Our Commitment to Your Recovery
At Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC), we are committed to providing comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment. We empower our clients on their unique path to long-term recovery.
Central to our treatment philosophy is the integration of person-centered therapy (PCT). This approach honors the individual journey of each client. It fosters:1
- Self-awareness
- Personal growth
- Meaningful change
Understanding Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Person-centered therapy, also known as client-centered therapy, is a humanistic approach. It emphasizes the innate capacity of people to grow, heal, and find their own solutions to life’s challenges.
Psychologist Carl Rogers developed PCT. It is based on the belief that every person can self-actualize. They can change for the better when given supportive, non-judgmental therapy.
Principles of Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment
The core principles of person-centered therapy in addiction treatment include:
- Empathy: Therapists strive to deeply understand and relate to the client’s experiences and emotions from their unique perspective.
- Unconditional positive regard: Clients are accepted and valued for who they are, without judgment or conditions placed on the therapeutic relationship.
- Genuineness: Therapists are authentic, transparent, and congruent in their interactions with clients, fostering trust and openness.
By embodying these principles, therapists create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Integrating Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment
At Mile High Recovery Center, we know that addiction is complicated and affects each person differently. That’s why we use person-centered therapy in addiction treatment programs that focuses on the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each client. This helps clients take an active role in their own recovery.
Our highly skilled addiction treatment team uses many different types of therapies, including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. In addiction treatment, CBT teaches clients how to identify and change negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
This fits well with person-centered therapy in addiction treatment because it empowers clients to take control of their own recovery.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches clients how to:
- Live in the moment
- Cope with stress
- Regulate emotions
- Improve relationships
These skills are important for people in addiction recovery. DBT and person-centered therapy both focus on accepting clients as they are while helping them make positive changes.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapy that helps people heal from trauma and PTSD. Many people with addiction have experienced trauma. EMDR and person-centered therapy create a safe, supportive environment for clients to process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that helps people:
- Relax
- Reduce stress
- Increase self-awareness
These benefits are important in addiction recovery. Meditation and person-centered therapy both encourage clients to be present and tune into their own experiences without judgment.
12-Step Model
The 12-Step model is a spiritual program that provides structure and support for people in addiction recovery. It emphasizes:
- Accepting addiction
- Surrendering to a higher power
- Making amends
- Helping others
While person-centered therapy is not a spiritual approach, both emphasize the importance of self-acceptance, personal responsibility, and connecting with others.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people with addiction also have a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety. This is called a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental health at the same time.2
Person-centered therapy is well-suited for dual diagnosis treatment because it treats each client as a whole person with unique needs. Our therapists use person-centered therapy to guide how they use these different methods. They work with each client to find the best path to healing and growth.
By building a strong, trusting relationship, we create a safe space where clients can explore their experiences, understand the causes of their addiction, and develop their own strategies for change.
Creating a Supportive Therapeutic Environment For Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment
The most important part of person-centered therapy in addiction treatment is creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel accepted, understood, and respected.
Our therapists at Mile High Recovery Center work hard to:
- Build trust
- Show empathy
- Connect genuinely with each client
This helps clients communicate openly and honestly throughout their treatment. Examples of how we create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment include:
Providing a Welcoming Space
Our treatment center is designed to feel warm, inviting, and comfortable. We have cozy furnishings, soothing colors, and plenty of natural light. This helps clients feel at ease and at home.
Ensuring Confidentiality
We take client privacy very seriously. All client information is kept strictly confidential, and we follow all HIPAA guidelines.3 This helps clients feel safe sharing personal and sensitive information with their therapist.
Using Non-Judgmental Language
Our therapists are careful to use language that is:
- Respectful
- Non-judgmental
- Free of stigma
We avoid labels like “addict” or “junkie” and instead focus on the person behind the addiction. This helps clients feel accepted and valued — because we know that every individual is greater than the sum of their mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Practicing Active Listening
Our therapists give their full attention to each client, listening closely to their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We use body language and verbal cues to show that we are engaged and interested. This helps clients feel heard and understood.
Validating Emotions
We recognize that addiction and recovery can involve a wide range of emotions, from fear and shame to hope and pride. Our therapists validate and normalize these emotions, helping clients feel supported and less alone.4
We know that asking for help with addiction can be hard. That’s why we focus on creating a space that is kind and doesn’t judge. Clients can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without worrying about being criticized or shamed.
By building a strong bond of trust and teamwork between therapist and client, we create a foundation for meaningful growth and lasting change.
What to Expect From Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Person-centered therapy in addiction treatment believes that people have the natural ability to heal and grow when they have the right support. At Mile High Recovery Center, we empower our clients to take an active role in their recovery journey.
We guide them toward:
- Self-discovery
- Personal insight
- Developing effective coping strategies
Examples of how we empower clients with person-centered therapy in addiction treatment include:
Goal-Setting
Therapists help clients set realistic and meaningful goals for their recovery. These goals are based on the client’s unique strengths, values, and aspirations. By working toward these goals, clients build motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Encouraging Autonomy
Therapists support clients in making their own choices and decisions about their recovery. They provide information and guidance, but ultimately respect the client’s right to self-determination. This helps clients develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for their recovery.
Highlighting Strengths
Therapists help clients identify and build upon their inherent strengths and resources. They focus on what the client is doing well and their potential for growth. This positive focus helps clients develop self-confidence and resilience.
Providing Choices
Therapists offer clients choices in their treatment plan and activities. This could include choosing between different:
- Therapy approaches
- Recreational activities
- Educational topics
By providing choices, therapists empower clients to take an active role in shaping their recovery experience.
Encouraging Self-Reflection
Therapists ask open-ended questions and use reflective listening to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They encourage clients to come to their own conclusions about their addiction and recovery. This fosters a deeper understanding and ownership of the recovery process.
Our therapists work together with clients to identify their unique strengths, values, and goals for recovery. By focusing on the client’s natural resources and potential for change, we help them build resilience, self-efficacy, and a sense of purpose in their lives.
Through reflective listening, empathic understanding, and non-directive guidance, we support clients in exploring their own solutions and finding their genuine path to healing.
Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment: Fostering Self-Awareness
One of the most important parts of person-centered therapy in addiction treatment is helping people become more aware of themselves and grow as individuals.
At Mile High Recovery Center, our therapists provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This helps them gain valuable insights into the underlying reasons for their addiction.
Examples of how we foster self-awareness and personal growth might include:
Reflective Journaling
Clients write about their experiences, emotions, and insights in a private journal. This helps them process their thoughts and feelings and identify patterns or themes in their life.
Mindfulness Practices
Therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises like:
- Deep breathing
- Body scans
- Meditation
These practices help clients become more present and aware of their inner experiences without judgment.
Art and Creative Expression
Clients use art materials to express themselves and explore their emotions in a non-verbal way. This can include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
- Collage-making
The therapist helps the client reflect on the meaning and insights gained from the art-making process.
Exploring Personal Values
Therapists help clients identify their core values and beliefs. They encourage clients to reflect on how their actions and choices align with these values. This promotes self-awareness and motivation for positive change.
Examining Relationships
Clients explore the dynamics and patterns in their relationships with family, friends, and significant others. They gain insight into how these relationships impact their addiction and recovery. Therapists help clients develop healthier communication and coping skills.
Through these reflective dialogues and experiential exercises, we help clients develop a deeper understanding of:
- Themselves
- Their relationships
- Their patterns of coping
Importance of Increasing Self-Awareness
By increasing self-awareness, we empower clients to make conscious choices that match their values and goals for recovery. This process of self-discovery and personal growth is essential for building a strong foundation for long-term sobriety.
Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment: Embracing Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity
At Mile High Recovery Center, we recognize that addiction affects people from all walks of life. Everyone has their own unique background, experiences, and cultural identity. Person-centered therapy embraces diversity and cultural sensitivity, honoring the individual context and values of each client.
Our therapists are trained to provide culturally responsive care. They adapt their approaches to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client. We acknowledge and respect the cultural factors that shape a client’s worldview. This creates a more inclusive and effective treatment environment.
Our culturally sensitive approach fosters trust, understanding, and a deeper connection between therapist and client. This enhances the overall effectiveness of the therapeutic process.
Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment: Integrating Holistic Approaches
In addition to person-centered therapy in addiction treatment, Mile High Recovery Center offers a range of holistic therapies. These complement and enhance the recovery process.
We believe in treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. We recognize that addiction affects all aspects of a person’s well-being.
Our holistic approaches include:
- Meditation: Mindfulness practices that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and increased self-awareness.
- Art therapy: Creative expression as a means of exploring emotions, experiences, and personal growth.
- Outdoor adventure therapy: Nature-based activities that foster self-discovery, teamwork, and resilience.
- Recreational therapy: Engaging in meaningful leisure activities to promote healthy coping skills and social connection.
Importance of Holistic Approaches for Person-Centered Therapy in Addiction Treatment
By integrating these holistic modalities with person-centered therapy, we provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to addiction treatment. These complementary therapies support the principles of person-centered treatment in addiction therapy.
They empower clients to:
- Explore their experiences
- Build self-awareness
- Develop a sense of purpose and connection in their recovery journey
Your Journey Starts Here
At Mile High Recovery Center, we believe that recovery is a lifelong journey that begins with taking the first step toward change.
Through the integration of person-centered therapy in addiction treatment and a range of evidence-based and holistic approaches, we provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for people to heal, grow, and discover their unique path to long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we invite you to explore the personalized and compassionate care offered at Mile High Recovery Center. Our highly qualified team is dedicated to providing the guidance, support, and tools necessary to build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Contact Mile High Recovery Center Today
Remember, at Mile High Recovery Center, your lifelong journey starts here. Together, we can help you rediscover your inherent strengths, reclaim your sense of purpose, and create a meaningful, fulfilling life in recovery.
Take the first step today and contact us to learn more about our person-centered therapy in addiction treatment and how we can support you on your path to healing and growth.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-person-centered-therapy
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
- https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460321001398
