Therapy or counseling is one of the biggest pieces of clinical services that take place in rehab or addiction treatment, and there are many benefits of therapy in the treatment process. Whether that is individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, or talk therapy that is incorporated in sessions with a psychiatrist, therapy and counseling take up a large portion of the time spent receiving treatment for addiction, substance use disorder, or co-occurring mental health issues.
Types of Therapy and Counseling
There are many different types of therapy and counseling. The most widely known type of therapy is psychotherapy, which is also sometimes referred to as talk therapy. According to Psychology Today, psychotherapy is “a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health problems” provided by any of a variety of trained professionals that involves “examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced by individuals, couples, or families.” Similarly, according to the American Counseling Association, professional counseling is “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing.”
Psychotherapy is not the only type of therapy. Some other examples are psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), humanistic therapy, trauma therapy, integrative or holistic therapy, marriage and family therapy, positive psychology, family systems therapy, somatic therapy, strength-based therapy, imago relationship therapy, and experiential therapy. Similarly, there are numerous types of counseling. Some examples are psychodynamic or psychoanalytic counseling, behavioral counseling, humanistic counseling, cognitive counseling, systemic counseling, constructionist counseling, interpersonal counseling, mindfulness-based counseling, school counseling, and career counseling.
Through these different types of approaches, individuals suffering from addiction and mental health challenges are offered important education, insight, coping skills, goal setting, and action plans to learn to identify and overcome barriers to health and wellness. Therefore, there is no question that therapy carries with it innumerous and immeasurable benefits, both to individuals and families in need of help for addiction, but anyone who might be dealing with emotional difficulties and mental health struggles, as well as anyone just looking to improve their life through better support of their mental and emotional well-being.
Top 10 Benefits of Therapy:
- Overall treatment of mental health conditions or concerns
- Better insight and analysis, especially understanding symptoms and diagnosis
- Development of healthy coping skills, mechanisms, and strategies
- Changing negative thought patterns
- Conflict resolution
- A safe space to share fears, concerns, and personal struggles
- A positive mindset and outlook
- Improved communication
- Improved processing, self-observation, and awareness
- Improved relationships, direction, productivity, and confidence
Again, there are numerous benefits to therapy, for everyone, not just individuals that may be experiencing issues with addiction, mental health, or emotional difficulties. Therapy can be a practice that helps individuals in crisis, but it can also be something that adds additional benefits to the health and wellness of an individual’s life. Additional benefits of therapy and counseling can include becoming a better member of the family unit, spouse or parent; improving overall physical health and wellness; feeling more comfortable in and navigating social situations; being better prepared to handle crisis and safety situations; gaining better insight how to positively support others, like family members and friends; set goals for academic and career success and achievement; improve sleep and nutrition; and increased focus, attention, and skills related to scheduling and/or time management.
These are just a handful of benefits that therapy and counseling can offer someone. It’s important to understand that therapy is just as much art as science. While there are many evidence-based therapeutic practices and approaches, there is much trial and error related to which type of therapy (or multiple therapeutic approaches) will work for an individual based on their personality, issues they are looking to address, and history. That being said, when an individual finds the right approach or approaches that work for them, it can often be a game changer in they way they are able to visualize, approach, and manage their life in a positive way.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our web site at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.
