As you think about individual vs. group therapy, there are a number of ways that both types of therapy can help you as you work through the recovery process. At Atlantic Recovery Center, you will get the chance to work with an individual therapist as well as attend group therapy sessions. Both offer you support as you grapple with the impact that addiction has had on your life. You will have opportunities to ask questions and seek solutions to the reasons why you became addicted to substances in the first place.
Individual vs. Group Therapy in Residential Care
Individual vs. group therapy has some benefits when you are in residential care and in the early stages of your recovery. While you will work with a counselor to create a treatment plan in individual therapy, group therapy has many benefits. During your stay in residential care, your days will be structured around group therapy sessions that can help you:
- Meet others in recovery and begin to develop a peer support network
- Understand that you are not alone in the recovery process
- Hear stories that mirror your own experiences
- Realize that addiction and recovery is a process that you are going to get through one step at a time
Healing from an addiction takes work. There are benefits to individual vs. group therapy early on, as you can take a step back and just listen during the sessions. While you will eventually need to start sharing your story in individual therapy, group therapy eases you into the process of talking about your feelings and experiences.
Finding an Individual Therapist You Trust
While you may find benefits of individual vs. group therapy, you will also want to find an individual therapist that you can trust. Once you return home to the community, working with a therapist is going to be your chance at having professional support on a consistent basis. While your friends and support network might be helpful, a therapist is there to give you the guidance you need to work through your recovery. You may need to try several therapists before you find one that you feel comfortable with, and this is expected by each one you see. A therapist can help you:
- Overcome obstacles in your way that have prevented you from succeeding
- Develop relapse prevention strategies that help you stay sober
- Talk about your past in a way that helps you grow and move beyond
- Figure out what led to your addiction and help you change your behavior
To find a therapist, you can start by asking for a referral from others in recovery. You will want to work with a therapist who has experience with addiction and recovery to get the support you need.
Get the Most Out of Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy sessions can feel overwhelming, but they are beneficial to your overall success. To get the most out of group sessions, pay attention. Listen to the stories of others and try to share when you feel comfortable. You don’t have to share constantly, but you will get more out of treatment when you participate in groups. Be honest in your communications with others, and if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t share. You can heal with the support of group therapy, but you have to be willing to pay attention.
Find Addiction Treatment Now
There are benefits to individual vs. group therapy and the other way around. If you are looking for help to overcome an addiction, it’s time to reach out to Atlantic Recovery Center at 1-866-824-5193. Don’t let drugs or alcohol rule your life anymore and break free from your addiction starting today.