Individual Therapy for Addiction

Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is a talking therapy that can assist in managing personal problems. By changing the way one thinks and behaves, CBT aims to rid our clients of the repetitive negative thoughts patterns which can leave them feeling trapped. CBT sessions usually take place for 30 or 60 minutes, weekly or bi-weekly, for between 5 and 20 sessions.

The therapist will encourage the client to break down their feelings, their thoughts, and their actions. Any feelings, thoughts, or actions that are not helpful to their recovery journey will be analyzed, and the therapist can advise the client on how to rid themselves of those things. Our clients will learn skills and practical tools from their therapist, in hopes that they will apply them to their daily life and see the results.

The goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is to reduce the vividness of emotions associated with traumatic memories. The aim is to alter the way that traumatic memories are stored in the brain and reduce the problematic outcomes that occur when these negative memories are triggered by external stimuli. This is usually accomplished by undergoing structured therapy that encourages the client to think of a traumatic memory, while also experiencing a bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements.

Clients of EMDR usually undergo the therapy once or twice a week, for a total of 6 to 12 sessions. The sessions can happen on consecutive days without impacting the efficacy of the treatment. In order to target and effectively process a specific memory two to three sessions would be required.

Mindfulness
Understanding how to practice core mindfulness skills and apply them to everyday life.

Interpersonal Effectiveness
This module intends to maximize positive outcomes in situations, by either changing a situation, reframing it, or resisting changes.

Distress Tolerance
Tolerating and surviving situations that could result in crisis is a necessary skill to overcome unpleasant experiences. Learning to accept things for what they are and minimizing the impact they have on the client’s well-being is the overall goal.

Emotion Regulation
The goal of this stage is to learn how to identify and label emotions. This will allow for more control over the client’s emotions, by recognizing the things that affect them negatively, and the barriers that stand in the way of positive emotions.

Using the core concepts of self-actualization theory, person centered therapy is a talk therapy that focuses on the fulfilment of personal potentials. The length, frequency, and number of sessions can be decided by the client. Rather than receive a counsellor’s interpretation of their subconscious, person centered therapy allows the client to divulge how they perceive themselves consciously.

In order to fully achieve an environment where a client feels physically and emotionally free from threat, three conditions need to be met.

Sincerity
The client must have full trust in their counsellor, and the counsellor must show they are genuine and well-intentioned.

Empathy
The counsellor must show they understand the struggles of the client.

Consistent Positive Outlook
The counsellor must value their time with the client and never pass judgement.

Person centered therapy focuses on the best interests of the client and allows for them to open up to their counsellor without fear of judgement.