Types of Therapy

If you or a loved one are looking for a chemical dependency counselor, you should take into consideration the fact that there are many different types of therapy available. There is psychotherapy, talk therapy, cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, and experiential therapy. As far as chemical dependency goes there are some forms of therapy that will work better than others.

The best type of therapy for chemical dependency is either psychotherapy or talk therapy. Behavior therapy probably shouldn’t be used at all for substance abuse recovery. Behavior therapy is exactly what it says: Changing your behavior. If addicts could stop using drugs, or change their behavior without any other form of therapy or help, then they would have done it long ago. Changing one’s behavior cannot be permanent unless the healing from the inside out has taken place.

Memories

There may be many things an addict represses, from the time they are a child, until the time they stop using drugs and alcohol. Just because things are forgotten temporarily doesn’t mean they aren’t lurking under the subconscious. Any memory that is deep within the heart of man, if not accepted, forgiven, and healed from, is going to affect thinking, behavior, and even the types of dreams one has. This is why psychotherapy is important, it goes deeper than most forms of therapy.

Well-Being

Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that helps an individual to gain a sense of mastery over negative self-esteem and emotions. This well-being is essential to one’s recovery because that is exactly what addicts look for: to feel better. Pain was existent and overpowering for so long. Now that they don’t have that release of chemicals from the brain that gave them that sense of well-being, they need something to take its place.

Psychotherapy, along with dieting, exercise, 12 step meetings, individual counseling, and a well developed spiritual life will all work hand in hand to give an addict a complete sense of well being in every area. These things cover the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that every person on earth was designed to obtain. Some addicts can actually become better people than they ever would have become if it weren’t for the drug addiction(s) they had in their past. They are no longer the same, and understand what it takes to be happy and to live life to the fullest.

3 Steps in Finding the Right Counselor

Finding a chemical dependency counselor that completely understands all of these aspects necessary for lasting recovery is important. How do you find a counselor like this? The first part of one’s search is in finding counselors that practice psychotherapy. You can find one by:

• Searching the Internet

• Asking Friends and Family

• Talking to a Counselor at School

• Getting Information From An Employer

The second part of one’s search in finding a chemical dependency counselor is to compare different counselors. Not every person who needs therapy is going to match up with just any therapist that is available. The easiest way to research background information on different counselor options is to go a more specific internet search on each name. Compare locations, types of therapy, and prices/insurance options.

The third and final step would be to call each office and set up a interview with the counselor. Let them know you aren’t sure about which counselor is right for you, and that you want to take time to ask each one important questions. You are going to be spending quite a bit of your time with your therapist, so you want to make sure that you match up correctly. The therapist will also be glad that you did this because he or she doesn’t want you to come to a few appointments and then change your mind. You will also be frustrated in changing therapists because you will have to start your story all over again from scratch.  

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.