How Do I Talk to My New Therapist About My Addiction?

Many people feel uncomfortable talking about the realities of substance use disorder (SUD) and recovery with people outside their circle of trust. Some clients may not want to discuss topics that leave them feeling vulnerable with a new therapist or other care team members. According to BMC Psychology, “Trust has been described as perhaps the most important ingredient for the development and maintenance of happy, well-functioning relationships.” Additionally, people often report that “[t]rust and respect may be an important component of client-provider relationships.” West Coast Recovery Centers builds client trust by prioritizing collaboration between them and the care team.

Connecting With a New Therapist

Developing a deeper relationship with a new therapist takes time and a willingness to be vulnerable. Connecting with clinicians can be challenging for some clients due to past negative experiences with therapists or other authority figures. Even individuals who have never had a negative relationship with therapists may find the idea of sharing their personal details of substance abuse daunting and uncomfortable. 

Connecting emotionally with a therapist may not happen right away. Most people need to have multiple sessions to develop a deeper relationship with members of their care team. West Coast Recovery Centers tailors therapy sessions to each client's unique needs and preferences, ensuring clients feel heard, valued, and supported. 

Clients build a healthy relationship with members of the clinical team by doing the following: 

• Participating in weekly therapy sessions 
• Creating and respecting personal boundaries 
• Communicating openly about concerns 

Clients with a history of childhood abuse or neglect may have a more difficult time building a trusting relationship with their care team. Studies have shown that “[t]he counselor-client relationship is a crucial component of all therapy [. . .]. Building trust has been described as the earliest developmental task and the foundation on which all others are built” in a counselor-client relationship. Clinicians at West Coast Recovery Centers use trauma-informed care to ensure clients with SUD and co-occurring trauma have a positive and beneficial therapy experience. 

Setting Boundaries and Realistic Expectations for Therapy

Creating realistic expectations and setting clear boundaries is the first step in developing a trusting relationship with a new counselor or therapist. West Coast Recovery Centers understands the importance of ensuring people in recovery feel comfortable engaging with their care team and sharing their experiences. Setting achievable goals is only possible if therapists and other members of the clinical team understand the factors impacting a client's sobriety and mental health. 

Some examples of boundaries clients may set during therapy include: 

• Using specific language to describe various aspects of addiction and recovery from substance abuse 
• Clarifying confidentiality and the privacy of statements made in therapy 
• Defining clear goals for therapy 
• Setting boundaries for physical space and personal touch 
• Agreeing on various protocols for crisis management during challenging sessions 
• Discussing the need for honesty, transparency, and respect 

Clients often report feeling empowered when clinicians respect their boundaries. Feeling comfortable discussing SUD with a new therapist is vital to recovery for many people in treatment. Confiding in a new therapist often takes a willingness to build trust and mutual respect as the relationship grows. A new therapist will likely have a different approach compared to previous therapists, and some clients may find this confusing or off-putting. Clients benefit from sharing how these changes make them feel. Clinicians use feedback to provide better care and tailored treatment. 

The Importance of Being Honest and Transparent

Building trust with a therapist takes deliberate effort from both the client and the therapist. Being honest and transparent about needs and concerns allows the care team to address them before they can become a barrier to treatment. Clinicians are open and honest about their goals for the client and the treatment options they recommend. West Coast Recovery Centers uses a client-centered approach to care, ensuring clients have the final say in their treatment plans. Family therapy and other therapeutic modalities provide clients with an opportunity to address the many underlying issues impacting their mental health. Trust in the therapists leading these therapy sessions is essential to a positive outcome. 

What to Expect From a New Therapist at West Coast Recovery Centers

The therapists at West Coast Recovery Centers are experts in addiction recovery and mental health. Staff members have been trained to provide emotional and practical support to clients recovering from substance abuse. Clients are provided with information about their new therapist's training and certifications to ensure they know areas relevant to the client's mental health and recovery. 

People in treatment should expect to spend significant time getting to know their care team as individuals and clinicians. The relationships clients forge with the clinical team often last a lifetime and help build a foundation for a sober future. 

Discussing details of addiction and recovery with a new therapist is never easy. Some people may find it more challenging to open up and confide in a stranger about the experience of being diagnosed and treated for substance use disorder. Individual and group therapy sessions are cornerstones of addiction recovery treatment, and most programs require clients to participate in them each week. Feeling ashamed, afraid, or uncertain of how to discuss addiction with a new therapist is entirely normal. West Coast Recovery Centers understands the importance of a solid clinician-client bond. Therapists and counselors use their years of training and experience to help clients feel comfortable sharing with them. To learn more about our programs, call (760) 492-6509.