Imagine you are building a house. You arrive at the worksite and observe all of the tools that you need at your disposal. Then you disregard all of them except for a hammer. You are not going to get very far, are you? Let’s utilize this as an analogy for your recovery.
Just like you would not use only one tool to build a house. You should not use one resource to achieve a sustainable recovery. Many tools can help aid in your recovery. Tools such 12-Step programs, spiritual institutions, wellness centers, and online resources. Another beneficial tool can be therapy.
Understanding Therapy as Another Tool Toward Recovery
Therapy can be intimidating. Many questions surround it. What therapy is best for me? Will therapy conflict with other aspects of my recovery? Where can I find a reputable therapist? How will I pay for it? Don’t worry. There are great answers to all of these questions.
First off, therapy can be intimidating because it is often a one-on-one experience. There is potential for the feeling of being exposed or judged. Just remember that there are strict rules surrounding therapy. A therapist’s office is a safe space. Unless you are presenting harm to yourself or others, what you say is confidential. Also, therapists are professionals; they see all sorts of people and tackle all sorts of problems. Their primary goal is to help, not to judge.
Substance abuse can create a shroud over the emotional struggles that many people deal with. Perhaps you have been to therapy before tackling your substance abuse. Ask yourself, were you entirely honest? Were you able to tackle any issues that live deeper than the surface situation of substance abuse? Chances are those substances got in the way of any help a therapist could offer you at that time. They could not yet reach those deeper issues.
You are sober now. It is time to peel back the layers of that onion and perhaps tackle some other issues that you may be struggling with. These issues may also be affecting your recovery. So it is vital to begin this difficult but rewarding work. Many programs believe in the concept that “substances are but a symptom of larger problems.” Therapy can help you discover why substances were your unhealthy solution for so long.
Navigating the Stigmas Surrounding Therapy
The stigmas surrounding therapy still permeate our society to this day. However, they are not nearly as prevalent as they once were. The idea that someone who goes to therapy must be “crazy” is no longer the norm. Many people utilize therapy today, not just those that are in recovery.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains how “Too often, a critical element is overlooked” in therapy. That element is “co-occurring mental health conditions.” While this may not apply to you, in recovery, it is worth investigating every avenue of what got you to where you are. Your journey is important, and that journey started long before you entered into this new healthy way of living. By better understanding our thinking, we can better understand ourselves. Don’t let stigma get in the way of your recovery.
Finding the Right Therapist for Your Recovery
For many, finding a therapist can feel daunting. But with today’s modern resources, it doesn’t have to be. There are many resources online right at your fingertips. These resources can help you find the right therapist for what you need and get you connected right away.
Another aspect of therapy that can be worrying is the cost. The good news is that there are a lot more affordable options than there once were. Also, there are many insurances and services that will help pay for this help. Reach out and discover what options are available to you.
So what happens if you go to see a therapist and you do not feel like you are connecting? Do not get discouraged. This is quite common. You are not obligated to continue seeing the same therapist. Get back out there and find one that is right for you. Remember that it is your recovery, and you have the final say.
Integrating Therapy into Your Recovery Journey
If you already have an established program of recovery, you may worry that therapy could interrupt the good thing you already got going. Have no fear. Therapy is meant to bolster your recovery, not hinder it. While therapy should not take the place of the other pieces of recovery you have set in place. It could help to properly keep those pieces together.
Therapy does not need to be intimidating. It can be a crucial part of a healthy recovery. While you may have already begun to build your “house” of recovery, therapy can be the next tool that can help build that house taller and stronger. With a positive program of therapy integrated into your life, there is no telling how big your house can become.
Contemplating adding therapy to your program of recovery can be intimidating. Questions can arise from where to find a good therapist to how to pay for it. However, there is no reason to be anxious or concerned because Sage Recovery can help. Therapy should be an exciting next step in your journey, not a worrisome one. Therapy is there to help you grow in your recovery, not hinder it. Let therapy be another building block in the foundation of a healthy program of recovery. There are many resources to help find the right therapist for you. They are there to help. Let them. For more information, reach out to Sage Recovery by calling us at (512) 306-1394.