Category: Treatment Therapies

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Goals of Depression Treatment (AAA)

You need more than a quick fix to treat depression. Depression won’t go away overnight, but that’s okay. That’s why therapy is a continual process that supports medication management, and vice versa. The goal, then, of depression treatment is to work through its root causes and teach you how to navigate daily life with more hope, ease, and joy. 

Through treatment, you can learn to manage depression and navigate your emotions. Talking with your doctor can help you decide which level of care is best for you. You could even attend a rehab for depression. 

Depression treatment could take many directions. Dr. Malasri, psychologist and Senior Director of Content at RehabPath, describes her AAA method below. 

“The more we focus on perseverative thoughts, the more they will prevail. To work through them, it is crucial to take the AAA approach: Acknowledge, Acknowledge, Action. The first round of Acknowledgement involves listening to yourself and acknowledging what you are truly feeling. In the second round of acknowledgement, you need to acknowledge the aspiration—what do you actually want to bring to your life, what are you seeking? Finally, take action—this is where you create an action plan that will enable you to take your solutions and break them down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals.”

You can use this method during and between therapy sessions. Using AAA, you can have progressive conversations with your therapist and yourself, and an all-around more successful treatment experience.

AAA Infographic2
The AAA method.

Acknowledgement 

The first step and goal of depression treatment is acknowledgement. You can acknowledge your symptoms, how they affect your life, and that they could mean you need extra help. Doing so might be your first step to healing.

You can do this with yourself, a therapist, or both. Because therapy doesn’t stop once you leave a session—it’s also every moment in between.

Your therapist can help you work through and resolve what contributes to your symptoms, especially if it feels hard to identify. For example, you might try to navigate a difficult job situation by identifying its pain points and seeing if you can relieve them. Or, your therapist could help you navigate a toxic relationship or living situation.

Once you’ve acknowledged what’s going on and how you’re feeling, you can move onto the second phase of acknowledgement.

Acknowledge What You Want

What do you want to happen next? What do you seek? Take some time to reflect on this. Dream, visualize, and see what you can imagine for yourself.

What does happiness look like? What does your ideal work experience look like? What motivates you? What are your sources of inspiration? 

Try to be realistic as you do this—taking off too big a chunk might feel daunting. Identify what you want here. Think of a blank canvas, and what picture you want to paint. 

And once you know what you want, you (and your therapist) can begin making it happen.

Action: Plan Your Next Steps 

Sometimes, leaving the cycle of depression can seem scary—paralyzingly so. Once you acknowledge this cycle and your goals, you can redirect your energy into action. Alone or with help, you can identify manageable steps that you can accomplish daily, weekly, and monthly. These form your action plan. 

You need to paint your dreams with paced, manageable steps. Here, it’s important to remember that small steps in your plan might feel easier to follow and commit to. 

For example, you might take a walk each day. Some days you might feel up to something bigger. Take that motivation and focus on the pace you created. On the days where it seems undoable, take that energy, go back to acknowledging those emotions, breathe through it, and remind yourself of your paced approach. 

Give yourself compassion—and space to breathe in your action plan.

Committing to the process could be invaluable, especially since, like other conditions, depression requires maintenance. It won’t vanish on its own. And once it’s gone, there’s always the chance it could come back. 

Maintaining your treatments, like therapy, self-care and medication management, can keep recurrent episodes at bay. 

And you can always come back to AAA. The process has no expiration date, and it’s yours. 

Break The Chains Without Fear

Despite how it may feel, depression can go away with proper treatment. The goal of treatment isn’t to give you a fast cure. Rather, it’s to give you systems and plans to manage the condition.
If you think residential treatment for depression could help you best, you can browse our list of depression rehabs and see pictures, pricing, and reviews.

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What Is Biomedical Therapy and How Can It Help With Recovery?

Healing your mental health is a lot like adding tools to a toolbox, especially when you attend residential rehab where you can try different kinds of therapy. As you experience different treatment options, you’re able to keep what works best for you. A common and effective tool in many people’s toolbox is biomedical therapy, which includes medications and some medical procedures. 

At rehabs that offer biomedical therapy, you can see these options for yourself while under the supervision of a medical professional for your safety. 

What Is Biomedical Therapy?

Biomedical therapy is the use of medications or medical procedures1 to reduce the symptoms of a range of mental health and addiction issues. From a biomedical perspective, mental health conditions are brain diseases2 with chemical and biological causes. 

Biomedical therapy is very similar to how doctors treat physical diseases, using medicine to both reduce your symptoms and correct the cause of the disease. Biomedical therapy differs from psychotherapy because it focuses on the biological causes of conditions. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, weighs how your environment, relationships, childhood, and more have influenced your mental health. 

It’s common for your treatment plan to include biomedical therapies3 in addition to other types of therapy. So you may take certain medications while also regularly going to one-on-one therapy sessions. 

Types of Biomedical Therapy

How Pharmacotherapy Helps Treatment

The use of medications, or pharmacotherapy, treats the symptoms of mental health conditions.4 Some conditions like bipolar disorder may require continuous medication to control your symptoms long-term. But it’s also common for your doctor to prescribe them for a short period to ease your symptoms so you can focus on the rest of your therapies while in treatment.

Studies show that medications can help enhance psychotherapy5 by reducing distracting symptoms. Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Director at Soberman’s Estate, explains: 

“Medications can work with psychotherapy. In fact, patients whose depression has lifted or have their severe anxiety under control can do better in psychotherapy. They’re able to focus, concentrate and delve into their psyche much better when they’re stable.”

There are 5 types of medications6 that are common in mental health treatment:

  • Antidepressants, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or insomnia.
  • Anti-anxiety medications, like SSRIs or benzodiazepines, can help people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
  • Stimulants are common in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.
  • Antipsychotics can help people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or other conditions that cause delusions or hallucinations, including some addictions.
  • Mood stabilizers, like lithium, reduce the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, usually in addition to antidepressants.

It’s common for people to try a few different medications before finding one that works7 best for them. But it’s important to do these trials with a medical professional. They’ll be able to give guidance and address any concerns about side effects. 

Medical Procedures for Mental Health Conditions

While pharmacotherapy is the most popular form of biomedical therapy, doctors also use certain medical procedures to address mental health conditions like depression. 

In the past, invasive and life-altering surgeries like lobotomies were more common. Now, the practice of psychosurgery is much safer8 thanks to improvements in technique. Still, these surgeries are not very common. Doctors will typically only consider them an option after exhausting all other treatment options. 

Beyond surgery, treatment centers use other types of medical procedures to treat mental health conditions. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)9 is one example. In ECT, a doctor passes electric currents through your brain, causing a small seizure while you’re under general anesthesia. This stimulates your brain and can quickly change chemical imbalances that may be causing your mental health issues. It’s one of the most effective treatment options for people with treatment-resistant depression, but people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may also benefit. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a biomedical therapy method that’s becoming more popular. While ECT uses an electric current, TMS uses magnetic waves sent into targeted areas of the brain. It’s non-invasive and can help treat treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even some addictions. Jerry Vaccaro, president of All Points North Lodge, says TMS is a beneficial supplementary therapy for many because “people find that it’s easy to do, it takes very little time, side effects are minimal and the results are quite good.” 

Like pharmacotherapy treatment options, your treatment team, therapist, or primary care physician can help you determine if any of these medical procedures are right for you. 

How Does Biomedical Therapy Work?

Some biomedical therapies require a medical doctor to supervise. For example, in some states like California, only a psychiatrist or physician can prescribe mental health medications,10 not therapists. In others, a technician or nurse practitioner can perform the therapy. However, they all require a trained medical professional to ensure your safety. And in rehab, your entire treatment team will be involved in deciding which therapies make the most sense for you and evaluating if they’re effective. 

In most cases, biomedical therapies are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings. A psychiatrist can prescribe you antidepressants to take both during residential treatment and for afterwards if necessary. ECT and TMS are also both available as outpatient procedures, but you can also receive them in rehabs that have the necessary staff and equipment. The only type of biomedical therapy that typically requires hospitalization is psychosurgery. 

The length of biomedical treatment also depends on the specific therapy and the severity of your condition. For instance, people with moderate depression who respond well to medication will usually only take antidepressants for 4-9 months.11 But many people with schizophrenia may have to take medications for the rest of their lives12 to manage symptoms. 

What Disorders Does Biomedical Therapy Treat?

In the last 30 years in the U.S., the biomedical treatment model has been the dominant approach13 to mental health. This means a large body of research has been focused on biomedical therapy options for some of the most prevalent mental health conditions. 

Depression

Antidepressants are very common in depression treatment. They’re most effective in treating moderate to severe depression. The goal of antidepressants is to alleviate your symptoms14 for long enough that you prevent relapse and find new coping skills. However, it’s important to note that the most effective treatment plan for depression15 is a combination of biomedical psychiatry and psychotherapy.  

ECT and TMS are also effective in treating depression.16 Most of the benefits of ECT and TMS occur in the short term with an almost immediate improvement in symptoms. However, there’s not enough research to establish that they can prevent relapses in the long term.

Anxiety

For people with a range of anxiety disorders, medication can be an effective tool in treatment.17 SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are usually the first options for anxiety treatment. You may take them for as little as 3 months or as long as multiple years, depending on how your anxiety reacts. There are also a few new pharmacological options for anxiety, including ketamine and psychedelics, that some studies have proven effective. However, these are less common and research is still quite new. 

Schizophrenia

Antipsychotic medications are a pillar in most treatment plans for schizophrenia. After a psychotic episode, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antipsychotic medication immediately to prevent major changes in your brain18 and help you return to your regular functioning. But it’s also common for mental health providers to continue to prescribe medications even months after an episode. This type of maintenance therapy can help prevent relapse and allow you to experience more stability in your mood and relationships.  

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Studies show that 70% of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience reduced symptoms19 after taking appropriate medications. SSRIs are the most common prescription for people with OCD, but doctors may also prescribe other types depending on your symptoms. 

Initial research also shows that TMS may be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.20 TMS requires a psychiatrist’s referral and with such new research, it may not be widely available to people with OCD just yet. 

People with very severe and treatment-resistant OCD have also found success with psychosurgery.21 However, this is usually only an option for people who have exhausted all others. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

From the biomedical psychiatry perspective, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by a biological change in how you perceive fear. And studies show that people with PTSD have a few key imbalances in the brain22 related to the “fight or flight” response. PTSD may also have physical symptoms like high blood pressure, which hints at the biological link. 

With these imbalances in mind, pharmacotherapy is an effective treatment method for PTSD.23 And psychiatrists will consider your symptoms when prescribing your specific medications. For example, you may take an SSRI to reduce symptoms like re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal, while other medications can help prevent PTSD-related nightmares. Your treatment team will be able to map out the most effective medications for your symptoms and lifestyle. 

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is another mental health condition where biomedical psychiatry can be beneficial. Doctors commonly prescribe medications like lithium or antidepressants like Prozac. These types of medications help stabilize your symptoms24 and mindset, which makes it easier to both attend and make the most of talk therapy. Researchers have also found TMS to be effective for reducing depressive symptoms25 in people with bipolar disorder. 

However, treating bipolar disorder can be a tricky balance because sometimes medications or TMS can trigger depressive or manic episodes, so it’s crucial to have open lines of communication with your mental health provider to prevent those swings. And because people with bipolar disorder are at higher risk for developing addiction,26 open communication with your psychiatrist is important to prevent becoming dependent on your prescription medications. 

Biomedical Therapy for Addiction

Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, explains that much like mental health issues, addiction is also “a brain disease27 because drugs change the brain — they change its structure and how it works.” And because of those brain changes, biomedical psychiatry can be beneficial for treating addiction. 

Medications for Addiction Recovery

Medications are a widely used treatment option for many different aspects of addiction recovery. During detox, many providers use medications to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent serious complications. For example, if you’re detoxing from alcohol, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine to manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Once you’ve detoxed and you’re in rehab, your treatment team may also suggest taking medications to ease both withdrawal and mental health symptoms28 to allow you to focus on other forms of therapy. They can also prevent cravings and help you relax more in treatment. 

Other pharmacotherapy treatments are longer term. If you’re recovering from opioid addiction, you may use medications like methadone or buprenorphine to prevent relapses29 and manage your symptoms. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse advises that “medication should be the first line of treatment”30 for opioid addiction.  

Plus, for people with co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety in addition to addiction, medications can play an important role in treatment.31 Your doctor may prescribe medications that alleviate your mental health symptoms to make other forms of therapy easier. You might take antidepressants to reduce depressive fatigue, for example, so you have more energy for your group therapy sessions. 

However, it’s very important that a medical professional supervises the use of all medications, especially in the case of co-occurring disorders. Some medications commonly used for treating addiction can have dangerous interactions32 with anxiety medications. A rehab that specializes in treating co-occurring disorders will understand those risks and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. 

Biomedical Treatment Can Be an Effective Tool for Recovery

For most people seeking treatment for mental health issues or addiction, recovery doesn’t come from just one type of therapy. There’s no magic cure for these conditions. But research and years of practice have shown that there are effective and safe ways to approach recovery, including biomedical therapy. Taking medications or undergoing certain medical procedures can be an important aspect of your healing, especially when combined with other therapies like behavioral or holistic treatments. 
To learn more about the role that biomedical treatment can play in your recovery journey, see our list of rehabs that offer biomedical therapy.

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The Role of Nutrition in Addiction and Mental Health Recovery

Nutrition is a foundational element of well-being. Not only can good food provide a sense of pleasure and joy, but eating a nutritious diet helps your body and mind perform at their very best. If you’re seeking addiction or mental health treatment, establishing supportive eating habits is especially vital. The right nutrition plan can help you rebuild your health and prevent relapse.

Finding the right rehab program includes understanding the role of nutrition in your treatment plan. Helping your mind and body get back to functioning at their optimal levels will set you up for recovery success.

The Relationship Between Addiction and Nutrition

If you’re using drugs or alcohol, it’s common for substances to become a higher priority than your diet. People are more likely to feel depressed, anxious, or lethargic when they don’t get the nutrients they need.1 In turn, a poor diet can make it harder to resist drug cravings2 and contribute further to addiction.

Physical Symptoms of Poor Nutrition

Addiction can make you more likely to choose meals with low nutritional value, or not eat enough in general. As such, many people struggle with malnourishment in early recovery3 and may be underweight. While different substances impact your health and nutrition differently, regular substance use is likely to result in one or more of these symptoms:

Nutrition for Recovery

Addiction takes a huge physical toll on the body. Using alcohol or drugs requires your body to work extra hard to process and eliminate toxic substances and repair the damage they cause. From detox to post-rehab recovery, good nutrition helps to heal your body and mind.

Good Nutrition Can Ease Withdrawal Symptoms

Replacing lost nutrients is an important aspect of detox. The detox process can take a lot of mental and physical energy to complete. You may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.10 When you’re ready to recover, eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods can help you ease withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse.11

Food Provides Energy During Early Recovery

Recovering from addiction requires energy, resilience, and motivation. If you’re not eating well, you’re more likely to feel overwhelmed or drained in the early stages of sobriety. But with a nutritious diet, you’ll have the energy you need to stay motivated in recovery. Eating well helps you think more clearly,12 pay attention for longer periods of time, and enjoy a more balanced emotional state.

Plus, a balanced diet helps your body heal from addiction.13 Good nutrition helps your immune system improve, and your organs and tissues to repair themselves. Eating well is a key part of building healthy habits to support your new lifestyle—a main goal of residential rehab.

Eating Well in Life After Rehab

Nutrition supports every stage of recovery, even well beyond inpatient addiction treatment. Eating a balanced diet contributes to an elevated mood,14 higher energy levels, and better physical health.

It’s even proven that learning about nutrition helps people heal from addiction.15

Addiction and Disordered Eating

There’s a strong link between eating disorders and addiction. Up to 35% of people addicted to drugs or alcohol also struggle with an eating disorder—11 times higher than the rate of the general population.16

For some patients, disordered eating habits develop during the addiction recovery process.17 Weight gain is common in early treatment, when appetite increases and drugs are no longer depleting you. Weight gain can contribute to mental health issues, including eating disorders. But with the right medical care and nutrition plan, you can find lasting physical and emotional health during your recovery journey.

Learn more about eating disorder recovery here. 

The Link Between Diet and Your Mental Health

Nutrition is often linked to physical health. However, there’s a powerful connection between nutrition and mental health, too. Eating nutritious foods is an essential part of healing mental health issues including depression and anxiety. While nutrition has historically been undervalued in mental health treatment, it’s now gaining popularity and acceptance among experts.

The Gut-Brain Axis

According to nutritional psychiatry, there’s a direct link between your gut health and your brain.18 The “gut-brain axis” describes the physical connection between these 2 organs via the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve starts in your brain stem and connects to your gut via the central nervous system. It not only plays an important role in digestion and nutrient absorption, but also sends nerve signals back and forth between the brain and the gut.

This means that a healthy balance of gut bacteria helps your brain produce the right chemicals to stay healthy and emotionally stable. And in turn, your brain helps your gut maintain the right balance of bacteria. In fact, studies show that healthy gut bacteria can improve your mood.19

Nutrition for Mental Wellness

If you’re struggling with your mental health, eating healthily might feel out of reach. Many people enter treatment for their mental health with poor nutrition.20

To help you heal, comprehensive rehabs programs leverage this gut-brain axis and use nutrition to support your recovery. Tailored meal plans can support healing and restore nutritional balance. This naturally helps you feel better and maintain energy and focus on your work in treatment.

Find Calming Relief

The right nutrition plan can provide structure and peace during early recovery. Inpatient mental health programs provide regular meals at routine intervals. This helps patients find a greater sense of calm,21 as well as maintain blood-sugar levels for stable energy throughout the day.

Nutritious food can also allow those healing from mental health issues to experience much-needed pleasure. Eating tasty foods releases dopamine in the brain,22 boosting your sense of joy. Studies also show a link between certain amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids and improved mental health23 during treatment.

Boost Your Mood

Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are vital for your mental health, mood, and overall wellness. Inpatient treatment programs that focus on nutrition can ensure you’re getting the right balance of vitamins and minerals for brain health:24

  • Probiotics
  • Magnesium
  • Tyrosine
  • Curcumin
  • Theanine
  • Amino acids

Heal Your Relationship with Food

Healthy eating is an important element of healing for people in eating disorder recovery. When you enter treatment, you’ll start to replenish nutrients your body needs by eating regular, nutrient-dense meals.

Treatment programs also give you the opportunity to learn how to stay healthy beyond your time in rehab. In some centers, you’ll work one-on-one with a nutritionist or dietitian to plan meals, shop for groceries, or even learn to cook. Over time, eating nourishing meals in treatment can help you rebuild trust with yourself25 and repair your relationship with food.

Eat Well to Build a Foundation for Recovery

Eating for recovery provides nourishment, energy, and comfort during every stage of your healing journey. And while the link between recovery and diet is universal, everyone’s needs are unique.

Search rehabs to discover the right fit for you. You can sort searches by various dietary needs, find programs with healthy meals, and even find treatment centers with vegetarian and vegan offerings.

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What to Expect From Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

When you find the right type of therapy for you, it can change your life. And if you’re considering rehab, you might already know what you need to be different.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help you make those changes. But here’s the thing: it won’t change who you are.

Rehab programs with DBT address the patterns that keep you from living your best life. They do that by validating your feelings, without trying to change them. And when you learn to accept yourself, just as you are, you can let go of behaviors that aren’t serving you.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment. ((Chapman AL. Dialectical behavior therapy: current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Sep;3(9):62-8. PMID: 20975829; PMCID: PMC2963469.)) It was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Today, therapists use it for a much wider variety of mental health issues, including addiction.

DBT incorporates some tenets of Zen Buddhism ((Robins, Clive J. “Zen Principles and Mindfulness Practice in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.” Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, vol. 9, no. 1, Dec. 2002, pp. 50–57. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1077-7229(02)80040-2.)) and has a strong focus on mindfulness. This treatment differs from other popular therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in a few ways. For one, DBT encourages you to accept your feelings (( “Foundations of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.” Wisconsin Department of Health Services. https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/non-dhs/dcts/5-nov-2020-foundations-dialectical-behavioral-therapy.pdf)) instead of challenging them. A cognitive behavioral therapist might have you question negative thought patterns, reasoning your way out of them. But in DBT, you’ll validate your own emotions—even painful ones. Group therapy is also a key element of DBT.

The idea of a dialectic, or discussion, is central to this treatment. ((May JM, Richardi TM, Barth KS. Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder. Ment Health Clin. 2016 Mar 8;6(2):62-67. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62. PMID: 29955449; PMCID: PMC6007584.)) Patients learn to embrace seemingly opposite ideas at the same time. For instance, your therapist might tell you that you are doing your best, and you can do better. DBT teaches you to accept both of these ideas as equally true, and equally important. And you can apply that skill to other parts of your recovery. So if you’re healing from addiction, for example, you might accept that you can have cravings, and choose not to drink or take drugs.

The 4 Modules of DBT: What You’ll Learn in Session

DBT might feel more like a class ((May JM, Richardi TM, Barth KS. Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder. Ment Health Clin. 2016 Mar 8;6(2):62-67. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62. PMID: 29955449; PMCID: PMC6007584.)) than traditional talk therapy. Patients work from a textbook, discuss new ideas with a group, and even do homework assignments. During treatment, you’ll progress through 4 separate modules. All of them are related, but each one focuses on a specific topic.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a central theme in DBT. The lessons in this module can help you focus on the here and now. This empowers patients to avoid negative thought spirals. And when you’re grounded in the present moment, you can take action that aligns with your recovery goals.

Emotion Regulation

Many people try to minimize difficult feelings, like shame and grief. And in one sense, that’s normal. Avoiding pain is a survival strategy. But when it comes to your mental health, avoidance isn’t sustainable. And it can lead directly to addiction.

In this module of DBT, you’ll first learn how to identify your emotions. Just naming them can help you accept what you feel, without judgment. And when you consistently validate your own feelings, they naturally become more manageable. For a lot of patients, this approach is even more effective than resisting an emotion.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

This module teaches you how to build strong relationships. Patients learn specific, practical skills to help with that:

  • Identifying and articulating your own needs
  • Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
  • Handling disagreements calmly
  • Balancing your needs with someone else’s

You’ll practice these skills within the group and in between sessions. You might even roleplay certain scenarios in therapy. In that case your therapist will give you direct feedback, suggesting ways to improve.

Distress Tolerance

Much as you might want to avoid it, pain is an inevitable part of life. DBT doesn’t change that. Instead, it gives you the tools to work through stress. These strategies are clear and simple, so it’s easy to recall them when you’re under stress:

  • Radical acceptance ((Görg, Nora, et al. “Trauma-Related Emotions and Radical Acceptance in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Childhood Sexual Abuse.” Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, vol. 4, no. 1, July 2017, p. 15. BioMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-017-0065-5.)) teaches you to identify and sit with painful feelings, without trying to change them in any way.
  • Urge surfing ((Schubert, Kimberly N., “Evaluation of a Brief “Surf the Urge” Intervention” (2018). UNLV Theses,
    Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 3382.
    http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/14139909 )) can be especially helpful during addiction recovery. You can use it when you experience an urge that could be harmful, like a drug craving. Instead of acting on that desire, you’ll just observe it. Most urges grow, crest, and then subside, like ocean waves.
  • Self-soothing skills ((Perepletchikova F, Axelrod SR, Kaufman J, Rounsaville BJ, Douglas-Palumberi H, Miller AL. Adapting Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Children: Towards a New Research Agenda for Paediatric Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviours. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2011 May 1;16(2):116-121. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00583.x. PMID: 21643467; PMCID: PMC3105788.)) engage the 5 senses. You might touch a soft blanket, drink a cup of tea, or light a scented candle. Activities like these can help you stay calm.

The skills you learn in DBT won’t make your problems disappear. But they can keep you centered, making it easier to face life’s challenges.

What to Expect in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

Most outpatient DBT programs last about 6 months. ((May JM, Richardi TM, Barth KS. Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder. Ment Health Clin. 2016 Mar 8;6(2):62-67. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62. PMID: 29955449; PMCID: PMC6007584.)) Traditional DBT has 3 components:

In a residential rehab, your DBT program may look a little different. It will probably be shorter than 6 months with more frequent meetings. But you’ll still have group sessions, and you’ll cover the same subject matter.

Group Therapy

In DBT, group therapy is an essential part of treatment. A therapist guides your group through skill-building activities in each of the 4 modules. They’ll assign homework so you can practice those skills between meetings. Then you’ll review it together during the next session.

In many outpatient DBT programs, you’ll meet with your group once a week for about 2 hours at a time. In residential rehab, you may meet more often, or even daily.

Individual Therapy

In addition to group sessions, most DBT programs include individual therapy. Your therapist might be the same person who leads the group, but not necessarily. These sessions give you more freedom to talk about yourself, instead of just the curriculum. Your counselor will help you set and meet recovery goals, and put your new skills in context.

This aspect of DBT offers short-term solutions. While group lessons equip you with important skills, it takes time to put them all together. Your therapist can get to know you as an individual, and give more specific advice to help you along the way.

Texts and Calls With Your Therapist

In traditional DBT programs, you can call or text your therapist in between sessions. When you begin treatment, the two of you will discuss specific boundaries and expectations. Some therapists are reachable 24/7, so you can always ask for help in an emergency. Others might silence their phone at night, or have you text instead of calling.

This isn’t always a part of treatment. For example, you might attend a DBT group in one therapy practice, but see another therapist somewhere else. In that case, your therapist might not offer this type of care. And if you’re in a residential rehab, you might have 24/7 access to therapy, but not always with your primary counselor.

DBT for Mental Health Recovery

DBT can treat a range of mental health conditions, both on their own and as co-occurring disorders.

Personality Disorders

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) calls DBT the “gold standard” therapy for borderline personality disorder. ((“Treating Borderline Personality Disorder.” National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/June-2017/Treating-Borderline-Personality-Disorder)) This treatment targets the specific symptoms of BPD, so patients can heal in a sustainable way. It also helps people with other personality disorders.

Studies show that DBT is one of the most effective personality disorder treatments. ((Rosemery O. Nelson-Gray et. al. “Assessment and Treatment of Personality Disorders: A Behavioral Perspective.” The Behavior Analyst Today, Volume 10, Number 1. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ862336.pdf)) And treatment can improve these patients’ other mental health symptoms. For instance, DBT often reduces symptoms of depression in patients with personality disorders.

Depression

DBT is also a popular treatment for depression ((Harley R, Sprich S, Safren S, Jacobo M, Fava M. Adaptation of dialectical behavior therapy skills training group for treatment-resistant depression. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2008 Feb;196(2):136-43. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e318162aa3f. PMID: 18277222.)) as a primary diagnosis. It’s especially helpful for patients with treatment-resistant depression. And studies show that DBT for depression can even be a short-term treatment. ((Lothes JE, Mochrie KD, St. John J (2014) The Effects of a DBT Informed Partial Hospital Program on: Depression, Anxiety,
Hopelessness, and Degree of Suffering. J Psychol Psychother 4: 144. doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000144)) Many patients show marked improvement after only 29 days of therapy. So even if you stop attending DBT when you leave rehab, it can still make a huge difference in your ongoing recovery.

Even if you don’t have a diagnosis of depression, research supports DBT as a treatment for suicidal ideation. ((McCauley E, Berk MS, Asarnow JR, et al. Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents at High Risk for Suicide: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2018;75(8):777–785. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.1109)) The practical skills you learn in therapy can help you manage crisis situations, intrusive thoughts, and the urge to self-harm.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, get help right away. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for free, 24/7.

You can also learn more about supporting someone with suicidal ideation.

Trauma Recovery

Some providers offer specialized DBT to treat trauma symptoms. ((Bohus M, Kleindienst N, Hahn C, Müller-Engelmann M, Ludäscher P, Steil R, Fydrich T, Kuehner C, Resick PA, Stiglmayr C, Schmahl C, Priebe K. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (DBT-PTSD) Compared With Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Complex Presentations of PTSD in Women Survivors of Childhood Abuse: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020 Dec 1;77(12):1235-1245. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.2148. PMID: 32697288; PMCID: PMC7376475.)) You might benefit from this therapy if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (c-PTSD) or a history of trauma.

The skills you’ll learn in DBT directly address some common symptoms of trauma: ((Karatzias T, Cloitre M, Maercker A, Kazlauskas E, Shevlin M, Hyland P, Bisson JI, Roberts NP, Brewin CR. PTSD and Complex PTSD: ICD-11 updates on concept and measurement in the UK, USA, Germany and Lithuania. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2018 Jan 15;8(sup7):1418103. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1418103. PMID: 29372010; PMCID: PMC5774423.))

  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships
  • Impulsive behavior

Research shows that DBT helps people with PTSD ((Bohus M, Kleindienst N, Hahn C, Müller-Engelmann M, Ludäscher P, Steil R, Fydrich T, Kuehner C, Resick PA, Stiglmayr C, Schmahl C, Priebe K. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (DBT-PTSD) Compared With Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Complex Presentations of PTSD in Women Survivors of Childhood Abuse: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020 Dec 1;77(12):1235-1245. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.2148. PMID: 32697288; PMCID: PMC7376475.)) and c-PTSD commit to treatment, and it reliably reduces their symptoms.

Treating Addiction With DBT

DBT is a highly effective treatment for addiction. ((Dimeff LA, Linehan MM. Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abusers. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2008 Jun;4(2):39-47. doi: 10.1151/ascp084239. PMID: 18497717; PMCID: PMC2797106.)) After Dr. Linehan developed this therapy for BPD, she noted how common it was for her patients to have addiction as well. So she and Dr. Linda Dimeff went on to design a specialized type of DBT to treat these conditions together.

While most of the research focuses on drug addiction, some studies show that DBT can also treat behavioral addictions, ((“How Might Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work for Individuals with Addictive Behaviors?” Recovery Research Institute, 27 July 2020, https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/dialectical-behavior-therapy-individuals-addictive-behaviors/.)) like gambling or shopping addiction. And in any DBT program, you’ll learn similar skills. But DBT specifically for addiction ((Dimeff LA, Linehan MM. Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abusers. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2008 Jun;4(2):39-47. doi: 10.1151/ascp084239. PMID: 18497717; PMCID: PMC2797106.)) has some unique benefits:

((Priddy SE, Howard MO, Hanley AW, Riquino MR, Friberg-Felsted K, Garland EL. Mindfulness meditation in the treatment of substance use disorders and preventing future relapse: neurocognitive mechanisms and clinical implications. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2018 Nov 16;9:103-114. doi: 10.2147/SAR.S145201. PMID: 30532612; PMCID: PMC6247953.))

((Shorey RC, Gawrysiak MJ, Elmquist J, Brem M, Anderson S, Stuart GL. Experiential avoidance, distress tolerance, and substance use cravings among adults in residential treatment for substance use disorders. J Addict Dis. 2017 Jul-Sep;36(3):151-157. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2017.1302661. Epub 2017 Mar 6. PMID: 28358236; PMCID: PMC6126664.))

  • Strong interpersonal relationships ((Pettersen H, Landheim A, Skeie I, Biong S, Brodahl M, Oute J, Davidson L. How Social Relationships Influence Substance Use Disorder Recovery: A Collaborative Narrative Study. Subst Abuse. 2019 Mar 9;13:1178221819833379. doi: 10.1177/1178221819833379. PMID: 30886519; PMCID: PMC6410387.)) are an important part of successful addiction recovery.
  • Data shows that regulating your emotions can minimize cravings ((Choopan H, Kalantarkousheh SM, Aazami Y, Doostian Y, Farhoudian A, Massah O. Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Training on the Reduction of Craving in Drug Abusers. Addict Health. 2016 Apr;8(2):68-75. PMID: 27882203; PMCID: PMC5115639.)) and protect against relapse.

In most rehabs, this is just one of many approaches to treatment. So your care plan will probably include several different types of therapy. But the philosophy of DBT can be central to your long-term recovery.

Create Your Own Positive Change

DBT doesn’t “fix” your mental health. In fact, it rejects the idea that your emotions are problems for you to solve. Instead, it teaches you to validate your own feelings and center yourself in present reality—and that self-acceptance can be the foundation of your recovery.

Browse a list of rehabs with DBT to learn about their pricing, locations, housing options, and more.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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Build Resilience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Do you constantly ruminate on negative thoughts, and then chastise yourself for thinking them? It’s easy to get stuck in that spiral. For a lot of people, acceptance and commitment therapy is the way out.

Rehabs with acceptance and commitment therapy teach you to be mindful of your thoughts instead of judging them. And that acceptance can be freeing. When you stop trying to “fix” your feelings, they might just guide you toward recovery.

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and commitment therapy ((Dindo L, Van Liew JR, Arch JJ. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Behavioral Intervention for Mental Health and Medical Conditions. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Jul;14(3):546-553. doi: 10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3. PMID: 28271287; PMCID: PMC5509623.)) (or ACT, pronounced like the word “act”) is a behavioral treatment. It can treat a range of mental health conditions, including addiction. ACT centers on the idea that unwanted thoughts and emotions are an inevitable part of life.

In this approach, you’ll learn that your feelings are not inherently problematic. But the act of avoiding unpleasant thoughts and feelings can cause serious issues. ((Pohar, Ron, and Charlene Argáez. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, 2017. PubMed, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525684/.)) Treatment helps you accept unwanted emotions. And that gives you room to re-engage with the parts of life you value most.

Avoiding emotional pain can have negative consequences. For example, you might go out drinking to distract yourself from work or family stress. And if you just do that once, it’s not necessarily a big deal. But if you keep leaning on substances to avoid how you feel, it can quickly lead to addiction. ACT helps you notice your coping behaviors, and see if they’re working in your favor.

How Do ACT Sessions Work?

You can learn ACT techniques in one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or via telehealth. Like many other behavioral treatments, most ACT programs have a set number of sessions. ((Pohar, Ron, and Charlene Argáez. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, 2017. PubMed, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525684/.)) These programs last an average of 8 weeks, but that can change based on your exact needs.

In a typical ACT session, your therapist will lead you through exercises and role playing scenarios. They might also use metaphors to help you see your life from a new perspective. Because ACT is a behavioral therapy, it focuses on teaching you practical skills. Then, you can use those skills to make meaningful changes in the rest of your life.

ACT for Addiction Recovery

ACT for addiction ((Osaji J, Ojimba C, Ahmed S. The Use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Literature. J Clin Med Res. 2020 Oct;12(10):629-633. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4311. Epub 2020 Sep 21. PMID: 33029268; PMCID: PMC7524566.)) helps you accept your desire to use drugs or alcohol—without acting on it. Some other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), teach you to work against these urges. But ACT has a different goal. Patients learn to live with their cravings, and use coping skills to tolerate them.

The lessons you learn in ACT can also help you navigate relapse. For many people, it can take more than one try to enter sustained recovery. ((U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Reducing Relapse Risk.” Whole Health Library. https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/reducing-relapse-risk.asp)) ACT helps you accept the fact that healing isn’t linear. And that can make it easier to admit when you need help, and recommit to your own recovery.

Experts agree that ACT can effectively treat addiction. ((Osaji J, Ojimba C, Ahmed S. The Use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Literature. J Clin Med Res. 2020 Oct;12(10):629-633. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4311. Epub 2020 Sep 21. PMID: 33029268; PMCID: PMC7524566.)) It can even help people recover from multiple addictions at a time. And it can help you heal from other mental health issues.

ACT for Mental Health

ACT is a transdiagnostic therapy, which means it works for many different conditions: ((Na, Euihyeon. “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Addiction.” Korean Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, vol. 25, no. 1, p. 3. www.academia.edu, https://www.academia.edu/19527124/Acceptance_and_Commitment_Therapy_for_Addiction. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.))

  • Anxiety: Data shows that ACT reduces the symptoms of anxiety.
  • Chronic pain: ACT improves quality of life for people with chronic pain.
  • Depression: After ACT for depression, patients are less likely to have mental health relapses.

Because it’s so versatile, ACT might be a good choice for people with co-occurring disorders. That way, you can use the same approach to work toward all your recovery goals.

The Core Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ACT promotes psychological flexibility. ((Osaji J, Ojimba C, Ahmed S. The Use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Literature. J Clin Med Res. 2020 Oct;12(10):629-633. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4311. Epub 2020 Sep 21. PMID: 33029268; PMCID: PMC7524566.)) In other words, it helps you find your flow, even as life presents you with challenges. You can use the 6 principles of ACT ((Zhang CQ, Leeming E, Smith P, Chung PK, Hagger MS, Hayes SC. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Health Behavior Change: A Contextually-Driven Approach. Front Psychol. 2018 Jan 11;8:2350. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02350. PMID: 29375451; PMCID: PMC5769281.)) to respond in a way that honors your values.

During treatment, your clinician may or may not talk about these core principles. But either way, they’ll serve as the basis for your work in therapy. And because all these concepts support each other, you probably won’t go through them in a linear fashion. Instead, your therapist will bring them up organically.

Defusion

You are not your thoughts. And your thoughts aren’t always facts. But what you think and feel can have a huge impact on your behavior. For instance, if you constantly tell yourself that treatment is too hard, you might start to skip therapy sessions. And then, it doesn’t matter if treatment is actually too hard. If you’re not attending therapy, then your therapist can’t help you heal.

To address this, ACT uses defusion to remove some of the power of your thoughts and feelings. You’ll learn how to look at your thoughts and feelings objectively, and not as intrinsic truths. This can help you accept what you feel and let it go, instead of allowing it to define you.

Acceptance

Acceptance is the ability to feel your feelings without trying to change them. In ACT, you learn how to approach emotions with curiosity instead of judgment. For example, you might get angry at a loved one during family therapy. And then, you might judge that feeling. You could feel ashamed of your own anger, or sad about what caused it. And while those feelings about your own anger are valid, they can quickly lead to a spiral.

Acceptance empowers you to hold space for yourself. If you get angry at a loved one, you can simply sit with that feeling. You don’t have to yell, and you don’t have to shut down your own emotional response. Instead, you can practice mindfulness, exploring how and why you might feel angry. And over time, you can work through that anger, release it, and move forward.

Contact With the Present Moment

Through ACT, you’ll learn to be more present in each moment. It’s all too easy to lose yourself in regret about the past or anxiety about the future. This therapy helps you stay grounded, so you can take action to improve what’s actually happening in your life.

To achieve that, you can learn any number of mindfulness techniques. For example, you could practice breathing exercises, or take up yoga. These skills invite you to engage with the world as it actually is, instead of how you fear it could be.

The Observing Self

This principle of ACT encourages self-awareness. You’ll learn to tell the difference between yourself, your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions.

This objectivity helps you develop self-compassion. For example, feeling bad doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. And by the same token, relapsing into addiction doesn’t define who you are. Objectivity lets you move through painful thoughts, feelings, and situations without giving up on yourself or your goals.

Values

You’ll begin most ACT programs by defining your values. ((Zhang CQ, Leeming E, Smith P, Chung PK, Hagger MS, Hayes SC. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Health Behavior Change: A Contextually-Driven Approach. Front Psychol. 2018 Jan 11;8:2350. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02350. PMID: 29375451; PMCID: PMC5769281.)) Your therapist will guide you through an exercise in which you identify your highest ideals. Then, you’ll write them down and refer to them throughout treatment. They may also change over time.

Once you define your values, you can start to plan around them. You can even do that during rehab. For instance, if you value creativity, you might try art therapy or music therapy.

Treatment is just the beginning. As time goes on, your core values can guide you through life. And you can lean on them when you make major decisions. So if you value spontaneity, you might turn down a 9-5 job. Or if you value physical fitness, you might make time to work out every day. There’s no wrong way to live your life. But in recovery, it’s important to build a life that feels meaningful—however you define it.

Committed Action

With this ACT principle, you’ll make and keep commitments to yourself. Typically these commitments are tied to your values. For example, if family is one of your core values, you might commit to cooking dinner for them twice a week.

These simple actions can help you develop confidence. And over time, they’ll build toward larger patterns of behavior. That way, you can improve your relationship with yourself while you work toward external goals.

ACT in Accordance With Your Values

ACT recognizes that your goals are unique. This treatment doesn’t try to change the way you think. And it doesn’t define recovery for you. Instead, ACT guides you gently toward your own values. With the skills you’ll learn in treatment, you can start building a life you love—on your own terms.

View our list of rehabs with ACT to learn about their pricing, housing, insurance options, and more.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Offers a New Perspective

When you’re planning for addiction and mental health recovery, it can be hard to know where to start. There are countless types of therapy, and each of them treats a different issue. But in most programs, one approach stands out: cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT.

This treatment focuses on the idea that our thoughts shape our lives. And negative thoughts can be a normal response to addiction or mental health issues. But you are not your thoughts. And the skills you learn in a rehab with cognitive behavioral therapy can guide you toward a brighter future.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

CBT teaches you to address issues by reframing your own perspective. You’ll learn practical ways to respond to triggers, thought distortions, and limiting beliefs. And once you break out of those well-worn thought patterns, your emotions will likely become more manageable. This, in turn, empowers you to act in ways that support your goals.

A wealth of data shows that CBT effectively improves patients’ quality of life. ((“What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” Https://Www.Apa.Org, https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)) That’s easier to measure because it’s a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy. During sessions, you’ll spend most of your time learning and then practicing new skills. And when you do talk about past trauma, you’ll consider it through the lens of how it’s impacting you in the present day.

What to Expect in a Session

In a CBT session, your counselor can meet you right where you are. Therapists use the same techniques in individual therapy, group sessions, and family therapy. CBT is a short-term treatment method. Most patients attend between 5-20 sessions.

In your first meeting, your therapist will get to know you. You’ll also talk about your goals for treatment, and any specific diagnoses you’re healing from.

In future sessions, you’ll learn to identify your triggers and the way they make you feel. And once you understand where your emotions come from, you can begin to regulate them. To reach that goal, your therapist will teach you some practical skills. Depending on your exact treatment goals, you might focus on different techniques. There are numerous CBT skills, but a few are especially common:

  • Imagery-based exposure: ((McEvoy, Peter M., et al. Imagery-Enhanced CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder. Guilford Publications, 2018.)) First, you’ll recall a painful or triggering memory. Then, you’ll dig into the thoughts and feelings you associate with that experience. By revisiting those emotions in a protected environment, you’ll learn new ways to respond. So if you get triggered by the same memory in the future, you’ll already know what to do next.
  • Thought records: ((McManus, F., et al. “Examining the Effects of Thought Records and Behavioral Experiments in Instigating Belief Change.” Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, vol. 43, no. 1, Mar. 2012, pp. 540–47. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.07.003.)) You’ll keep a daily written record of your thoughts, feelings, and the events that caused them. This technique is similar to journaling. But instead of freewriting, you’ll fill out a worksheet and answer specific questions. Then you’ll review your progress with your therapist.
  • Interrupting cognitive distortions: ((Greg Dubord MD. “Part 8. Cognitive illusions.” Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Series. Canadian Family Physician, Vol 57. Praxis. https://www.cfp.ca/content/cfp/57/7/799.full.pdf)) It’s easy to mistake your thoughts for facts. But CBT teaches you to identify inaccurate thoughts. For example, you might feel lonely even if you have a strong support network. And noticing that distinction can ground you in reality.

Over time, you can learn to use these skills intuitively. That’s a skill, too—and an important one for your long-term recovery.

What Does CBT Treat?

CBT is the “jack of all trades” of treatment. You can access it in most rehab programs, or attend sessions on an outpatient basis. And CBT can help with a wide variety of mental health conditions: ((“Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) | Royal College of Psychiatrists.” Www.Rcpsych.Ac.Uk, https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-(cbt). Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.))

CBT doesn’t only address mental health issues. It can also treat some medical and emotional challenges:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Addiction

CBT is a highly effective treatment for addiction. ((McHugh, R. Kathryn, et al. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America, vol. 33, no. 3, Sept. 2010, pp. 511–25. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.012.)) In part, that’s because addiction affects more than your thoughts and feelings. It’s also a behavioral pattern. CBT shows you how your emotions influence your actions. And when you understand that link, you can disrupt the thoughts that lead you to drink or take drugs.

Experts at Footprints Beachside Recovery, a rehab center in Florida, view CBT as a key part of long-term recovery. ((“How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Plays a Role in Addiction Treatment.” Footprints to Recovery | Drug Rehab & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers, https://footprintstorecovery.com/addiction-therapy/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)) In their program, some CBT sessions focus on relapse prevention. Patients learn how to recognize warning signs and interrupt old behavioral patterns. If you practice these skills during rehab, you’ll be better prepared for the next phase of healing.

Treating Mental Health With CBT

Unlike some other treatments, this therapy is extremely versatile. In fact, CBT is one of the most popular therapies ((“What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” Https://Www.Apa.Org, https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)) for mental health. That might be because it addresses the root cause of each issue, and not just the symptoms. As a result, CBT can help people with a wide variety of diagnoses. But it’s especially popular for a few conditions.

Depression

CBT is a firmly established treatment for depression. And it can have long-lasting effects. Research shows that CBT for depression lowers relapse rates ((Sudak, Donna M. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America, vol. 35, no. 1, Mar. 2012, pp. 99–110. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2011.10.001.)) significantly. It might even be more effective than medication alone.

In each session, you’ll learn how to challenge negative beliefs about yourself and your life. Your therapist might also assign homework to help you reframe the way you think. For instance, you might reward yourself every time you do something that’s hard for you, like folding laundry.  So over time, you’ll start associating those tasks with good feelings.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Recovering from trauma can be overwhelming. CBT teaches you to work with that fact, instead of fighting it. Treatment helps you unpack complex feelings, separating painful memories from your present reality. And over time, this process can bring you a new sense of clarity.

CBT is a very effective way to treat trauma symptoms. ((Kar, Nilamadhab. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, vol. 7, no. 1, Apr. 2011, pp. 167–81. www.dovepress.com, https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S10389.
)) Some rehab programs even offer specialized types of this therapy for people healing from trauma:

  • Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) ((VA.Gov | Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/prolonged_exposure.asp#:~:text=Prolonged%20Exposure%20(PE)%20is%20a,been%20avoiding%20since%20your%20trauma. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)) encourages patients to work through triggering memories in the safe space of a therapist’s office.
  • Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) ((VA.Gov | Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/cognitive_processing.asp. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.))teaches you to challenge unhelpful thoughts or beliefs that stem from past trauma.

You can access these types of therapy in many settings, including outpatient treatment. But in residential rehab, you can often find them in programs that offer trauma-informed care.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders commonly stem from a vicious cycle of negative thoughts. For instance, thinking about your weight might lead you to skip a meal. CBT offers a new perspective, which can help you break out of old patterns.

CBT is the leading form of treatment for eating disorders, ((Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH. “Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD.” National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/eating-disorders-trauma-ptsd-recovery)) especially bulimia. It can be even more effective when patients also engage in eye movement therapy (EMDR).

Forge Your Own Path With CBT Skills

Healing isn’t easy. That’s true for everyone—even if you’re well on your way to recovery. And CBT doesn’t remove the obstacles in your path. Instead, it prepares you to face them. Although this treatment has a limited number of sessions, the skills it teaches you can last a lifetime.

Explore rehabs that offer cognitive behavioral therapy to learn more and reach out to centers directly.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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Finding Freedom Through Gestalt Therapy

You can’t be defined as just one thing. So healing requires looking at all of the things that make you, you. Gestalt therapy shows how all the facets in your life impact you. This approach honors that both you and your environment are always shaping each other. And you can learn how to make this relationship a positive one. 

In rehab, gestalt therapy can empower you to move forward from what’s holding you back.  

What Is Gestalt Therapy?

A “gestalt” is a whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts.1 According to this approach, if you want to understand something, you have to look at its context. Gestalt therapy helps you realize how different areas of your life impact you. 

This therapy works by bringing you into the present moment to heal.2 It focuses on the here and now. You can still look at past experiences that you want to work through. But by focusing on what you’re feeling right now, you’re better able to understand and regulate your feelings. Gestalt therapy aims to help you make peace with the past, so you can move on to a brighter future.

This healing journey encourages you to reconnect with and accept buried parts of yourself. It also urges you to be accountable for how you live your life. While we can’t always control our circumstances, learning to adapt to the unpredictable can be hugely empowering.

How It Works

The key to Gestalt therapy is trust: trusting your therapist and trusting yourself. Doing so helps you develop the self-awareness to recognize patterns you want to change. 

In session, your therapist focuses on empathizing with you. By giving unconditional acceptance, they’ll provide a safe space for you to heal. They’ll do much more listening than talking. 

Gestalt Therapy Exercises 

Gestalt therapy takes a hands-on approach to healing. This experiential therapy will have you do more than just talking. In a session, you might do exercises like the following, including some that focus on analyzing body movement:

  • “I” statements: Instead of “they were mean to me,” for example, you might say: “I feel that they’re being mean to me.” Using this kind of phrasing helps you take responsibility for your thoughts and emotions instead of blaming them on others. 
  • The empty chair: You’ll face an empty chair, representing someone or something, and have an open conversation with it. Here, you’ll work through your unprocessed experiences—what Gestalt therapy refers to as “unfinished business.” The empty chair method3 releases negative feelings, making life more joyful. 
  • The reversal technique: Your therapist will encourage you to act in ways you normally wouldn’t. If you’re normally passive, for example, you might act assertively. This allows you to overcome self-imposed labels and get in touch with your full self.
  • Top dog vs. underdog: You’ll speak as both the “top dog” and “underdog” of your personality. That is, you’ll speak as your own dominant side versus your submissive side. This exercise reveals internal conflict and empowers you to work toward a middle ground. 
  • Exaggeration: Your therapist will ask you to repeat certain actions, like your leg bouncing or picking your nails, that you do while talking. By doing this action again, you’ll see what emotion it’s tied to. Understanding this mind-body connection is grounding and allows you to develop control of your emotions. 

Is Gestalt Therapy Right for You?

Gestalt therapy treats a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. And you don’t have to have a diagnosis to benefit from it. Gestalt therapy is also used for low self-esteem4 and relationship problems. 

Gestalt therapy is process-oriented,5 unlike many other therapies. This means that it follows the flow of the therapy session and does not have specific rules or a timeline. If you need more structure, Gestalt therapy may not be a fit.

Gestalt Therapy for Mental Health

When you’re in the present moment and self-aware, your mental health benefits. If you’re feeling stuck in old ruts, Gestalt therapy may be able to help you break out of them.

Gestalt Therapy for Trauma and PTSD

Your body stores trauma.6 And Gestalt therapy can help you safely explore it. Focusing on how your body is currently moving or feeling can help you process your past. As trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains: 

“If you have a comfortable connection with your inner sensations—if you can trust them to give you accurate information—you will feel in charge of your body, your feelings, and yourself.”7

For PTSD patients, Gestalt therapy revisits past emotions that are tied to traumatic events.8 By fully processing the effects on your mind and body, you can move beyond the hold your past has had on you. 

If you have bodily or sexual trauma, approach Gestalt therapy with caution. Trauma sits differently for everyone, so what may work for others could be triggering for you. Your treatment team can help you decide which modalities are best suited for your goals. 

Gestalt Therapy for Trauma Anxiety

Anxiety often starts from stress about your past or about the unknown future. Gestalt therapy can decrease anxiety9 by helping you focus on the now. It can also increase self-love by showing you that all parts of you are worthy. For many, recovery is a lifelong process, and this therapy can support lasting healing. 

Addiction and Gestalt Therapy

Addiction might begin as self-medication to cope with stress or other mental health concerns. Learning to accept your life in the present through Gestalt therapy could be a powerful tool for setting yourself free. 

Your therapist will look at you as a whole person, instead of just a set of addiction risk factors. Professionals at Monarch Shores explain that the biggest goal in recovery with Gestalt therapy is growth. As you grow to accept your life, you’ll also grow to embrace who you are. And in doing so, you’ll be more motivated to make positive changes. 

The fundamental skills Gestalt therapy teaches are also useful for preventing relapse.10

Healing Your Present–and Your Future

You are a collection of every experience in your life. When you learn to love and accept all of the elements that make up who you are, you become a stronger whole. Radically accepting everything you feel can help you focus on the present moment—and find freedom from the past.

Look for rehabs that offer gestalt therapy and reach out to their admissions staff directly.

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Group Therapy in Rehab: How It Works and Why It Matters

Addiction isolates you from other people. In a rehab program with group therapy, you can learn how to reconnect. This treatment invites you to build strong relationships with your peers. It also teaches valuable interpersonal skills that can help you navigate every stage of recovery.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy brings together 6-12 patients for regular sessions, guided by at least one therapist. You might meet weekly, twice a week, or even daily. The exact frequency depends on your program.

In a rehab setting, this treatment helps you connect to other patients. Since you’ll likely be around the same people for 28+ days, it’s important to feel comfortable with them. Group therapy facilitates these relationships and aids in your recovery.

Most group therapy techniques come from styles of one-on-one therapy. Group therapists often use evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing techniques.

Types of Group Therapy

Groups often focus on a specific topic. You might learn anger management skills in one group, and talk about family dynamics in another. Some groups also hold space for clients with specific identities. For example, rehabs might offer a women’s group, a veterans’ group, or a group for young people.

Groups will likely be based on one of several group therapy models commonly used in addiction treatment:

  • Psychoeducational groups to teach patients about addiction and related behaviors
  • Skills development groups to teach healthy coping skills
  • Cognitive-behavioral groups, which focus on making behavioral changes
  • Support groups to provide patients with emotional support as they experience the joys and challenges of recovery
  • Interpersonal process groups, in which therapists leverage group dynamics to help patients identify and change their patterns
  • Relapse prevention groups, where patients learn strategies for avoiding relapse

Your specific group could be open or closed. In open groups, people come and go as they enter and leave rehab. Closed groups only accept patients on certain dates, keeping the same set of people together until treatment ends.

paradigm teen and young adults treatment patients
At Paradigm Teen & Young Adults Treatment in Malibu, California, “peer community is a crucial aspect of recovery and healing.”

Group Therapy for Addiction

During rehab, you and your group will learn practical skills to support addiction recovery. These might include stress management and relapse prevention strategies. You’ll also learn how to identify common triggers. You might even role play triggering scenarios together, so you can practice ways to respond.

Depending on the group, you might also talk about your personal history of addiction. Sharing your story can be extremely validating, since your peers can offer unique insight into what you’ve been through. And by supporting them in return, you might even develop compassion for yourself.

What Happens in Group Therapy?

In most group therapy sessions, you’ll sit in a private room with your peers and your counselor. During the first session, you’ll probably make introductions. You might talk about yourself, get to know the other members, or learn some basic ground rules. Your therapist will also describe the group’s overarching goals.

Going forward, your conversations will probably follow a similar format in each meeting. That exact format varies between groups. You could go around the circle and check in, or reflect on what’s happened since your last session. Or, your therapist might teach you certain skills, almost like you’re taking a class. Many groups also have time for open discussions, so you can connect directly with your peers.

Sessions might last anywhere from 30-90 minutes. Some rehabs offer short but frequent groups, while others have longer sessions. In most programs, you’ll attend these meetings in addition to 1:1 therapy and complementary treatments, like art or music therapy.

A Safe Space to Make Mistakes

Group therapy is a dynamic experience. Your healing process can be an example for the people around you, and vice versa. In this context, you’re not the only person who can learn from your mistakes. So even emotional setbacks can be hugely valuable.

Because group therapy occurs in a protected space, you can try new behaviors on for size without fear of judgment. Programs like All Points North Lodge, for example, encourage patients to “practice these skills in a supportive environment with clinician guidance.”  So your therapist might comment directly on your interactions with the group. Their feedback can empower you to grow, both personally and in relation to your peers.

The Role of a Group Therapist

In a rehab setting, group therapists understand the nuances of addiction treatment. Think of them as a guide. They’ll facilitate conversations and teach you practical skills. But they’ll also allow the group to communicate organically—while making sure each conversation stays respectful and on topic. Your therapist will give everyone a chance to be heard, and encourage you to support each other as equals.

all points north lodge patients
At All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, patients use group sessions to practice new skills “in a supportive environment with clinician guidance.”

The Benefits of Group Therapy

The unique lessons of group therapy can be an important part of recovery.

Interpersonal Skills

As one researcher notes, “people are fundamentally relational creatures.” Connecting with peers in therapy lets you practice building healthy relationships. And relationships can inspire emotional growth. That’s true in both individual friendships and more complex communities.

For example, connecting with a group can break down the stigma of addiction.  It’s powerful to watch other people grapple with the same issues you’re facing. And by sharing mutual support, you can become a part of something greater than yourself.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Addiction often co-occurs with other mental health issues. So if you’re healing from more than one diagnosis, you might attend rehab for co-occurring disorders. For example, some programs treat patients with both addiction and depression, or addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In these programs, group therapy treats more than addiction. It might also address your other symptoms. And healing alongside people with similar diagnoses can help you commit to recovery.

Positive Peer Pressure

Peer pressure isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it can even be helpful. In group therapy, you’ll spend time with other patients who share similar goals. And connecting with them can encourage you to abstain from drug use.

Your group can also hold you accountable. If they know you well, they’ll be able to catch warning signs you might miss in your own behavior. And you can do the same for them. With each other’s support, all of you can keep moving toward your goals.

Support for Teens in Recovery

The social aspect of group therapy is particularly helpful for teens and young adults. According to experts at Paradigm Teen & Young Adults Treatment, mental health issues and addiction can distance teens from their peers. Because of this, the “willingness, openness, and courage to actively re-engage in their peer community is a crucial aspect of recovery and healing.”

Group therapy teaches teens how to be vulnerable. And opening up to each other in session can help you build friendships outside of therapy. This skill is valuable at any age, and in any phase of recovery.

Limitations of Group Therapy

This treatment doesn’t work for everyone. For some clients, it can even be counterproductive.

Certain diagnoses make individual treatment more effective. Some trauma survivors, for example, might not feel comfortable sharing their experience in a group. And patients in active psychosis may struggle to communicate in this setting. So people in treatment for schizophrenia and addiction might benefit more from 1:1 therapy than group sessions.

No matter what your symptoms are, group therapy still might not be a good fit. For instance, many high-profile clients prefer the privacy of 1:1 treatment. While group therapy offers social support, it blurs the lines of confidentiality. If you’re concerned about your story getting out, you might have a hard time engaging in this treatment.

Working Toward Recovery as a Team

Recovery is a deeply personal process. But it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. During treatment, you can start to redefine what you want out of relationships. Group therapy invites you to do that in practice. By connecting with your peers in rehab, you can prepare to build a new community after rehab.

Explore rehab programs with group therapy to compare pricing, amenities, customer ratings, and more.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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Growing Past Addiction With Horticulture Therapy

Gardening can be more than a relaxing pastime. It also has clear mental health benefits—and it even supports addiction recovery. Rehabs with horticultural therapy help patients get grounded, literally. This treatment can inspire an appreciation for nature, give you a new hobby, and help you get to know yourself again. 

What Is Horticultural Therapy (HT)?

In horticultural therapy, a therapist guides you through nature-based activities.1 That could mean gardening, weeding, or just spending time outside. You might even learn how to cook the food you grow.

Horticultural therapy looks different for everyone. In some programs, you’ll tend to a small window box of herbs. Others, like Mountainside Treatment Center, have more outdoor space for clients to explore. 

mountainside treatment center campus
Mountainside Treatment Center in Cannan, Connecticut has plenty of outdoor space for clients to explore.

What to Expect in HT, Whether Your Garden’s Big or Small

Specially trained therapists facilitate HT2 in rehab. You might see them one on one, or meet with a group of your peers. Treatment takes place in a natural setting, like a greenhouse, outdoor garden, or vegetable patch. In any of these places, you’ll learn about gardening and what different plants need to survive. Then, you’ll put it into practice. 

Like most complementary therapies, HT also invites you to process your feelings. You might talk while you’re watering, or check in after you finish weeding for the day. Specifically, gardening teaches patients to be mindful.3 This skill is hugely important during addiction recovery.

How Can Gardening Help With Addiction?

Plants don’t judge you.4 They don’t know if you have an addiction or any other diagnosis. The way you treat them is the only thing that matters. And what’s more, they depend on you for care. You’ll learn how to show up for them every day, doing your best even if you feel your worst. And that skill can help you commit to every phase of addiction recovery. 

Experts at Enlightened Recovery, a rehab focused on sustainability, believe that gardening echoes the cycle of recovery.5 They explain:

“This lesson that all things must grow, live, perish, and in turn be put back into the land is a part of our holistic outlook on recovery and living.” 

In their program, gardening becomes a metaphor for your personal growth. The act of starting rehab can be a challenge, even before you begin treatment. HT reminds patients that letting go of the past is empowering. And what comes next can be beautiful.

enlightened solutions garden
Enlightened Recovery in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey shows clients how gardening echoes the cycles of recovery.

The Benefits of HT in Rehab

Rehabs around the world use horticultural therapy to treat mental health issues, including addiction. And even after treatment, the benefits of gardening can support your ongoing recovery. 

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Horticultural therapy helps people heal from more than one diagnosis at a time. If you’re recovering from addiction and a co-occurring disorder, this treatment might be a great fit. Gardening is especially helpful for patients with certain mental health issues,6 like depression and anxiety. 

Stress Relief

Stress raises your risk of addiction.7 So throughout recovery, it’s important to engage in calming activities. And data shows that horticultural therapy relieves stress.8 Having regular access to plants—either indoors or outdoors—can greatly improve your mental health.

summit malibu campus
Summit Malibu in California teaches clients how to cook with veggies they harvest themselves.

Nutrition

Scientists believe that growing the food you eat may have physical health benefits.9 And in rehabs like Summit Malibu, it’s easy to see why. After coming in from the garden, patients here learn how to cook with their own harvest. This process can help you reconnect to your own body, and find joy in healthy hobbies. It can also teach you about the importance of nutrition during recovery. 

“Everything you do in the garden is an act of love.”

Gardening lets patients connect to nature. Every day you can see, feel, and even taste your own impact on the world around you. At rehabs like Mountainside Treatment Center, that perspective is crucial. Sheree Surdam, overseer of their horticultural therapy program,10 explains why.

Gardening gives “people a sense of purpose and stewardship over the natural world,” she says. “Everything you do in the garden is an act of love.”

Root Yourself in Recovery

A healthy plant is tangible. When you smell a rose you grew, you’re breathing in joy of your own hard work. And by learning to nurture your garden, you can learn to nurture yourself. 


Compare rehabs with horticultural therapy to find the right program for you.

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Healing Together: How Couples Counseling Can Help

Your partner is there with you through thick and thin. They celebrate your greatest achievements and support you when the going gets tough. But no relationship is perfect—there will always be ways to improve your dynamic. And some issues are too big to handle alone. If you and your partner are hitting a wall, it might be time to start couples therapy.

What Happens in Couples Counseling?

Relationships can be hard. Sometimes you need outside help to reconnect with each other. Thankfully, couples therapy can be a hugely effective solution. In fact, data shows that couples therapy increases relationship satisfaction ((Lundblad, A.-M., & Hansson, K. (2006). Couples therapy: Effectiveness of treatment and long-term follow-up. Journal of Family Therapy, 28(2), 136–152. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6427.2006.00343.x)) in up to 75% of couples.

In most cases, your first session will focus on your reasons for starting therapy. This lets your therapist learn about your relationship dynamic. Most couples counseling also includes individual sessions so you can openly discuss topics you may not be ready to talk about in front of your partner.

In the following sessions, you’ll dig deeper, learning about the root causes of any interpersonal issues. You’ll also practice new communication skills, which can help you apply these lessons outside of therapy.

Couples counseling sessions are tailored to address your needs. You can even look for a counselor who specializes in your concerns. For example, some couples therapists treat LGBTQ+ relationships, polyamorous relationships, and other nontraditional dynamics.

There’s no set timeline for couples therapy. You may see major improvements after just a few weeks, or it may take months to achieve results.

What to Talk About in Couples Therapy

You can talk about any topics you’d like in couples therapy. Remember, your therapist is there to help you explore difficult issues. Treatment is most effective when you share your deepest concerns. Many couples enter therapy to talk about these sensitive subjects:

  • Communication problems
  • Finances
  • Intimacy issues
  • Children and family dynamics
  • Emotional distance

Nothing is off the table. You might even find yourself talking about issues you weren’t planning to bring up. Through empathetic communication, counseling can help you and your partner find common ground.

Common Misconceptions

If you’re new to relationship counseling, you might not know what to expect. This treatment can be very different from the way it’s portrayed in the media. And it’s easier to prepare for therapy when you know what you should actually expect.

Misconception #1: The therapist will take one partner’s side.

Your counselor is an unbiased 3rd party. Their job is to mediate and help you resolve relationship issues. A good therapist won’t side with you against your partner, or vice versa.

Misconception #2: The goal of couples counseling is always to save the relationship.

Therapy helps clients improve their lives. In this context, your counselor will help you and your partner understand each other better. That knowledge can tell you whether your needs align with theirs. And there’s always a chance you’ll both be happier if you go your separate ways. Your therapist won’t try to convince you to either stay together or separate. This decision is ultimately yours. But treatment can help you decide on the best course of action.

Misconception #3: Going to therapy means something is wrong, either with you or with your relationship.

No relationship is ever perfect. Choosing to go to therapy shows that you and your partner are willing to grow as people. It demonstrates that you care about each other and about your relationship. And whatever happens next, that commitment is meaningful.

Different Approaches to Couples Therapy

Every person is unique—and so is every relationship. Just as there are different types of individual therapy, there are many ways to approach couples counseling.

Emotion-Focused Therapy

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) focuses on the idea that our feelings are at the core of our relationships. This treatment helps patients develop their emotional intelligence.

In each session, your therapist will guide you to reframe the feelings attached to past experiences. This process helps you and your partner address unmet emotional needs through compassionate listening and sharing. Data shows that EFT reduces relationship stress, ((Dessaulles, A., Johnson, S. M., & Denton, W. H. (2003). Emotion-focused therapy for couples in the treatment of depression: A pilot study. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 31(5), 345–353. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926180390232266)) making it highly effective for couples.

The Gottman Method

The Gottman method ((Davoodvandi, M., Navabi Nejad, S., & Farzad, V. (2018). Examining the effectiveness of gottman couple therapy on improving marital adjustment and couples’ intimacy. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 13(2), 135–141.)) uses the metaphor of a house to describe interpersonal dynamics. In each session, you and your partner will map out the structure of your relationship. Over time, your therapist will guide you to explore the different “floors” of your “house.” You’ll start with a strong foundation, and build toward a sense of mutual admiration and trust. This treatment fosters flexibility and emotional stability.

Treating Addiction With Couples Therapy

If you or your partner has addiction, couples counseling can be an important part of treatment. Addiction affects every part of life, including work, finances, and health—and intimate relationships. On the flip side, stress from a relationship can leave you more vulnerable for substance use.

Ammet Braich, Clinical Director at Camino Recovery, emphasizes that “people aren’t created in a vacuum. The things that shape us in our lives, the personality that we are and the closest people around us have a big effect.” By looking at the role your inner circle plays in your life, you can get to the root of addiction.

Healthy boundaries and clear communication both support long term recovery. And couples therapy teaches you these skills. Relationship counseling, alongside other treatments, reduces drug use and improves relationship satisfaction. ((Fals-Stewart, W., O’Farrell, T. J., & Birchler, G. R. (2004). Behavioral couples therapy for substance abuse: Rationale, methods, and findings. Science & Practice Perspectives, 2(2), 30–41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851021/))

Is Couples Therapy for Everyone?

Couples therapy is helpful for many relationships, but it’s not right for everyone. For one thing, it’s important for both you and your partner to commit to healing. If one of you is resistant to the idea of counseling, it probably won’t be as effective. But you can’t force your partner into treatment.

What’s more, this therapy can’t replace other treatment methods. For example, if one or both of you have addiction or another mental health diagnosis, couples therapy might not be enough. But it can be a helpful addition to your care plan. Couples counseling helps you set sustainable boundaries, easing the recovery process for all involved. It can also help you work through related issues, like codependency.

Healing Your Relationship—and Yourself

Couples therapy isn’t only a way to work on your relationship. It can also clarify your personal values. And the better you know yourself, the more easily you can build a relationship that meets your needs.

Explore centers with couples therapy to see program information, read reviews, and see if this treatment is right for your relationship.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod