Types of Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that is effective in treating addiction and co-occurring disorders. CBT teaches clients to find connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Addressing these factors helps clients identify underlying issues and overcome addiction.

When clients understand why they feel or act a certain way, they are more equipped to tackle their addiction. CBT helps clients recognize negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors and provides skills to change these patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. While CBT aims to change negative thinking patterns, DBT is a more intensive therapy that addresses suicidal thoughts and self destructive behaviors. DBT has also been adapted to treat co-occurring disorders. Dialectical behavior therapy ensures that clients learn to find a balance of acceptance and change and learn to navigate relationships.

This type of therapy also helps clients create positive behaviors that build a foundation for recovery. There are four skills taught in DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation. DBT uses these skills to provide tools that effectively mitigate risky behaviors such as substance abuse.

Psychodrama is a type of group therapy in which therapists use guided drama and role-playing to address underlying issues. The goal of psychodrama is to address and then release negative emotions, resolve issues, and practice new life skills. This form of therapy unearths hidden emotions that are tied to harmful actions. Psychodrama is a good alternative therapy and can be used in conjunction with CBT.

During psychodrama sessions, therapists guide clients through reenactments or specific past experiences. This gives the group the chance to recognize problems and express feelings in a way they otherwise may not.

Yoga and its many physical postures are increasingly being utilized for recovery, while helping to prevent relapse, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and create healthy outlets to cope for clients. Yoga therapy is a holistic approach to be used in addition to traditional therapies. Yoga teaches self-awareness and connects the mind and body through various postures and breathing exercises.

Coupled with addiction treatment, yoga is used to regulate stress, self reflect, and improve self image. Yoga gives clients a healthy outlet to cope with triggers and practice mindfulness.

Equine therapy involves caring for horses in a therapeutic setting. This form of therapy has been proven effective in treatment of substance abuse, as clients are able to establish routines, form healthy bonds, gain trust, and improve confidence.

Equine therapy is effective in treating addiction, as clients create useful relationship building techniques. Clients are able to work with and care for horses to establish a sense of accomplishment. Horse therapy gives clients mechanisms to handle sobriety and relationships outside of the rehab facility.

Sand Tray Therapy is a therapy technique based on the process of creative expression. This can involve moving in the sand or interacting with figurines during therapy.

Arista Recovery’s Sand Tray Therapy Model features an enlarged sand room and props to allow clients to interact with their surroundings. As a part of our Synergistic Recovery Program, we believe that implementing movement during Sand Tray Therapy supports a neurochemical process to support learning, engagement, and growth.

Unresolved trauma is one of the leading causes of drug and alcohol use. Oftentimes, people turn to vices to cope with the pain of traumatic experiences. Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that helps clients address past experiences and realize how those experiences have led to addiction.

A common co-occurring disorder of traumatic experiences is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Arista, our team of professionals help our clients realize the impact of the trauma they have faced not only on themselves but also in their relationships with family and friends. Trauma therapy helps clients reframe their reaction to the trauma in a positive way of thinking.

Horticultural therapy uses gardening to provide both physical and emotional benefits. Gardening is beneficial in many aspects, including coping with stress and anxiety, mood regulation, and pain management. Horticultural therapy as a form of addiction therapy uses plants as a way to improve mental health.

Our clients see improvements in mental health through sensory stimulation. Gardening allows clients to perceive and foster growth.

Synergistic Recovery is an innovative program that applies a client-centered and strengths-based approach to addiction recovery. Arista’s Synergistic Recovery program involves movement in a team setting as a form of therapy. Working together with evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT, we use Synergistic Recovery to support recovery.

Synergistic Recovery incorporates a biopsychosocial model to treat all aspects of addiction- biological, psychological, and social. This comprehensive approach reinforces the strength, capabilities, and resilience of clients. By having clients engage in movement and increase their heart rate, we are able to make more emotional connections which in turn allow clients to be more open and honest in therapy sessions. This program focuses on empowering clients in a team setting to embrace the imperfections of the recovery process while gaining skills and resources to maintain sobriety.