How are addictions treated at IH Psychotherapy?
At our practice, addiction treatment typically involves a combination of therapy approaches and may vary depending on the individual’s needs and the therapist’s expertise. We recognize that addiction is a complex and deeply personal struggle. Clients battling addiction often experience shame, guilt, and a sense of helplessness. To ensure sensitivity, we foster a non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment where clients can openly discuss their experiences without fear of condemnation or criticism.
Some common approaches that we use for addiction treatment include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - to help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their addiction. By recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, they can develop healthier coping mechanisms and make more positive choices.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) – to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence to change and increase individuals’ internal motivation to change their addictive behaviours.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – to help address the underlying emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviour, and self-destructive patterns that are often related to the addiction.
Mindfulness-Based Practices – to help reduce individuals’ cravings, address underlying psychological issues, and promote long-term recovery.
A Holistic Approach to Therapy – we focus on treating the whole person rather than solely addressing individual symptoms or issues. We consider various factors such as personal history, lifestyle, relationships, and values to comprehensively understand the individual’s unique experiences and challenges.
What are the steps to beginning addiction therapy?
Step 1: Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation
This an opportunity for you to ask questions and for the therapist to assess if their expertise aligns with your needs. You may schedule a consultation through our booking page or by filling out our contact form.
Step 2: Intake Session
The intake session usually lasts an hour to an hour and a half and allows you to discuss your concerns, symptoms, and treatment goals. The therapist will gather relevant information to better understand your unique situation and to help formulate an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 3: Therapy Sessions
Once a treatment plan has been established, you will begin scheduled therapy sessions with your therapist. These sessions are typically conducted every week, but the frequency may vary depending on your needs and progress.
Throughout your treatment, we will closely monitor your progress and adapt the treatment plan as needed.
Step 4: Maintenance or Termination Session
Once you have achieved your therapy goals or feel that you have made significant progress, therapy may come to an end. A termination session is often scheduled to discuss the progress made, reflect on insights gained, and prepare you for continuing your progress independently or with ongoing maintenance sessions.
Maintenance sessions can be occasional check-ins to ensure that progress is maintained and provide support when needed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to hear more about how we treat addictions and how you could begin your therapeutic journey.
To learn more about addictions