By Mira Van
Substance abuse is not limited to drugs but also other addictions such as sex, food, etc. Several intervention programs help deal with the addiction that depends on several factors such as addictive disorder and the length and severity of use. Therapy is the most common form of treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Finding the right therapist is just as crucial as finding an addiction counseling program best suited for an individual. Addiction treatment will often require forming a healthy relationship with your therapist; therefore, it is crucial to have a positive one.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a substance abuse recovery therapist;
- Trust
The client-therapist relationship is mainly founded on trust. The person in recovery has to feel they can be open and honest about their struggles without judgment. A therapist should make you feel safe and be flexible enough to adjust the treatment method to suit your needs and concerns.
- Comfort
It is common and natural to want and look for a therapist who shares some of your core beliefs because it can be challenging to form a relationship with someone you differ on personal beliefs. Your comfort in matters such as religion, sexuality, course of treatment, and addiction are important areas to look out for when it comes to finding a therapist most suited for you.
- Approach
The approach methods used by therapists may differ from one to another. While one therapist will stick to the 12 steps of therapy, another will take a more holistic approach. As it can be difficult to figure out the approach that would work best for you while you’re in the deep of addiction, finding a therapist you can trust to curate the best approach for you is crucial.
- Credentials
Certification of addiction therapists varies from one region to another. You may wish to find a therapist with the right credentials and numerous referrals or find one who is fresh from school and know how to handle substance recovery patients. The best fit for you will be a certified therapist you can trust to guide you through the healing process.
- Training
It is common to find mental health professionals who offer advice on substance abuse without being trained on the same. It is also common to find substance abuse counselors who are still in recovery. While this may help an individual by giving them access to someone else’s recovery journey, it may also prove challenging if the counselor relapses or struggles to remain sober.
A therapist you feel comfortable with and who is trained on both mental health and substance abuse would be the best fit to provide a wholesome treatment plan. Choosing the right therapist will be one of the most critical decisions one will make in the journey of recovery. Every individual has their own set of needs, and what worked for a friend may not necessarily work for you. Find what works best for you.
