As with anything in life, what you get out of it depends on what you put into it. This concept is particularly true of therapy in treatment for addiction. The more you put into your therapy, the more you will maximize your healing process. When you are willing to work hard, you will reap more benefits. How can I make therapy count?
The Purpose of Therapy in Addiction Treatment
One of the stereotypes of addiction treatment is that it is all about detox, all about “sobering up.” Many people do not realize that therapy is about figuring out why you began using substances in the first place and then healing the mind, body, and spirit. That is where the real work lies.
Within treatment, the work is done mainly in therapy, both group, and individual. Group therapy is helpful because you reconnect with other people, gain insights that you would not have on your own, and, most importantly, learn that you are not alone. Individual therapy is more personal and allows you to truly delve into your own life and find your own healing. Both group and individual therapy are helpful in the addiction healing process.
What Are the Different Types of Therapy?
There are many different therapeutic techniques and modalities. Some treatment modalities are evidence-based, while others are still so new that data is still being gathered on them. Some of the most commonly used types of therapy in addiction treatment are:
- Talk Therapy: two of the most common types of talk therapy are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Experiential Therapy: modalities such as art therapy and sandplay therapy, where you are actively engaged in an activity during therapy.
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR): a psychodynamic therapy used to treat trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Motivational Interviewing: a form of talk therapy that assists patients in creating their own motivation for healing
The type or types of therapy you will experience will depend on your needs and the modalities offered at your facility. At The Ho Tai Way – Recovery for Women, we create individualized treatment plans for our patients that help them heal based on their unique experiences.
Being Proactive in Therapy
Sitting back and waiting for questions or not engaging at all will not get you very far in your healing process. When you treat therapy as an essential class or project for work, your healing will come faster and be more complete. Some of the things you can do to be proactive include:
- Keep a journal
- Write down questions or discussion topics for your therapist
- Set therapeutic goals for what you want to accomplish
- Meditate or spend quiet time to get in touch with yourself
- Ask for assignments to work on between appointments
Showing up for Yourself
Showing up for appointments is the physical manifestation of showing up for yourself. You demonstrate to yourself and your group or therapist that you are committed to learning, healing, and progress.
Being there physically is one thing, but it is another to make sure that you are also prepared, focused, and intentional. Some of the things you can do to show up emotionally include:
- Arrive ten minutes early to relax and prepare your mind
- Turn off your phone or other distractions
- Focus on listening and communicating
- Listen carefully and intentionally to others
- Clarify anything you do not understand
- Do not be afraid to ask questions
- Realize there are no right or wrong answers in therapy; this is for you
Following Through on Your Assignments
Often in therapy, you will be given assignments. These are things to think about, do, or work on between appointments. Write down your assignments or create a reminder on your phone so that you can remember what you need to do.
Assignments may be one-time tasks but can also be daily tasks as well. You have not failed if you are not perfect in completing what has been assigned to you, but you will get the most out of your therapy if you follow through on everything you are asked to do. Remember that treatment is not for your therapist or your group. Your therapy is for you.
Investing In Yourself
The time and any costs associated with treatment are investments. This process is all about you and your healing. When you take the time and invest your energy in therapy, you invest in yourself.
Your healing is worth it. You are worth it. Make your therapy count.
How can I make therapy count? Showing up, being proactive, investing in yourself, and following through on your assignments are ways you can significantly influence your healing. The more you put into your therapy, the more you will get out of it. At The Ho Tai Way – Recovery For Women, we offer all of the treatment modalities listed above and more to help you heal. Our residential facility provides treatment for both addiction and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Located in sunny Southern California between the beach and the mountains, our facility is a peaceful haven for healing. Our therapists have years of experience in treating patients with substance use and mental health disorders. Our curriculum is based on the principles of Ho Tai, which are Prosperity, Wealth, Joy, and Abundance, as they pertain to addiction recovery. Contact us today at (714) 581-3974 to learn more about making your therapy count in your life.
