What is therapy?

Therapy, or counseling, is a type of psychiatry. It encourages you to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and issues in your life that are causing distress. By working with a qualified therapist, you can better understand your thoughts and behaviors and learn healthy coping methods outside of alcohol and drugs.

What are the benefits of therapy?

Enrolling in therapy at AIM Health offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Improved communication
• Greater self-acceptance and self-esteem 
• Ability to change self-defeating behaviors
• Better expression and management of emotions
• Relief from behavioral conditions, like depression and anxiety
• Improved understanding of your thoughts and feelings

Therapy can also teach you healthier coping mechanisms and help you address feelings or thoughts that you try and avoid.

What are the types of therapy?

At AIM Behavioral Health, the team offers several types of therapy, including: 

Individual therapy:

During individual therapy, you work one-on-one with a licensed or certified counselor.

During treatment, you discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that trigger your drug or alcohol use.

Your AIM Behavioral Health provider gives you exercises and activities to practice at home. At each session, they monitor your progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary.

Group therapy:

During group therapy, you meet with other individuals who are dealing with alcohol use or drug use disorder. A certified or licensed counselor mediates each session, encouraging discussion and reflection between the group while using an evidence based curriculum.

Group counseling has evidence based research showing that it improves treatment engagement, promotes less frequency in substance use, improves abstinence rates, improves psychological symptoms, improves distress, and offers support from peers. It also opens you up to different perspectives and encourages you to be accountable to others.

How long should I participate in therapy?

The length of time that you need to participate in therapy depends on several factors, including your goals and the benefits of the program. Some people learn new coping skills and can implement them within several months. For others, therapy is a lifelong commitment that helps maintain a positive outlook and lasting sobriety.

Is it okay to use medication during therapy?

At AIM Behavioral Health, the team understands that therapy isn’t always enough to break the cycle of addiction. As a result, they might recommend medication-assisted treatment alongside regular counseling. To see if you’re a candidate for therapy, make an appointment at AIM Behavioral Health by calling the office or booking online today.