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What Happens During the Individual Therapy Process?

When someone seeks out therapy or counseling for addiction, there are many options to choose from. Who delivers it, how it’s accessed, and how it’s approached all differ depending on the type of therapy a person seeks out. If one-on-one counseling is the person’s choice, it is often helpful to know what to expect during the individual therapy process. Learn more about individual therapy in Colorado by calling Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy is a type of counseling that is also commonly referred to as psychotherapy or talk therapy. Trained mental health professionals deliver treatment in a safe, confidential, one-on-one setting. During this time, clients can explore their feelings and identify areas that may need work, including beliefs, behaviors, memory influences, or addictions. The overall goal of this type of therapy is to help the client talk through mental health concerns so that they can heal and move toward a healthier life.

Why Choose an Individual Therapy Program?

Psychotherapy has been shown to result in fewer relapses related to common conditions such as moderate anxiety and depression. The right kind of therapy can have long-lasting positive effects. Oftentimes, individual therapy is more effective than rehabilitation drugs or medical treatments alone, and techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are evidence-based, providing further backing to their effectiveness.

The individual therapy process is known to have the following benefits:

  • Effective for all ages
  • Continued progress after treatment is completed
  • Potential reduction of the need for medical intervention
  • Fewer side effects than with the use of rehabilitative drugs
  • It may improve the daily functioning of those with mental health disorders
  • Effective in addressing multiple issues

Individuals entering individual therapy will often be assessed for current symptoms and mental health history. These measures help therapists sculpt effective therapy plans that address relevant concerns.

Types of Individual Therapy

Because each therapist approaches their counseling sessions differently depending on the client’s needs, it can be helpful to understand each type. Some of the most common types of individual therapy include:

Each type of therapy modality will provide unique benefits to those who engage in them. However, some common therapy methods have proven effective for most people.

Three Common Individual Therapies

The main three used in most individual therapy sessions are CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

CBT

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a process that works to assess how a person thinks and behaves to improve the way they feel. It is most helpful for mood disorders, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders. Because of this, it is often the individual therapy method used for those with co-occurring conditions.

DBT

As a newer form of therapy, dialectical behavior therapy helps clients build healthy coping skills. Mindfulness, stress tolerance, and emotional regulation are commonly used during the process.

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is most commonly used to treat trauma and related disorders. In this process, bilateral stimulation is used to process and remove physical and psychological blockages.

What to Expect During an Individual Therapy Program

Individual therapy is different for each patient. The goals, frequency, duration, and techniques will depend on the client and even the therapist’s preference. Most sessions last between 45 and 50 minutes, occur at least once a week, and last as long as it takes to resolve the issues present.

Psychotherapy begins after the client and therapist determine that it will be the most beneficial option. Afterward, forms to protect patient privacy and share clinical history are typically filled out. Often, the first appointment is used to discuss concerns, history, and goals so that the client and therapist can be on the same page. Through repeated sessions, the therapist and client can build trust and deepen the relationship to cover more ground toward recovery.

How Long Are Individual Therapy Plans?

Depending on the needs of the individual, therapy plans can range from a few weeks to months or even years. The duration of the individual therapy process usually depends on how long it takes for the individual to reach their treatment goals or objectives. However, many individuals find that having ongoing therapy is beneficial as they work through life’s challenges and continue making progress in recovery.

Many people in a rehab setting will engage with their therapist for as long as they are in treatment. This allows them to address any comorbid conditions they may have and work on their triggers, emotions, and feelings to build a foundation for successful recovery.

Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Your Individual Therapy Needs

When it comes time for individual therapy, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help. We work toward a complete recovery for clients who benefit from our highly accessible options, including remote telehealth, outpatient programs, and neuro-feedback. Visit our website or contact us at [Direct] for more information.

Using Aetna for Your Individual Therapy Program

Addiction and other mental health concerns are difficult to treat with a one-size-fits-all type of therapy. Some people will need 24/7 care to get help with their symptoms, while others benefit more from outpatient treatment and a less intense form of therapy. An individual therapy program covered by Aetna is an essential part of any treatment plan. Patients work to uncover the root cause of their symptoms and develop coping skills to lead healthy and productive lives.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women struggling with depression or other mental health disorders through individual therapy and other beneficial programs. We accept Aetna and other major insurance plans to cover the cost of treatment and will go over your coverage options when you arrive at our facility. For more information about our individual therapy program covered by Aetna, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our knowledgeable staff.

What is Individual Therapy?

An individual therapy program is a form of psychotherapy where trained therapists will work with patients in private one-on-one therapy. They assist patients in gaining a better understanding of their thoughts and emotions and how they impact their behavior. Patients will develop new coping skills to replace negative thoughts and behaviors while working on improving communication and relationship skills.

Individual therapy uses various types of psychotherapy to help patients, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of therapy helps patients understand the connection between their thoughts and actions and how to change them.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – This is a form of CBT that focuses on patients with borderline personality disorders. It is also very beneficial in reducing self-harming or suicidal thoughts for patients with other mental health disorders.
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) – Patients learn to accept their thoughts and emotions instead of ignoring them and form healthy coping skills to stop harmful habits.
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – This is a new form of therapy that uses talk therapy and visual distractions in patients who are struggling with trauma. It works to break the association of the trauma with the negative thoughts that are impeding the patient’s recovery.

What is individual therapy? At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we use individual therapy along with other forms of talk therapy to help patients reduce their symptoms and reach their treatment goals. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to treat a number of mental health disorders, such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.

Aetna Insurance Coverage for Individual Therapy

Aetna offers coverage for patients who need mental health support through outpatient treatment programs. Many in-network services will have a 0% coinsurance, meaning you will not have to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in. Plans may only cover 30-50% of the costs for out-of-network treatment centers. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is in-network for Aetna, and many of our patients have zero out-of-pocket costs.

Aetna offers insurance for the following addiction and mental health therapy programs:

  • Drug and alcohol detox
  • Partial hospitalization programs
  • Intensive outpatient programs
  • Continuing care programs

Your individual coverage will vary depending on the plan you are on. During your initial evaluation, insurance experts will review your policy and discuss your coverage options along with additional funding for paying any out-of-pocket expenses if necessary.

For an Effective Individual Therapy Program, Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Men and women in Colorado can receive compassionate and effective therapy through our individual therapy program. We tailor our treatment programs at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery based on your individual symptoms. Patients will participate in a number of beneficial programs that include:

  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family therapy

Reach out to our friendly staff today at 833.448.0127 to review your Aetna insurance coverage and begin treatment for substance abuse or other mental health disorders.

When to Seek Individual Therapy for Addiction

One of the main reasons people do not seek out addiction treatment is because they think they have everything under control. It is only after an accident or significant loss that they realize they have a problem. Individual therapy for addiction can help you better understand your addiction and how you can avoid future triggers and cravings.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our individual therapy programs can help with addiction recovery through our flexible outpatient and telehealth services and behavioral therapy that will give you your best chances at recovery. If you or a loved one is ready to get control of their addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our addiction therapy programs.

Why Individual Therapy Is Beneficial for Addiction Recovery

The main goal of individual therapy for addiction is to better understand how your addiction has changed your thought processes and chemical makeup to where you need the substance to function. Through multiple therapy sessions, you will begin to see where your addiction stems from and create healthy coping skills that will keep your cravings at bay.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a form of therapy where the therapist walks you through understanding your addiction and recognizing the whys and hows behind it. Instead of being told what’s happening, you discover the reasons through support and encouragement from the therapist, creating a stronger belief in your ability to recover.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help individuals recognize their negative thoughts and behaviors and how they are driving their addiction in a never-ending loop. This bad habit started a long time ago, and with the help of your therapist, you can learn how to break your bad habit and create new ones that don’t have you reaching for your substance of choice.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on changing the individual’s behavior and their home life to make sobriety easier for them. It teaches them several new skills to help manage emotions, create a sense of mindfulness, and help improve broken relationships due to their addiction.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our addiction treatment therapies include motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and many more options, including:

  • Group therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Case management
  • Peer support

We want to help you in the best way possible. As you progress through your therapy, your therapists will continuously update your treatment to ensure positive results.

When It’s Time for an Individual Therapy Program

If you think you are using addictive substances without causing harm to yourself or others, that can be a sign of addiction and dependency. There are several signs to help you recognize that you are not as functional as you might think:

  • You are using more to reach the same high
  • Work and school performance suffers
  • Withdrawing from your friends and family
  • Poor sleep
  • Intense cravings that you cannot ignore

If you are struggling with any of these signs, it is time to call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to help with your addiction treatment.

Addiction Treatment Therapies for Your Recovery at CMAR

Understanding that you need help is just the first step toward recovery. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery can help you with the second, third, and continuing steps with our addiction treatment therapies and medication-assisted therapy if necessary.

When you come in for your evaluation, one of our therapists will sit down with you, go over your motivation behind your recovery, and determine the best course of action for your addiction treatment. We have flexible treatment options available, including outpatient and telehealth services for those who cannot take time off of work.

When you are serious about your addiction recovery or know someone who can benefit from our programs, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our addiction therapy programs and how they can help you toward a sober life.

Why CMAR Integrates Structured Therapy

Over the last few years, opioid treatment providers, and programs of all sorts have begun offering increased services. Some offer case management, some offer individual therapy programs, and some even offer peer-support groups. Yet no program in Colorado, until Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, had ever integrated the services; they’ve always been “ancillary offerings.”

Our Addiction Treatment Program

At CMAR, we designed an addiction treatment program, which rejects the notion that medication can ever be the central component of someone’s recovery. Addiction cannot be treated with a pill alone because it is the combination of a physical and mental disorder. Thus, medication is often necessary, but never the central guiding force. The central feature of effective opioid addiction treatment is therapy and peer-support. Therapy provides necessary psychoeducation, affords patients an opportunity to process emotional dysfunction, resolves trauma, reduces the impact of mental health conditions, helps generate healthy coping mechanisms, and builds trust.

Opiate Addiction Treatment

So what’s the most effective way for opiate addiction treatment programs to approach treatment? Well, it’s to use medications within a broader intensive outpatient/outpatient therapy experience. For someone to start and remain a patient at CMAR, we don’t demand that they take medications to assist their recovery. We believe it’s a hugely effective and helpful component, but we do not mandate it. What is necessary at CMAR is participation in group therapy programs and individual therapy programs. These settings are opportunities for CMAR patients to achieve sustainable resolution for their addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Learn more at CMAR or call us at 833.448.0127.

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Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.