Psychotherapy is one of the most commonly-used care options for mental health disorders and it has become a critical part of managing addiction in many different people. But what is the psychotherapy definition in addiction counseling? And how does it vary from any other type? Let’s examine all aspects of this subject to give those interested in rehab a better understanding of their potential care options.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is, in many ways, the root of almost all psychological care. Strictly defined, it is often called “talk therapy” and consists of a therapist talking to a client. The client talks about whatever they want – sometimes on a couch, as the cliche states – as the counselor listens. The idea is that the client can discuss things that they wouldn’t want to talk about with other people.
The therapist is mostly supposed to listen to what the client says and subtly direct them with questions when they notice an interesting facet of a person’s psychological health. For example, if a person addicted to heroin mentions an abusive father, the therapist may direct the talk there to try to discover any potential underlying issues that may continue to affect a person’s behavior.
This use of psychotherapy in mental health treatment and addiction counseling varies depending on a person’s needs and can be used in many different circumstances. For example, those going through grief – such as the loss of a loved one – may go through psychotherapy to manage PTSD symptoms. Others with more severe underlying disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, may need sustained psychotherapy to analyze their care progress and recovery. But how does the psychotherapy definition in addiction counseling differ from the standard type? Let’s first examine a few conventional psychotherapy techniques so we can better understand their use in addiction counseling.
What Techniques are Used in Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy techniques vary depending on the condition a person is experiencing. For example, general depression often requires talk therapy sessions that probe into the roots of a person’s depression. The therapist may also use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help that person adjust their self-beliefs. Other techniques involved in psychotherapy include:
- Medication therapy – Many psychotherapists can diagnose medications to help with emotional issues
- Behavior adjustments – By changing a person’s adverse behaviors, a therapist can help them recover
- Mental exercises – Therapists often teach coping mechanisms to their many clients
- Meditation – Relaxing the mind can help calm the body and manage many emotional imbalances
- Dual diagnosis – Treats both drug addiction and mental health issues at the same time
That last technique is critical for understanding the psychotherapy definition in addiction counseling. Although psychotherapy for drug addiction is usually similar to other types, its focus often shifts to handle the unique elements of substance abuse. Fully grasping these differences can help you know whether or not this mental health treatment option is right for your needs.
What is the Psychotherapy Definition in Addiction Counseling?
Psychotherapy in addiction counseling requires a careful approach. Often, people with an addiction have experienced many types of trauma and depression and have underlying issues that affect their behaviors. As a result, therapists during inpatient or outpatient rehab usually start with light talk therapy to help their clients open up a little.
Once the client starts talking about their emotional concerns, the therapist can direct them towards drug abuse and where it began. This step often helps both the counselor and the client understand where that person’s drug use originated and creates unique insights.
From this point, psychotherapy adjusts to handle the needs of that person. For example, a person may need cognitive-behavioral therapy, trigger assessment, and other care options to get a better understanding of how adverse behaviors and emotional problems create a cycle of substance abuse.
Who Can Provide This Type of Care?
If you’re interested in learning more about the psychotherapy definition in addiction counseling, please call 866.796.4720 today. At BoardPrep Recovery Center, we have many care options that can help you recover. These include a quasi-residential program, various types of community housing, detox, outpatient services, and much more. And our dual diagnosis program is acclaimed as one of the finest in the state. So please contact us to get started on the path towards recovery.
