You’ve heard the saying the “pen is mightier than the sword.” That is to say that when we use words effectively, they’re more powerful than any weapon. But it’s often hard to see in everyday life how this is true. Talk therapy makes a case for the power of words. And through this effective evidence-based treatment, those suffering from addiction (and several mental health disorders too) can find and stay on the recovery path.

What Is Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy, also called “psychotherapy,” is a form of treatment that encourages you to talk through the various challenges you face both in life and related to addiction to develop fully individualized, customized, and practical solutions to improve your life.

There are several types of talk therapy you’ve likely heard of such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), identifying thoughts and habits that don’t serve you and replacing them with more productive ones
• Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), learning to live in the moment, listen to what your emotions are telling you and better manage your feelings and life
• Group therapy, where you talk in a small group setting while a therapist facilitates discussion
• Family therapy, where you and your loved one share how you’re feeling and experiencing life and each other to enhance interpersonal skills

In each case, a compassionate and skilled licensed therapist listens to you do the talking. And they care about helping you reach the answers you seek.

What Are the Benefits?

First, consider this. What happens when someone talks at you?

Words go in one ear and out the other. Of course, you might take some of what people say for truth. But other words might make you skeptical.

This creates an interpersonal nightmare. As a result, tempers flare. People also often walk away emotionally hurt on both sides.

So talk therapy is the complete opposite of that sad scenario.

Instead of talking at you and telling you what to do, a skilled and compassionate talk therapist asks you questions. They encourage you to explore:

• What challenges you face
• Why you think those challenges are occurring
• Where your power is in the situation to solve these problems
• How you’ll implement your plan to solve those problems

So the benefit of psychotherapy is that you talk through what’s going on in your life. And because you provide the solutions, those answers are more meaningful. They’re also more effective at helping you realize long-term recovery.

You may be saying to yourself right now, “If I had the answers, I’d already be doing better.” But here’s the truth. The answers are certainly in there. And as you begin to heal, you’ll realize how to use them.

Who Can Talk Therapy Help?

Research shows that this type of therapy can be beneficial for people with a wide range of behavioral and mental health disorders like:

• Sleeping & eating disorders
• Depression, anxiety, and panic
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• OCD
• Addiction

How Northern Illinois Recovery Uses Psychotherapy to Treat Addiction

Northern Illinois Recovery specializes in helping young adults (18-26) overcome addiction through evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy. We work with you to develop individualized solutions in our partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and sober living programs.

In our programs, you’ll learn skills like:

• Mind pattern restructuring
• Positive activity scheduling
• Mindfulness meditation
• Problem-solving
• Fear exposure therapy

You’ll use these skills to improve your situation, resist cravings, and keep your recovery commitments to yourself and your family. On top of that, we’re affordable and conveniently located in Illinois. You don’t have to drive to Chicago to get high-quality treatment.

Is addiction destroying the life of you or a loved one? We can help you get back on the path to healing. Sometimes talking it out with someone who listens is what you need to overcome life’s challenges. Call us at 855.786.1978 to speak with an empathetic addiction specialist today.