Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Written by:

Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Last Updated:

March 10th, 2025

Individual Therapy | Benefits and how it is Used

Battling addiction can be an incredibly isolating experience but understanding that you don’t have to face it alone is a major step to recovery. The power of a simple conversation can make a world of difference, providing invaluable understanding, empathy and healing. At Recovery Lighthouse rehab centre, you will find a personalised approach to recovery, with individual therapy being a key component in the treatment process. This transformative therapeutic approach can enable you to delve deep into the causes of your addiction and make major strides on your recovery journey.

Individual therapy - one-to-one therapy

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy, also known as one to one counselling or one to one therapy, is a therapeutic approach where you work closely with a trained professional to address personal issues and achieve specific goals.

There are various types of individual therapy, including:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to addiction.

 

      • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (

    DBT

      ): DBT focuses on teaching skills to manage emotions, improve relationships and reduce impulsive behaviours.

 

    • Motivational Interviewing: This approach helps you explore and resolve ambivalence about change, empowering you to make positive choices.

 

Trauma Therapy

    : This therapy addresses past traumatic experiences that may be contributing to your addiction.

How does individual therapy for addiction work?

There are many reasons why individual therapy for addiction is effective. These include:

The opportunity to delve deep into underlying causes

Your therapist will help you explore and address the root causes of your addiction, which may be hidden beneath the surface. This will then enable them to guide you in addressing them systematically.

An opportunity for openness and honesty

In a one-to-one setting, you may feel more comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings compared to group therapy, allowing for greater self-discovery and healing from substance abuse, allowing you to address underlying emotional factors.

The power of active listening

Having a dedicated therapist means you have someone who genuinely listens to your concerns and experiences around addiction and the factors that fuel it. This can be incredibly transformative, particularly if you have never had that kind of support before.

A supportive ally on your recovery journey

Your individual therapist will be there to lean on during difficult moments when relapse may be a risk and will be able to see when you’re struggling, providing the support you need to overcome addiction permanently. However, the whole therapy team works together to ensure a delivery of safe service.

What to expect from one to one therapy at Recovery Lighthouse

One to one therapy is a hugely important part of our rehab treatment programmes and can play a major role in effective recovery from addiction.

Here is some key information you should know about our one to one therapy sessions:

    • Session duration and setting: One to one therapy sessions at Recovery Lighthouse usually last for about 50 minutes, providing ample time for you to explore your thoughts and emotions with your therapist. The sessions take place in quiet and confidential surroundings that ensure privacy and a focused atmosphere.

Qualified counsellors: Recovery Lighthouse’s counsellors are all BACP registered and hold relevant qualifications in their field. Their professional training ensures that they can effectively address your unique needs and help you navigate your recovery journey.

Therapists with personal experience: Many of the counsellors at Recovery Lighthouse have personal experience overcoming addiction. This firsthand knowledge allows them to empathise with your situation and offer valuable insights to support your healing process.

A strong therapeutic relationship: Your therapist will focus on building trust and rapport with you, creating a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and challenges.

Tailored approach: Each therapy session will be customised to address your specific needs and goals. Your therapist will use evidence-based techniques and strategies to help you work through the underlying issues contributing to your addiction.

Progress tracking and adjustments: Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. This ensures that your therapy remains relevant and effective throughout your recovery journey.

What causes of addiction does one to one counselling explore?

During one to one counselling, your counsellor will use a person-centred approach to help you tackle various issues that may be contributing to your addiction. By exploring and addressing these underlying issues, you’ll have a much greater chance of maintaining sobriety after leaving rehab. Some of the personal challenges you may face include:

Overcoming shame and guilt

Behaviours or experiences that evoke feelings of shame and guilt can often fuel addictive patterns. In individual therapy, you will learn how to identify these emotions, understand their origins and develop strategies to overcome them, fostering self-acceptance and self-compassion.

Addressing past trauma

Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on your mental health and may contribute to addiction. Individual therapy can help you process and heal from past traumas, using therapeutic techniques like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). By addressing these past experiences, you will be better equipped to break free from addiction.

Navigating sensitive thoughts and feelings

Some thoughts, feelings and experiences may be too embarrassing or self-conscious to share in a group setting. Individual therapy allows you to discuss these private matters with your therapist, helping you gain new insights, work through unresolved issues and ultimately strengthen your recovery journey.

Individual therapy - one-to-one therapy 2

How is individual therapy used in conjunction with other therapies?

Individual therapy is an integral part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan. When used in conjunction with other therapies, it creates a well-rounded and effective recovery experience.

Here is how individual therapy works in harmony with some of our other evidence-based therapies:

Collaboration with family therapy

Family therapy plays a crucial role in mending and reinforcing relationships with your loved ones during your recovery journey. It helps your family members understand the nature of addiction and how they can support you effectively. Individual therapy complements family therapy by providing you with a private space to address personal issues that may impact your family dynamics. Together, these therapies promote open communication, foster empathy and encourage a supportive home environment for lasting recovery.

Building connections through group therapy

Group therapy offers an opportunity for you to connect with peers who share similar experiences with addiction. In this setting, you can learn from others, share your story, and develop a sense of camaraderie. Individual therapy enhances the benefits of group therapy by allowing you to delve deeper into your personal challenges and explore how your experiences relate to those of your peers.

Strengthening recovery with relapse prevention strategies

Relapse prevention is an essential component of addiction treatment as it equips you with the tools and support necessary to maintain sobriety long after you leave rehab. In individual therapy, you will work with your therapist to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms which can then be used to create your personalised relapse prevention plan. This will enable you to be better prepared to navigate challenging situations and maintain your sobriety in the long term.

How to start individual therapy

To find out more about individual therapy for addiction or to get started with addiction treatment, contact Recovery Lighthouse today. Our compassionate team will be happy to answer any questions and address any concerns that you have and help you begin the healing process.

Frequently asked questions

Is individual therapy for addiction more effective than group therapy?
Individual therapy and group therapy both have their unique benefits and effectiveness in addiction treatment and neither can be considered universally more effective than the other. Some people may find individual therapy more effective because it offers a private space to delve into personal issues while others may benefit more from group therapy as they can connect with peers and learn from shared experiences. A combination of both therapies is often recommended to provide comprehensive support and address various aspects of addiction recovery.
Does individual therapy cost extra?
No, individual therapy is included as part of Recovery Lighthouse’s rehab programmes. We understand the importance of providing a well-rounded treatment experience and believe that individual therapy is essential for effective addiction recovery. As a result, there are no additional fees for individual therapy sessions within our rehab programmes.
Is individual therapy for addiction available through the NHS?
Individual therapy for addiction is generally not available through the NHS. The NHS primarily offers group therapy programmes for addiction treatment as they can serve more people at a lower cost.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.