At Affirmation Health, we adopt a whole-person approach to recovery, recognizing that comprehensive care is key to successful treatment. Our range of therapy options is designed to meet the diverse needs of our patients, which includes: individual counseling with personalized support.
For those in the early stages of recovery, we provide an initial consultation with a behavioral health therapist. This is in addition to regular meetings with healthcare providers. The goal of these sessions is to evaluate the patient’s overall wellness and set clear, achievable recovery goals.
While therapy is not mandatory for our patients, there is significant clinical evidence suggesting that treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is more effective when it combines medical and behavioral health care. Our therapists are skilled in helping patients understand their OUD, develop strategies to prevent relapse, and manage underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which could contribute to relapse. This integrated approach ensures a more rounded and effective treatment plan for our patients.
MAT is an important component of treating substance dependence or addiction, but combining therapy with psychiatric care works better than either approach alone. Receiving one-on-one therapeutic care is critical to giving you the tools necessary to succeed.
Your individual therapist is trained to assess and treat the entire spectrum of mental health issues. They’ll address your unique needs, including substance dependence or addiction, but not limited to it. Our providers can also address issues such as depression, anxiety, family conflict, chronic pain, eating disorders, personality disorders, and more.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, commonly known as EMDR, is an innovative treatment method primarily used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Research has repeatedly shown that EMDR can significantly lessen the intense emotional responses associated with traumatic memories.
The unique aspect of EMDR therapy is its ability to transform how a person reacts emotionally to memories of traumatic events. This is achieved through a technique involving repetitive eye movements, typically lasting 20-30 seconds, which can aid in altering these emotional responses.
This method is often referred to by therapists as “dual stimulation.” During EMDR sessions, the patient engages in a combination of guided eye movements, or sometimes alternating tapping or musical tones, while concurrently focusing on specific traumatic memories. The technique stimulates the brain in a way that can lead to changes in the emotional impact of these memories.
EMDR has sparked discussions in the therapeutic community regarding its effectiveness. Questions revolve around whether the benefits of EMDR arise from the exposure to traumatic memories during therapy or if the eye movements themselves are a crucial component of its success.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a therapy method initially developed for individuals dealing with chronic suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder (BPD). While DBT is particularly effective for those primarily diagnosed with BPD, it has also been adapted to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
DBT shares similarities with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but stands out due to its focus on validation. This approach involves accepting difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors rather than fighting them. This acceptance helps individuals realize that change is possible and enables them to collaborate with their therapist on a recovery plan.
In DBT, therapists guide individuals in balancing acceptance with the pursuit of change. They also teach new skills, such as coping mechanisms and mindfulness practices, empowering individuals to manage unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Like CBT, DBT involves practicing these skills as homework between sessions, which is crucial for the therapy’s effectiveness.
Research has validated the effectiveness of DBT, highlighting its ability to produce significant, long-lasting improvements for those experiencing mental health issues. DBT reduces the frequency and severity of high-risk behaviors, motivates change through positive reinforcement, leverages individual strengths, and helps apply therapeutic lessons to everyday life.