Individual therapy

Individual therapy for addiction is a form of addiction counselling in which a therapist works one-on-one with an individual who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction. The purpose of this type of therapy is to help the individual identify the underlying issues that may have contributed to their addiction and to develop a plan to recover from the addiction.
Banbury Lodge has incorporated individual therapy alongside group therapy to provide individuals with an opportunity to discuss sensitive issues they may be hesitant to share with others in group therapy sessions.

We also include a range of therapeutic approaches, from cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based practices, to 12-step programmes and other holistic approaches.

Individual therapy is recommended to treat a broad range of addictions, including substance abuse, behavioural addictions and eating disorders.

Substance abuse addiction involves overusing alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription and over the counter medications, or even household items. An individual with a substance abuse addiction may need professional help to develop healthy coping strategies for their addiction and build a support network that can help them maintain sobriety.

Behavioural addictions involve compulsive engagement in non-substance-related behaviours, such as gambling, gaming, or shopping. These behaviours can have a negative impact on an individual’s life, leading to financial and relationship problems, as well as physical and mental health issues.

Eating disorder addictions involve compulsively overeating or eating in an unhealthy manner. In individual therapy, a person can learn to identify their triggers and develop healthier behaviours around food.

Seeking help from individual therapy can provide an objective perspective on your situation, which can be helpful in understanding and resolving underlying issues. By simply having someone who will listen to you, with the intention only of helping you, can be exactly what is needed to begin the successful road to recovery. Individual therapy can also offer:

Motivation
One of the advantages of individual therapy for addiction is that it can help to motivate an individual to kick their addiction. The therapist can provide insight into the cause of the addiction, and help the patient find new, healthier coping strategies for their issues.
Personalised care
Through individual therapy, a therapist can tailor a treatment plan to meet an individual’s specific needs, rather than the one-size-fits-all approach that can occur with group therapy. This personalised care can help an individual more effectively address their unique challenges.
Privacy
Individual therapy provides an environment of privacy, which can be especially helpful for individuals who are struggling with addictions. This can help to create a sense of trust and safety between the therapist and patient necessary for meaningful progress.
Additional support
Along with addressing the root of addiction, individual therapy can also provide support in other areas of life. This could cover things like job counselling or anger management, which can be important components in overcoming addiction and leading a healthy life.

At the beginning of the session, the therapist will discuss your current situation, drug or alcohol use history and any other treatment you may have received in the past. The therapist may also ask questions about family dynamics, social support systems and any underlying mental health conditions.

Next, the therapist may explore your motivations for using drugs or alcohol in the first place.

The focus may then move to developing strategies to reduce alcohol or substance use. The therapist will encourage you to pinpoint triggers and high-risk situations that lead to cravings and relapse. Through discussion and role-play, you will be empowered to make changes in your behaviour such as avoiding certain people or places or developing healthier coping strategies.
You and your therapist can discuss ways to develop lasting changes beyond the sessions.

Different methods are used in individual therapy for addiction due to the fact that addiction is a complex issue and can have many different underlying causes. Different therapies may address different issues, such as co-occurring mental health disorders, or may target different stages of change. Below, we take a closer look at each method used in individual therapy specifically for addiction and why they are useful:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that can lead to substance use and relapse.
• Motivational interviewing (MI): This approach encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence about changing their behaviour by helping them develop the confidence to make positive changes.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy that helps individuals find the balance between acceptance and change in their approach to substance use disorders.
• 12-Step Facilitation: This approach encourages people to engage in the 12-Step programme, which can provide an important source of structure, support, and responsibility during the recovery process.

At Primrose Lodge, individual therapy sessions last around 50 minutes and take place in specially designed, comfortable spaces. It’s also worth noting that these rooms are fully soundproof to provide the most confidential of settings. Our counsellors are all British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) registered, experienced and have experienced addiction themselves, allowing them to understand your needs authentically. They use their personal insight into addiction and their professional skills to provide a more profound level of therapy.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.