Personalized Care Through Holistic Approach to Therapy

Personalized Care Through Holistic Approach to Therapy

Addiction is a complex issue and as such, it doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” solution. At Olalla Recovery Centers, we take a holistic approach that’s personalized to the individual. Our clinicians use strategies based on what may be most successful for each patient.

One of the key components of effective treatment is behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy helps individuals understand why they turn to drugs and alcohol and reinforces positive behaviors.

Through therapy, we can help the recovering addict build a strong foundation for living substance-free.

If you’re exploring treatment options for yourself or a family member, it may help to understand the different modalities that various programs may offer. The two most commonly used are cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT. Some treatment centers emphasize one over the other; however, our clinicians believe that a person-focused approach truly takes a blend of modalities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT helps the person change the thinking that leads to substance abuse. The goal is to help patients understand how their thoughts can change feelings and, consequently, their actions.

Through CBT, the therapist often assumes the role of a teacher while the patient is a student. For example, the clinician may help you explore whether your feelings are rational or irrational, and how you can use this information to move forward. The idea is to identify beliefs that are negative or false, and change them to more constructive thoughts.

Dialectic behavior therapy: DBT has its roots in CBT, but the key difference is that it teaches the individual to accept, or validate, the negative thoughts or behaviors. The clinician’s role is to help find the balance between that acceptance and positive change.

The goal of DBT is to help you understand how to process those feelings that you are experiencing in your life situations. For example, what can you do when you’re feeling anxiety? DBT can give you the tools to cope with that moment and to stay grounded.

Motivational interviewing: Often times, the clinician may begin with another modality, called motivational interviewing. Its focus is on changing negative behavior.

Through motivational interviewing, the clinician helps you contemplate your choices and become motivated to change your life. This stage can help prepare you to face the challenges of addiction, and CBT/DBT modalities can then be used to broaden the conversation.

At Olalla Recovery, our approach is not guided by any one specific modality. Our philosophy is that a holistic treatment has to meet the patients wherever they are. We can draw from all these tools to provide personalized care.

Before you choose a treatment program, ask questions about the clinical approach. Because addiction is such a complicated and intertwined problem, it’s important to know that the professionals you’ll be relying on have a comprehensive set of tools at their disposal.

Give us a call if you’re struggling to understand all the treatment options available. Our counselors are on hand to help you navigate and find the right program for you or your loved one.