Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease with many contributing factors. While genetics can play a role in the development of addiction, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and underlying mental health conditions tend to be involved.[1] Because of this, a major part of treating addiction is going through intensive therapy or counseling.
If you have ever attended therapy before, you know how important it is to find a counselor that you feel comfortable with. Addiction treatment programs usually have multiple mental health counselors that are assigned to specific clients. Because of the importance of the therapist-client relationship, you might find yourself wondering if you can choose your counselor during rehab.
While substance abuse counselors are automatically assigned once you begin treatment, that does not mean you are stuck with them. If you begin working with your therapist and find that it is not working out, you can switch to a different counselor that works in your facility. Drug rehab programs understand how important it is to mesh with your therapist, which means they will work with you to provide you with a positive experience.
In this article, you will learn:
- How does counseling work in a rehab center?
- Can you choose your own counselor in rehab?
- What happens if you do not like your therapist?
How Does Therapy Work in Addiction Treatment?
When you enter an addiction treatment program, you will undergo an in-depth assessment to determine your specific needs. Some of the information gathered will allow the professionals to match you with a therapist that aligns with your personality, history, and any specialties you may fall under. For example, if an extensive history of childhood trauma contributed to the development of your addiction, you will be paired with a therapist who specializes in trauma-informed care.
You will engage in regular individual therapy sessions with your counselor. These meetings are meant to help you build a relationship with your therapist, learn about the root causes of your addiction, and help you make positive behavioral changes.
During your addiction treatment program, you will also engage in group therapy. Usually, your counseling groups will be led by the therapist you were paired with. Your peers in the group will most likely be other clients your therapist sees on an individual basis as well.
Group therapy helps you practice communication skills, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and learn how to set boundaries. You might be placed in a general therapy group, however, if you have a co-occurring condition like bipolar disorder, you could be entered into a counseling group that focuses on a specific type of therapy like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Can You Choose Your Own Therapist in Rehab?
When you enter an addiction treatment center, you will be automatically matched with a mental health professional based on the in-depth assessment you completed. Usually, you have your initial session with your therapist within the first few days of treatment. While you do not get to pick your therapist yourself, you will be matched with one based on your personal information, history, and needs for treatment.
In other words, drug and alcohol treatment facilities do their best to match you with a counselor that is suited to your needs. If you have a co-occurring mental health issue like an eating disorder or an anxiety condition, you will be paired with a therapist who specializes in your condition.
What If You Don’t Like Your Counselor?
If you meet with your therapist and do not feel comfortable with them, you can always ask the program to switch you to a different mental health professional. Drug rehab centers do not want to punish you, so if something is not working for you they will do their best to make it right.
However, before you ask to switch to a new therapist, you should ask yourself why you don’t like them. If you do not like the therapist because they are asking questions that challenge you, you might need to rethink your plan. Addiction therapy can be uncomfortable and challenging at times, so you should not shy away from a therapist who is asking important questions.
Ask yourself the following questions before switching to a new therapist:
- What would I like or need out of therapy that I am not receiving?
- Do I dislike the therapist’s approach? Are they too direct or too gentle?
- Am I feeling like the therapist is not hearing me or understanding what I am saying?
- Do I feel like I am on the same page as my therapist?
You must be direct and honest with your therapist. If they are doing something that you are uncomfortable with, voice your concerns. Good therapists will make adjustments to ensure the process is successful and comfortable at the same time.
Get Connected to Evidence-Based Addiction Therapy at the Mandala Healing Center
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, it’s time to consider your treatment options. Substance abuse treatment programs like the Mandala Healing Center offer various types of talk therapy and behavioral therapies to help you recover from addiction.
Contact us today to learn more about how therapy works in our addiction treatment program.
References:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION