Counselling vs. 1-to-1 Therapy: Understanding the Differences
When it comes to talking therapy for addiction recovery, both counselling and 1-to-1 therapy can be invaluable. While they both provide support for psychological challenges, they offer different approaches and benefits. Although many people use ‘counselling’ and ‘therapy’ interchangeably, they are not the same.
Both forms of therapy can help individuals struggling with mental health, focusing on their current situation and providing tools to overcome personal challenges. While one approach may be more suitable for some than others, when used together, counselling and 1-to-1 therapy can significantly increase the chances of a successful and lasting recovery.
What Is Counselling?
The Purpose and Approach of Counselling
Counselling is a type of talking therapy where you can openly discuss your feelings with a counsellor in a safe and supportive environment. A counsellor helps you explore your emotions and develop practical ways to manage difficulties, often using a humanistic or person-centred approach.
Counselling is particularly beneficial for individuals in addiction recovery as it provides a space to assess how they are feeling on a day-to-day basis. By focusing on the present, counselling helps people manage their emotions, build coping strategies, and address self-esteem issues that might be affecting their ability to maintain long-term sobriety.
What Is 1-to-1 Therapy?
A Deeper, Individualised Approach to Mental Health
1-to-1 therapy is another form of talking therapy, but it typically takes a deeper, long-term approach to mental health. It often involves psychotherapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which are designed to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues.
Unlike counselling, which focuses on present challenges, 1-to-1 therapy explores the root causes of emotional struggles. It helps individuals process past experiences, understand how these may be affecting their behaviours, and develop strategies for lasting change. Because addiction is often linked to unresolved trauma and mental health conditions, 1-to-1 therapy can play a crucial role in recovery.
Key Differences Between Counselling and 1-to-1 Therapy
Both counselling and 1-to-1 therapy are valuable in addiction recovery, but they differ in focus and approach.
- Counselling is typically short-term, aimed at providing immediate coping strategies for present challenges. It focuses on emotional support, helping individuals navigate their current feelings and situations.
- 1-to-1 Therapy is more long-term, addressing deep-rooted emotional and psychological issues. It provides structured techniques to promote healing and lasting behavioural change.
While counselling offers quick strategies for dealing with everyday struggles, therapy provides in-depth exploration and healing from past trauma.
Which One Is Right for You?
Identifying Your Needs and Goals
Deciding whether counselling or 1-to-1 therapy is right for you depends on your current needs and mental health situation. At New Leaf Recovery, we offer both services as part of our addiction recovery programs. Our team of counsellors and therapists work closely with each individual to determine the best approach—or a combination of both—to support their journey.
We often recommend that individuals in recovery try both counselling and 1-to-1 therapy, as they provide different but complementary levels of support. If you’re unsure about what’s best for you, speaking with a professional can help. Whether you consult your GP or reach out to us directly, we are here to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about your recovery.
How New Leaf Recovery Can Help
At New Leaf Recovery, our mission is to support individuals in overcoming addiction and achieving long-term recovery. That is why we offer a range of therapies tailored to each person’s unique needs, including counselling, 1-to-1 therapy, group therapy, movement therapy, and more.
We understand that every individual is different, and so is their journey to recovery. Our therapies are available as part of our structured recovery programs as well as in our aftercare sessions. If you would like to learn more about how we can help, reach out to one of our compassionate team members today.