Individual therapy is the core of addiction and mental health rehab. While some teens need to find the motivation to participate at first, others jump right into the process. Regardless, it’s a vital part of treatment because it helps them identify the source of their problems. They can then address that issue and learn how to manage their addiction and mental disorders.
Overview of Individual Therapy
Talk therapy involves one-on-one discussions between a patient and trained therapist. It provides a confidential and private setting as opposed to family and group therapies. Because of that, teens can focus on the specific and personal problems that they have.
One-on-one counseling also gives teens a nonjudgmental setting to talk about their issues. Therapists then provide objective views about those problems. This approach allows teens to dig deeper into their issues and heal faster than addressing them in a group setting. After all, the purpose of therapy, in general, is to inspire change and improve quality of life.
Furthermore, counseling involves building a healthy, trusting relationship with a therapist. Although the relationship remains professional, teens can use it as an example for building relationships with others. They also learn skills to achieve goals, make healthy decisions, and cope with difficult situations.
What to Expect During the Sessions
The first time that teens meet their therapists, they let the trained professionals know more about them. They talk about their emotional, physical, and mental health as well as any concerns that they have. Taking the time for this background information allows therapists to determine the best strategies to inspire change.
The first individual therapy session also helps teens decide whether or not they feel comfortable talking to their therapists. Then, they can work together to set treatment goals and talk about how many sessions may be necessary.
After the initial meeting, the following sessions will probably last 45 minutes to an hour. They typically include a review of the events that have occurred since the previous sessions. Teens often talk about the challenges that they faced and victories that they achieved.
At the end of each session, therapists may assign homework such as writing in a journal or practicing certain skills. The completion or non-completion of this homework is another topic that they discuss during sessions.
Approaches to Individual Counseling
There are several approaches to individual therapy; the types that therapists use depend on each person’s situation. They often combine a few strategies to provide the most comprehensive treatment.
However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very popular and effective one. This strategy focuses on pinpointing negative beliefs and thoughts. It revolves around the idea that these elements lead to negative behaviors and feelings. By changing how teens think, they develop more positive behaviors, feelings, and responses to stressful situations.
Other useful strategies include mindfulness, art, and music therapies. They can be especially helpful in self harm addiction and mental health situations. These forms of counseling can reduce anxiety, fear, and stress. They can also reach teens on deeper levels than other strategies, helping them open up more to talk therapy.
In-Depth Therapy at Destinations for Teens
If your teen has an addiction or mental health issue, Destinations for Teens can provide extensive therapy services. Along with one-on-one counseling, including CBT, our range of services includes:
At Destinations for Teens, we strongly believe in involving families in treatment. We want to help everyone understand addiction and mental health issues. Our goal is to prepare you and your family to resolve conflicts in healthy ways that support each other. With certain skills, you can build stronger bonds and improve your lives at home and in the future.
Don’t let an addiction or mental illness prevent your teen from living a happy, healthy life. Let us provide the individual therapy that he or she needs. Contact Destinations for Teens at 877-466-0620 to learn more.