INDIVIDUAL THERAPY IN LOS ANGELES

Starting therapy for the first time may be intimidating, but knowing what to expect can make the initial stages more comfortable. Individual treatments like psychotherapy can be highly personalized so your therapist can work with you to map out goals and determine how best to utilize each session. Some benefits of attending one-on-one sessions with a trained professional during addiction recovery are the following:

• Make it easier to stop using drugs or other substances
• Support your abstinence and decrease the risk of a relapse
• Assist you with working through issues so you can be productive for your family, career, and community

A typical therapy session will involve a conversation that provides valuable insights and teaches healthy coping skills. Below is a brief outline of what to expect during your first few individual appointments:

1. The first session usually takes around forty-five minutes. During that time, your therapist will get to know about you and your current mental and physical health by asking questions. You may also spend some of this time completing the necessary paperwork. Once they have a clear understanding of where you are currently in your recovery, they will help you determine what goals you will want to reach. The therapist may suggest a specific individual therapy method if they feel that one may benefit you more than others. You will also create a care plan.
2. During the second session, you will check in with your therapist about how you are currently feeling. Then they will work with you to figure out what root causes led to your substance use so that you can know what areas will need work in the subsequent weeks or months. You will start focusing on the subjects highlighted in your care plan.
3. In the third session and ones that take place after it, you will use various forms of talk therapy, exercises, and homework to expand your self-awareness and learn new ways to build a healthier future for yourself. Often therapists will challenge ways of thinking which may be uncomfortable, but these discussions are part of the growth process.