In residential treatment, therapy usually takes place in one of two general formats: individual and group.
Within these groups, different types of therapy may occur. For example, family therapy and most forms of adventure therapy are forms of group therapy, while expressive arts, psychodrama, and role-playing therapies may occur during either individual or group sessions.
Individual Therapy at Sierra Tucson
Individual therapy is a one-on-one experience between resident and professional. Individual therapy allows for maximum privacy and confidentiality, and is an essential component of any effectiveresidential treatment program.
No two residents will have the exact same histories, issues, strengths, and needs — thus, no two individual therapy sessions will be the same. However, there are certain general attributes that are common among most forms of individual therapy.
First, individual therapy provides an opportunity for the resident and his/her therapist to ensure that they are aligned on both the objectives of the treatment and the resident’s progress toward those objectives.
Individual therapy provides the resident with the most confidential format for expressing him/herself.
This also provides the ideal environment to focus on the resident’s unique needs. In many cases, issues that are addressed during individual therapy will prepare the resident to have a more successful experience during group sessions and in other aspects of treatment.
Individual therapy at Sierra Tucson consists of one-on-one meetings with the primary therapist, physician or medical provider; or with a specialty or evening/weekend therapist.
Process Group Therapy at Sierra Tucson
Process groups are small gatherings (usually six to eight people) who come together in an environment of safety and trust for the common purpose of addressing the issues they are struggling with; expressing their thoughts, feelings, and emotions; and both give and receive support and feedback.
Process groups at Sierra Tucson include trained and experienced therapists, but the direction of the group will be determined by the residents.
Though a process group may have been developed around a particular resident profile or point of emphasis (for example, a process group for women who are struggling with addiction, or a process group for older adults), the group experience does not follow an agenda or externally imposed structure. The members of the group determine the direction that the process group will take.
The following are among the many benefits of process group therapy:
- Developing trusting relationships
- Identifying and expressing thoughts and emotions
- Learning to communicate more effectively
- Receiving feedback from individuals with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives
- Receiving support from others who have experienced similar struggles
- Providing feedback and suggestions to other group members (looking beyond oneself and contributing to the good of the group)
- Providing support to other group members
Process groups are the most common form of therapy at Sierra Tucson — though (as indicated above) all residents also participate in regularly scheduled individual therapy sessions throughout their residents to process issues and discuss treatment plans.
