At Northbound, we utilize a wide range of therapies designed to help our clients overcome their challenges in the most healthy and effective way possible.
The treatment of substance abuse concurrently with a mental health issue requires skilled and compassionate professional care, which may include a number of different therapeutic approaches. At Northbound, we utilize a wide range of therapies designed to help our clients overcome their challenges in the most healthy and effective way possible. Below are some types of therapy for dual diagnosis patients we most commonly use:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy focuses on problematic issues such as poor self-image, impulsivity, mood instability, and difficulty with relationships through promoting mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
A major part of addiction and mental illness is the inability to fully understand one’s emotions and behaviors. In order to address these issues, a therapist will use CBT to highlight problems with emotional dysfunction in ways that help establish more positive cognition through the use of goal-oriented procedures.
Interpersonal Theory (IPT)
IPT allows a client to recognize both their symptoms and the effects of their illness. Though IPT, the person in treatment works with a therapist to understand how these symptoms and behaviors are related to their own underlying mental health issues. From there, they can begin focusing on more positive ways of relating to others without that process being derailed or prevented by the psychological disorder.
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychoanalytic therapy focuses on the patient’s early childhood experiences in order to uncover how those events have impacted his or her current behaviors. This specific therapy also explores how the unconscious mind influences one’s thoughts and behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR can be highly effective in helping clients with trauma-related disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. By retraining the brain through a series of eye movements and applied focus, the patient can begin processing the traumatic experience in ways that allow him or her to develop healthier, more adaptive coping mechanisms.
General Systems Theory (Family Therapy Approach)
By including the family in the treatment of a loved one, this holistic therapeutic approach encourages the development of a healthy lifestyle and helps prevent others in the family from developing similar problems. At Northbound, we recognize that families also suffer as a result of a member’s addiction and mental health issues, and we recognize that these difficulties can result in the development of other mental and physical issues in response. General Systems Theory looks to prevent the development of further problems and bring the family to a healthier, supportive place.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy both challenges and empowers the patient through the belief that within the right environment, a client can develop and improve his or her own mental and physical health. This therapeutic process also encourages the natural, internal drive to become more positive in one’s actions and promotes healthy growth.
