Individual Therapy
At Sheridan Grove Recovery in Aurora, Colorado, we believe that healing begins with being truly seen and understood. Our individual therapy services offer you the focused attention you deserve while you start your recovery journey. Healing in the heart of Aurora means finding support that honors your story and helps you write the next chapter with confidence and strength.
What is individual therapy?
Individual therapy is a structured, confidential setting you share with a licensed mental health therapist. Sessions focus specifically on your personal goals for emotional, psychological, and behavioral change. Unlike group or family sessions, this one-on-one format allows for deeply personalized care that moves at your pace and addresses your unique needs.
The core benefits of individual therapy include highly personalized treatment, flexible pacing that allows for deeper exploration, and a private environment that creates trust and emotional safety. A personalized approach gives your therapist the chance to combine different evidence-based techniques that meet your needs, without the compromises required in group settings.
Individual therapy vs. group, couples, and family therapy: Key differences
Individual therapy differs significantly from other therapy formats in several important ways:
- Focus: While group therapy gives you space to learn from peers and family therapy addresses relationship dynamics, individual therapy concentrates entirely on your internal experience and personal growth
- Attention: You receive 100% of your therapist's focus and expertise during each session
- Privacy: Complete confidentiality allows you to discuss sensitive topics without concern for others' reactions
- Pacing: Sessions move at your speed, allowing time to process difficult emotions or traumatic experiences safely
For people in early recovery from addiction, the privacy of individual therapy can reduce shame and ambivalence, while group settings can reinforce social learning and relapse-prevention skills.
Talk therapy, psychotherapy, and counseling: Common terms and what they mean
You may hear several terms used to describe mental health services:
- Talk therapy is an everyday term that emphasizes dialogue as the healing mechanism.
- Psychotherapy is a more clinical term for "talk therapy," but it means the same thing.
- Counseling is often used to describe shorter-term, solution-focused work, though it and therapy overlap significantly.
Therapy and counseling services can only be provided by professionals with state-regulated credentials. This includes psychologists, clinical social workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
Is individual therapy right for me?
When you're entering recovery from addiction, individual therapy can be especially helpful for your journey ahead. You'll have a lot of work to do as you go through rehab, build new habits, and learn new skills. Individual therapy can help you work through underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction, develop coping mechanisms and healthy routines, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Therapy-supported rehab programs right here in Aurora.
How individual therapy works: Assessment, treatment plan, and session structure
Understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable beginning your treatment journey.
Your first session: Mental health assessment and goal setting
Your first individual therapy session in residential addiction treatment will include several key steps:
- Intake paperwork to gather your background, consent forms, and confidentiality agreements.
- A clinical interview to discuss your current challenges, substance use history, medical background, and support network.
- Standardized assessments to get a better idea of where you are now so your therapist can measure progress.
- Safety screening to ensure you're not at immediate risk to yourself or others.
- Goal setting to work with your therapist on establishing clear, realistic objectives for your recovery journey.
During your first session, you may not talk deeply about your emotions or have to recount uncomfortable memories. Your therapist will take their time getting to know you and giving you space to be comfortable talking with them.
Personalized treatment plan: Frequency, duration, and modalities
Your individual therapy plan will be tailored specifically to your needs and goals:
- Frequency: Most people begin with weekly sessions, though some situations may require more frequent meetings initially or less frequent sessions over time
- Duration: Treatment length varies widely, from 6–12 sessions for specific concerns to several months or longer for complex trauma or multiple mental health conditions
- Approach: Your therapist may blend different therapeutic modalities, such as starting with cognitive-behavioral techniques for immediate skill-building, then incorporating trauma-focused work, and finishing with acceptance-based approaches for long-term wellness
Confidentiality, privacy, and informed consent
Your individual therapy sessions are protected by strict confidentiality laws. Therapists follow HIPAA privacy rules and professional ethical codes. Information can only be shared with your written permission, except in rare circumstances involving imminent danger to yourself or others, suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults, or court orders.
Your consent forms will clearly explain these limits, how records are stored and protected, and your rights as a client. You may request copies of your treatment records, and therapy notes receive extra protection under federal privacy laws.
Evidence-based therapies we use
Sheridan Grove Recovery's individual therapy services utilize proven treatment approaches that have strong research support for their effectiveness.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people struggling with addiction by identifying the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their substance use. By challenging unhealthy beliefs and replacing them with healthier coping strategies, CBT can empower you to break the cycle of addiction and build lasting recovery.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on helping people with addiction accept difficult emotions and thoughts without judgment while committing to actions that align with their personal values. This approach fosters mental flexibility and emotional resilience, which can be crucial for maintaining sobriety and navigating life without substances.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for individuals with self-harm behaviors, DBT is now widely used in addiction treatment to help manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors. By combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, DBT helps people regulate emotions and build healthier relationships, supporting long-term recovery.
Life skills training
Life skills training equips individuals in recovery with the tools they need to handle real-life challenges without turning to substances. It focuses on stress management, effective communication, decision-making, and building healthy coping mechanisms, all critical for maintaining sobriety and personal growth.
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
MET is designed to help people struggling with addiction strengthen their motivation for change. By addressing ambivalence and reinforcing personal goals, this approach supports them in taking active steps toward recovery and building a life free from substances.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
MI uses a collaborative, non-confrontational approach to help people explore their doubts and hesitations about overcoming addiction. It encourages self-motivation and empowers them to find their own reasons and inner drive to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Person-centered therapy
This approach creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space where people struggling with addiction can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. By emphasizing personal growth and self-healing, person-centered therapy helps build confidence and self-worth, which are essential for recovery.
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
REBT helps people in addiction treatment identify and challenge the irrational beliefs that may lead to emotional distress and substance use. By replacing these beliefs with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking, REBT supports emotional well-being and long-term recovery.
Co-occurring conditions we treat
Our individual therapy services address a wide range of addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns.
ADHD
Living with ADHD can make it tough to stay focused, organized, and on top of daily life—especially when substance use is also a challenge. We’re here to help you take control. Through strategies like behavioral therapy, skills training, and mindfulness, we’ll work together to manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Anxiety
Anxiety and substance use often go hand-in-hand. If worry, panic attacks, or avoidance behaviors are holding you back, we’re here to help. In individual therapy, we’ll use proven tools like gradual exposure, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques to help you feel calmer and more in control. By addressing anxiety and its root causes, we’ll set the stage for lasting recovery.
Bipolar disorder
Managing bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In therapy, we’ll work on recognizing triggers, managing impulsivity, and building coping tools that work for you. When paired with the right medication support, these strategies can help you build a stable, healthy foundation for long-term wellness.
Depression
Depression can feel heavy, but together we can lighten the load. In therapy, we’ll focus on practical steps like increasing positive activities, challenging negative thoughts, and creating healthy coping strategies for tough emotions. By addressing both depression and addiction, we’ll help you move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Online therapy and teletherapy options
There are secure online options for individual therapy, and at Sheridan Grove Recovery, we can help you coordinate with the right virtual therapy provider if it feels like a good fit for your recovery journey. While we don’t offer online therapy directly, we’re happy to connect you with trusted teletherapy providers that match your needs.
Online therapy is a great option for those who value flexibility, want to save travel time, or need continuity of care while juggling other responsibilities. However, it’s not for everyone—some may find in-person sessions more supportive. As part of your treatment journey with us, we’ll work together to determine if virtual therapy could play a valuable role in your long-term recovery after completing our program.
About our licensed therapists
Sheridan Grove Recovery's individual therapy team includes highly qualified professionals dedicated to your healing and growth.
Credentialed and state-licensed
Our therapists hold advanced degrees and Colorado state licenses in their specialties:
- Psychologists (PhD/PsyD)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
Specializations: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder
Each individual therapist at Sheridan Grove Recovery has training in addiction and mental health treatment. You'll get specialized care for your recovery journey without judgment for your past. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or something else, we'll find a therapist that's a good fit for you.
Ongoing training, supervision, and evidence-based practice
All staff complete continuing education, participate in regular supervision, and use outcome measurement tools to ensure effective treatment. We're committed to staying current with the latest research and best practices in individual therapy.
What results to expect
Individual therapy can be a powerful tool in your recovery journey, helping to improve your mental health, happiness, and overall progress—especially during residential addiction treatment.
Tracking progress: Seeing real results
In residential treatment, we use structured tools and regular check-ins during individual therapy to track your progress toward recovery goals. Many people notice meaningful improvements within 8–12 weeks of consistent therapy, and we continuously adjust your treatment plan to ensure you're getting the support you need.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on your personal recovery goals. During residential treatment, therapy focuses on the immediate challenges of addiction and underlying issues, typically within a short-term framework. For deeper concerns like trauma or long-term patterns contributing to addiction, ongoing therapy after residential care may be necessary to keep making progress.
Finding the right fit
The bond you build with your therapist is crucial. Feeling understood and supported is key to working through addiction and related challenges. If your initial therapist isn’t the right fit, we’ll work with you to find someone better suited to your needs, ensuring you feel empowered in your recovery.
Pricing, insurance, and accessibility
We believe addiction treatment should be accessible to everyone who needs it.
At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we proudly accept all Colorado Medicaid plans and most major insurance to reduce financial barriers to care. Our team will help verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and ensure you understand any out-of-pocket costs before beginning treatment. You'll have a full understanding of your financial responsibility, so there are no surprises or hidden fees.
Verify your insurance with our team for free.
FAQs about individual therapy
Individual therapy records are encrypted and stored securely. Only you, your therapist, and people you authorize can access them, except in rare legal exceptions involving imminent harm, suspected abuse, or court orders.
Find a licensed professional who has experience with what you’re going through. Think about things like their communication style, approach to therapy, and most importantly, whether you feel comfortable with them. It can really help to ask a few questions during your first session about their experience and how they work.
Absolutely. Finding the right therapeutic fit sometimes takes time, and switching therapists is common and perfectly acceptable. Your current therapist can help coordinate a smooth transition to ensure continuity of care.
The number of individual therapy sessions varies widely based on your goals, your mental health, your support system, and your commitment to the process. Your treatment plan is reviewed every few sessions to assess progress and adjust as needed.
Take the first step toward healing at Sheridan Grove Recovery
You deserve support, understanding, and the chance to build a life filled with meaning and joy. Individual therapy at Sheridan Grove Recovery offers evidence-based treatment in a compassionate environment where your story matters and your goals guide the process.
Recovery with a view, rooted in the Rockies—find hope and healing in the heart of Aurora. Our experienced therapists are ready to walk alongside you on this journey, providing the personalized care you need to thrive.
Ready to begin your individual therapy journey? Contact Sheridan Grove Recovery today online or at 303.268.2987 for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
