Individual Therapy 

Addiction recovery can be difficult to see through. LGBTQ+ people who seek treatment need access to resources that can improve their chances on this journey. One of these helpful resources is individual therapy. This form of talk therapy offers the person the safety of confidentiality and one-on-one connection that lets them more readily share their struggle with a professional.

All comprehensive addiction recovery treatment plans should include therapy. Through this medium, people can get the skills and support they need to get healing.

What is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy involves the client regularly meeting with a psychotherapist on a one-on-one basis. It is used as a treatment modality for different mental health conditions, including substance use disorder. 

The therapist conducting individual sessions will assist the client in:

• Identifying underlying triggers of substance use
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms to handle triggers and cravings
• Creating and sustaining a good support network
• Setting and achieving recovery goal
• Effecting lifestyle changes that support recovery

Individual therapy can be a fantastic aspect of addiction treatment, but it is best to work with a therapist who has experience working with LGBTQ+ people with substance use disorder. This therapist must be able to ensure a safe and supportive space for the individual and should adjust the therapy in line with the person’s unique needs. 

How Individual Therapy Helps with Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Individual therapy is an essential component of any structured addiction treatment program. Therapists can apply various therapeutic approaches within this framework. These include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change harmful thought and behavioral patterns that contribute to addiction.
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): Encourages self-reflection and builds motivation for change.
• 12-step facilitation therapy: Incorporates principles from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) into individual sessions.

The right therapy depends on your addiction severity, personal history, and overall mental health. For people with co-occurring disorders, treatment should address both addiction and mental health conditions at the same time. Speaking with a professional can help you figure out what approaches are best suited to your recovery.

What to Expect From an Individual Therapy Session

No two therapists or therapy sessions are identical, but there are some things you can generally expect. One is a calming space where you can feel comfortable opening up. Some therapists use soft lighting, soothing music, or calming scents to create a relaxed atmosphere free from distractions.

Each session is a chance to discuss challenges and find solutions. Once the client feels at ease, the therapist may begin by asking about their thoughts, recent experiences, or anything on their mind. Some therapists take notes during sessions, while others wait until afterward.

To help clients gain insight, therapists may incorporate activities like mapping out major life events on a timeline or engaging in movement-based exercises like dance therapy, which has long been used to support mental and physical well-being.

Between sessions, therapists often assign small tasks to reinforce progress. These might include journaling, exercising regularly, scheduling social activities, or using simple techniques to release tension.

Individual vs. Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Therapy in addiction treatment can take different forms, including individual and group settings. Most treatment programs use a mix of both because each offers unique benefits.

The key difference is the structure. Individual therapy uses one-on-one sessions with a therapist. Whereas, group therapy brings people with similar struggles together and creates an environment of shared learning and support.

Benefits of group therapy:

• Learning healthy and practical coping strategies.
• Building a good support network.
• Working on communication skills.
• Reducing feelings of isolation.

Benefits of individual therapy:

• Greater self-awareness and personal growth.
• Strengthening self-acceptance.
• Deepening relationships.
• Clarifying personal goals.

How Many Individual Therapy Sessions Do I Need?

There’s no set number of therapy sessions that work for everyone. Some people make progress in just a few sessions, while others need months or even years of ongoing support. It really depends on things like how severe the addiction is, whether there are any underlying mental health disorders, and what you want to get out of therapy.

If you’re just looking to manage cravings and build coping skills, a short-term plan—maybe 6 to 12 sessions—might be enough. But if you’re working through deeper struggles like trauma or repeated relapses, you’ll probably need longer-term therapy. Many people start with weekly sessions and adjust as they go.

Therapy isn’t about hitting a set number of sessions—it’s about making sure you’re getting the support you need for as long as it helps. Recovery isn’t a race, and having a good, identity-affirming therapist in your corner can make all the difference.

LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment Designed for You

The process of getting and staying sober isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s journey is different, and the best treatment plans are built around your needs, struggles, and goals.

A solid recovery plan usually combines different types of therapy and support to give you the best shot at lasting change. With professional treatment, you can:

• Get care from medical and mental health experts who understand addiction
• Work through the deeper reasons behind substance use
• Rebuild important life skills and routines
• Get help for any mental health conditions  that might be affecting your recovery
• Learn how to handle cravings and avoid relapse
• Find a supportive community that gets what you’re going through
• Detox safely with medical supervision

Why Choose Q Space Detox?

Recovery is tough, but you shouldn’t have to do it in a space where you don’t feel understood. At Q Space Detox, we offer more than treatment. We provide a safe, affirming place where LGBTQ+ people can heal. Our team knows the unique struggles you face, from stigma to past trauma, and we’re here to help you work through them with real support and evidence-based care.

We use individual therapy to help you break unhealthy patterns, manage cravings, and build the kind of life where you don’t need substances to cope. But more than that, we make sure you feel seen, heard, and valued every step of the way.

Call us today on 305-745-7768. We’re here when you’re ready.