and the patient works with their psychologist to get to the underlying issues of addiction. Each patient is given a supportive environment where they can talk about their problems. During this time, the psychologist helps to identify thoughts and behaviors that prevent recovery. The psychologist works with the patient to change these thought patterns and promote a healthier life. Psychotherapy is often conducted one-on-one, so rapport and trust can be built between the counselor or therapist and patient. However, the various forms of therapy can also be used in a group therapy setting. Depending on the unique needs of the client, individual and group therapy can severe different functions as a person work through their addiction treatment program.

What Is Psychotherapy Used For?

Psychotherapy can be used for many conditions, including an addiction. When someone is in a psychotherapy session, they are given a safe, supported environment to discuss their problems. People can discuss their past and release emotionally harmful experiences. Each patient receives guidance and personal empowerment as they build their feelings of self-worth.

A substance use disorder or addiction can arise for a number of reasons. For some, addiction develops inadvertently, like when individuals become addicted to prescription medications. For others, drug or alcohol use may be a form of self-medication to address the discomfort experienced from an underlying mental health issue.

Therapy Options During Rehab at Beaches Recovery

Patients may be given more therapy options than just psychotherapy. During rehab, patients may be given additional alternative treatments like:

• Family counseling
• Peer support
• Yoga therapy
• Music therapy
• Art therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Contingency management
• Motivational therapy

Everyone is unique, so different blends of therapy may be used to treat each individual. It is important to always discuss treatment options with an addiction specialist during the intake process to decide on the right therapy options.

Will Dual Diagnosis Treatment Help?

While “What is psychotherapy?” is a common question, dual diagnosis is another program that patients should consider. Before enrolling in treatment, patients can discuss this option with the professionals at the rehab facility. Sometimes, people with a mental disorder like anxiety or depression use drugs to self-medicate. When someone receives treatment for an addiction, they also need care for the underlying mental disorder.

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to help patients who have an addiction and a co-occurring disorder. Both conditions are treated during rehab so that patients have the best chance of recovering. Often, patients will be assessed during the intake process to determine if another condition needs to be treated simultaneously. Basically, dual diagnosis treatment helps to remove one of the root causes that trigger the addiction.

Discover How Beaches Recovery Addiction Treatment Can Help

It is important to get professional addiction treatment. Patients get the counseling, therapy, and treatment options at the rehab center that they need to recover. No one has to go through recovery alone. At Beaches Recovery, we offer the complete spectrum of care, including:

• Medical detox
• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment
• Sober living

To get help with your addiction, whether you need psychotherapy or not, call Beaches Recovery right now, at 866.605.0532, or contact us online.