Exploring Therapy Formats: A Guide to Individual and Group Therapy

When you get into treatment for the first time, you may be overwhelmed by the different treatment options available to you. Understanding all the different therapy formats will empower you to be an active participant in your healing. Most treatment centers will include different forms of individual and group therapy. Talk therapy allows you to work through the intricacies of your problems in a place that is free of judgment. Both of these therapy options are effective treatments for those who struggle with mental health and addiction because they allow them to work on the underlying causes of these struggles. West Coast Recovery Centers offers both individual and group therapy for clients.

There are benefits to both types of therapy. Some people may do better with a certain format of therapy, and having a program that is trained in both will give you the option to explore what is best for you. You may thrive in individual treatment with a one-on-one provider, or you may find stories shared in a group setting to be beneficial to your recovery. Understanding the different types of therapy will give you the skills needed to find your path to recovery.

Different Types of Therapy

Mental health and addiction treatment will nearly always include some type of therapy. As highlighted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), therapy encompasses “a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.” Many treatment programs utilize talk therapy to make a difference in thought patterns and behavior. Talk therapy gives people space to work through their issues in a safe space without judgment. Trained therapists will teach you the skills that are necessary to get into recovery and stay in recovery.

There are two different types of therapy offered at most treatment programs. This includes individual and group therapy. Individual therapy means meeting one-on-one with a provider who can guide and support you in addressing your presenting problems. Doing individual therapy allows you to work through the intricacies of your problems with a non-partisan external party. Therapists are trained to listen to your problems and help you come up with a solution.

Group therapy is also offered at most treatment centers for addiction and mental health. This type of therapy is when many clients meet with a therapist or therapeutic provider. Most of these groups focus on allowing clients to share their combined experiences regarding substance use or mental health. Being able to relate to others will give you new perspectives that can help you in your recovery.

Individual and Group Therapy for Mental Health and Addiction

Both forms of these treatments allow you to find a path of recovery that makes a positive difference in recovery. Individual and group therapy can be incredibly beneficial to both mental health and addiction treatment. Offering both forms of these treatments to people who struggle with co-occurring disorders gives our clients the best chances for success. Co-occurring disorders are the existence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD). Therapy is an effective way to manage these disorders, alongside things like medication management and holistic efforts.

When someone struggles with both a SUD and a mental health disorder, individual therapy can give them the space they need to get to the base of their stressors. If you are struggling with the symptoms of your mental health or substance abuse, therapy can give you the tools to find healthier ways to cope with your issues. One way that individual therapy can do that is by reflecting on your life and your specific triggers. 

Group therapy can also be effective for those who are working to recover. The reason that so many treatment programs include group therapy in their treatment programs is that group settings allow clients to encourage healing within each other. Many substance abuse programs rely on the group therapy model as a way for people to realize they are not alone. Group therapy allows people to work together on accountability and finding community. This therapy encourages connection. By working with the help of the provider, everyone in group therapy can gain something from treatment. 

Getting Treatment at West Coast Recovery Centers

West Coast Recovery Centers offers treatment for many different mental health disorders alongside addiction. Offering dual diagnosis treatment allows us to widen our scope to assist clients who need greater assistance. Treatment starts with an evaluation, where we will work together to make a customized treatment plan that will help you reach your goals. If you are struggling with addiction, we can help you come off substances. Getting you into therapy will help you allow you to make connections and do the work you need to stay healthy.

Multiple formats of therapy may make a positive difference in your recovery. Having an understanding of all of your options will allow you to make the best decisions for your care. Individual therapy gives you the space to work with a provider as they connect on your specific issues. This therapy can give you the tools you need to manage your health and stay in recovery. Group therapy allows you to work with others to see you are not alone, and work through your issues. If you are interested in learning more about both individual therapy and group therapy, West Coast Recovery Centers can help. Call us today at (760) 492-6509.