Last Updated:
September 16th, 2024
Psychotherapy
When some people hear the word “psychotherapy,” they might picture an old-school therapist asking awkward questions about your childhood while you lie on a couch, Freud-style. But modern psychodynamic therapy is far from that. It is really about understanding how your past might be influencing your present. In rehab treatment, psychotherapy can be a game-changer. It helps you dig into the very foundations of your addiction and work through the deep-seated triggers and emotions. With this fresh understanding, you will be better equipped to stay on the path to a new life free from addiction.
What is psychotherapy?
Think of psychotherapy as having a heart-to-heart with someone trained to help you understand what is going on inside your mind. Whether you are dealing with emotional challenges, relationship issues, or just looking to grow personally, psychotherapy provides a space to explore these areas.
There was previously a lot of negative stigma around therapy, but more and more people are now beginning to understand how much it can help. Psychotherapy is not something that only people with severe mental health issues need – it is a valuable tool for anyone looking to understand themselves better and make positive changes in their lives.
Psychotherapy sessions are typically one-on-one, but they can also include your partner or family or even take place in a group setting.
How psychotherapy works
The theory behind psychotherapy is that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are deeply connected. By gaining a better understanding of these patterns, you are then able to disrupt them so that negative emotions don’t cause harmful reactions.
Addiction, for example, is far more complex than physical cravings. It is also about the emotions and thoughts that push you toward using substances or things like gambling. Psychotherapy helps you explore the stress, trauma or mental health issues that are behind your addictive behaviours so you can learn better ways to manage the core issues at play.
What are the benefits of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy provides many fantastic benefits that make it such an important part of addiction treatment. Here is how psychotherapy can help you achieve and sustain sobriety long after you leave rehab:
The most important types of psychotherapy in addiction treatment
Oasis Runcorn offers a range of different psychotherapies, each with different goals and outcomes. This mixture means that everyone undergoing treatment with us can find something that works for them. Here is a look at some of our most important therapies and how they can make a difference:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most common and effective forms of psychotherapy used in addiction treatment. With the guidance of your therapist, you will come to see how certain thoughts lead to addiction so you can shift your thinking and break the link.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of psychotherapy that is especially helpful if you struggle with intense emotions and maintain healthy relationships. It combines CBT methods with mindfulness practices and can teach you how to tolerate difficult feelings without relapsing.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing helps you find out what you want from recovery. Instead of giving you instructions, your therapist works with you to uncover your personal reasons for wanting to beat addiction to help you stay committed to making it happen.
Family therapy
Family therapy brings your loved ones into the recovery process. It helps them understand what you’re going through and gives everyone a chance to talk about how your addiction has affected them. This can help bring you closer together to work towards the same goals.
What happens during a psychotherapy session?
A typical psychotherapy session at Oasis Runcorn is all about creating a comfortable and safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:
1. The initial check-in
Your therapist will begin by checking in with you. How are you feeling today? Are there any specific concerns or challenges you’re facing? This is your chance to share what’s been going on since your last session, whether it’s a tough day, a recent victory or a recurring thought or feeling.
2. Diving deeper
Once you are settled in, the therapist will guide you into deeper discussions. This will involve looking at how your thoughts and feelings are connected to your behaviours, especially when it comes to addiction. You will explore what has been driving those behaviours, spot any harmful patterns and work out how to change anything that isn’t serving you.
3. Problem-solving and learning new skills
Throughout the session, your therapist will guide you toward practical strategies for managing difficult thoughts or emotions. This might include learning coping techniques like mindfulness or breathing exercises that you can use outside of therapy when things get tough.
4. Wrapping up with reflection
At the end of the psychotherapy session, you will reflect on what you have covered and think about how to apply what you have learned in your daily life. Your therapist may also check in to see if there is anything you want to focus on in the next session, ensuring that your therapy journey is always moving in a direction that feels right for you.
Building on each session
Psychotherapy is not a one-time fix. Each session builds on the last, helping you gain more insights. Over time, you will start to notice patterns and triggers that you haven’t seen before with each session like a stepping stone toward long-term recovery and emotional healing.
Begin psychotherapy today at Oasis Runcorn
Healing starts from within, and with our range of psychotherapies, you can explore emotions and experiences that drive your addiction. Psychotherapy at Oasis Runcorn can help you turn confusion into clarity and give you the strength to achieve lasting sobriety. Contact us today, and we will guide you in finding inner peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- National Institute of Mental Health. “Psychotherapies – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies. Accessed 5 September 2024.
- UK Rehab. “Psychotherapy | Rehab Therapies and Models.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/rehab-therapies/psychotherapy/. Accessed 5 September 2024.
- UK Rehab. “Rehab Therapies and Models | Therapies for Addiction Treatment.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/rehab-therapies/. Accessed 5 September 2024.
- Yue H, Pena E. Addiction Psychotherapeutic Care. [Updated 2022 Nov 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587365/. Accessed 5 September 2024.