As you go through the detoxification process for addiction, you will have appointments with a physician regularly. Those appointments will usually be accompanied by individual counseling sessions from a clinician that each last approximately 30 minutes.

Groups typically consist of 12 participants plus a clinician who guides the discussion and activities. Group therapy is highly recommended and is a positive addition to your treatment plan. Group therapy sessions with the clinicians at Milestone Addiction Counseling can build a sense of camaraderie and inclusion.

At individual counseling sessions, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and have one-on-one conversations with a clinician . At group therapy, however, you have the opportunity to learn about others and the world around you as it relates to your addiction.

The clinicians are trained to lead and encourage discussions, and will often encourage group members to participate. They’ll be listening for common themes and issues that reoccur in group therapy to identify trends. These therapists are trained to not only listen and guide conversation, but to pick up on subconscious cues that may point to thought processes and a better understanding of behavior that may contribute to addiction.

Each session may focus on a specific topic or theme, such as discussing triggers for opioid use, or discussing how certain words influence our thoughts and actions. The goal is to get the conversation going so that by hearing about others’ experiences and thought processes, you can learn more about your own.

While the clinician will provide a structured platform in the group counseling session, it’s a great place to turn to others for peer support. We recommend opening yourself up to feedback from your peers in addition to your clinician.

While group counseling is a key component of the addiction recovery process, if there is one thing you take away from the sessions, it’s this: you are not alone.