Personalized Individual Therapy for Substance Abuse

Healing from an addiction is very personal — and your treatment should be too. At Forward Motion Health, individualized treatment is a core component of our men’s residential program. Our programs allow you to have private time with a trained clinician to help you identify, examine, and learn ways to break cycles of behavior related to your chemical dependency. This is not a “one size fits all” model. 

We will work together to establish a personalized relationship so your treatment is always built around you.

 

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy — also known as talk therapy or individual counseling — is a form of treatment in which a client receives one-on-one treatment with a licensed mental health professional to help resolve issues related to their personal growth, coping strategies, and goals.[1] Individual therapy provides a safe environment for people struggling with addiction to explore the underlying reasons for their substance use, deal with traumatic experiences, and build self-awareness in order to maintain long-term sobriety.

Typically, individual therapy sessions take place in-person with a licensed clinician, such as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or psychiatric nurse, depending upon the clinical treatment site. While in a residential setting, individual therapy sessions are usually held several times per week as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Each client’s history, diagnosis, and goals determine the frequency, format, and content of sessions. It is delivered along with group therapy, family therapy, and other components of the treatment program.

At Forward Motion Health, our therapists have extensive experience working with people struggling with addiction and are trained in a wide range of evidence-based modalities. Their role is to coordinate the entire treatment team and ensure that each aspect of your treatment plan aligns with how you are responding to treatment. From your first session, the goal of individual therapy is to gain an understanding of your journey, not just your symptoms.

 

How (and Why) Individual Therapy Works

Individual therapy works because it provides the necessary elements for positive change: confidentiality, consistency, trust, and time. 

Community can be found in group environments; however, there are many things that people do not want to share with a group. Individual therapy sessions give clients a safe place to share their complete history and feelings without fear of judgment. That honesty is where true healing begins.

The therapeutic relationship itself is part of what makes individual therapy effective. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between client and clinician is one of the strongest predictors of treatment outcomes.[2] A skilled therapist meets clients where they are, adapts their approach as needed, and helps clients feel genuinely seen and understood.

 

Efficacy of Individual Therapy for Substance Abuse

The effectiveness of individual therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders has been extensively studied. Researchers have found that individual therapy is highly effective and has produced consistent results across studies. 

These findings include:

• One type of individual therapy, CBT, has been proven to reduce substance use and enhance coping mechanisms, with some studies finding that sustained benefits can continue months to years post-treatment.[3]
• Studies on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), another type of individual therapy, have found that it may help improve emotional regulation and reduce self-destructive behaviors, especially for those with borderline personality disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions involving intense emotions.[4]
• Research supports EMDR as an effective method for treating both trauma and addiction and can be helpful for those whose substance use is driven by traumatic experiences.[5]
• Research on MI has shown increased treatment attendance and continued participation in treatment programs in the early stages of recovery, when clients often experience high levels of ambivalence about change.[6]
• According to the American Psychological Association (APA), many people who participate in psychotherapy demonstrate substantial, long-lasting improvements, and the benefits last far beyond the conclusion of treatment.[7]

 

What to Expect from Individual Therapy

When beginning individual therapy, you may encounter a variety of emotions such as relief, apprehension, or uncertainty — and this is perfectly normal. 

To help with this, here is what you can expect from individual therapy:

• Early sessions tend to focus on establishing a connection with your therapist and learning about your past. During the first few sessions, your therapist will ask about your relationship with substances, important events in your life history, your mental health history, and what you hope to accomplish while in treatment.
• Establishing clear goals occurs relatively early in the process. You and your therapist will establish clearly defined, measurable, and achievable goals and objectives that serve as a guide for your future sessions and provide ongoing feedback on your overall progress.
• Middle sessions usually involve more activity and focus. Depending upon where you are in your treatment process, you may spend time processing trauma, practicing new coping skills, examining unhealthy relationship patterns, or exploring beliefs you hold about yourself that make recovery feel out of reach.
• Your therapist’s approach evolves as needed. As your treatment continues, your clinician will adapt their approach to address your changing needs and circumstances.
• Consistency is key. For individual therapy to be successful, consistent scheduling of regular appointments is crucial. Developing a relationship takes time — and meaningful change rarely occurs right away.

 

Individual Therapy at Forward Motion Health

Individual counseling at Forward Motion Health is an opportunity for clients to do the core work of their recovery. Each client works with a licensed clinician who has the clinical training, knowledge, and genuine commitment necessary for their success. All individual counseling sessions are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates residential support, group counseling, and medication-assisted treatment when indicated. Many people struggling with addiction also struggle with co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, and other factors that influence their relationship with substances. It is essential to address these areas as well.

When you work with a Forward Motion Health clinician, you’re not just getting therapy. You’re getting a partner in your recovery.