Psychotherapy, often called "talk therapy," is a major part of our approach to addiction treatment. Talking about your experiences, why you started drinking or using drugs in the first place, and what you want to achieve can help you find a new way forward. The path ahead is yours to walk, and the licensed therapists at Spring Grove Recovery in Colorado Springs, CO, can help you learn how to walk it.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Your therapy team, including your primary therapist and any support staff, will work with you to help you feel more comfortable.

What to expect in your first session

Your first session is a warm and welcoming conversation. The main goal is for you and your therapist to get to know one another. You’ll be able to share your story, talk about what

brought you to treatment, and discuss your hopes for the future. This initial meeting is about building a trusting relationship that will serve as the foundation for your healing.

How often are sessions scheduled?

The frequency of your therapy sessions is built into your personalized treatment plan. In our inpatient treatment program, you will participate in a structured schedule of both individual and group therapy sessions each week. This consistent support is a core part of the healing environment we create at Spring Grove Recovery.

When will I see results?

Recovery is a unique journey for everyone, and the pace at which you see results varies. Some people experience positive changes in their mental health after just a few sessions, while others take longer to see progress. Remember that healing takes time and effort, but by trusting the process, you can move forward.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):

A practical, goal-oriented approach that helps you gently identify and shift the negative thought patterns and behaviors that might be contributing to your addiction. It's about empowering you to build healthier ways of thinking and acting.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):

DBT is a compassionate and structured therapy that teaches essential skills for managing intense emotions, coping with stress, improving relationships, and living mindfully. It helps you find a balance between acceptance and change.

Person-centered therapy:

This approach places you at the heart of your healing. It creates a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences, guided by empathy and unconditional positive regard, fostering your inner resources for growth.

Motivational interviewing (MI):

MI is a collaborative and compassionate conversation style designed to help you explore and resolve any ambivalence you might feel about making changes. It supports you in finding your own motivation and commitment to recovery.

Individual sessions:

One-on-one sessions provide a private and dedicated space for you to work closely with a therapist. Here, you can talk about personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and receive tailored support that addresses your unique needs.

Group sessions:

In a supportive and understanding community setting, group therapy offers a powerful opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. You can share your story, learn from peers, practice new skills, and build a sense of belonging, reminding you that you are truly not alone on this path.

Addiction is often intertwined with other mental health challenges. Lasting recovery is best supported when you can get healthier in mind, body, and spirit—not just getting sober. Our psychotherapy services address both addiction and any co-occurring conditions.

We provide integrated treatment for:

For many people, the most effective path to recovery involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. This approach addresses both the biological and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health, offering the best chance for lasting wellness.

Psychotherapy can support medication management

If you are prescribed medication for a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, psychotherapy provides a crucial support system. It offers a space to talk about how the medication is affecting you, work through any barriers to taking it consistently, and develop coping skills that complement its effects. Medication can also make it easier to engage in the therapy process because it controls some of your more intense symptoms.

The role in medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These medications stabilize your body, which allows you to fully engage in the "real work" of healing in psychotherapy. With cravings under control, you can focus on addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues that fueled the addiction.

Psychotherapy gives you space to learn practical, lifelong skills for self-care and emotional well-being. The strategies you learn in therapy extend far beyond the session, empowering you to build a resilient and fulfilling life in recovery.

Essential skills for emotional well-being

• Mindfulness: Learn techniques to calm your mind, stay grounded in the present, and navigate stressful situations with greater ease.
• Sleep hygiene: Develop healthy habits to ensure you get the rest your body and mind need to heal.
• Exercise & nutrition: Understand the powerful connection between physical health and emotional well-being, and learn how to nourish yourself.
• Coping strategies: Build a personal toolkit of healthy strategies to manage triggers, stress, and cravings effectively.

Between-session practices

To help you work these new skills into your daily life, your therapist may suggest skills to practice between sessions. This could include journaling, practicing mindfulness exercises, or setting small, achievable goals that reinforce what you're learning in therapy.

The relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important parts of your treatment experience. Spring Grove Recovery's therapy team is made up of compassionate, highly qualified professionals who are dedicated to your healing.

Our commitment to excellence and compassion

Licensed & specialized:

Our team includes licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers with specialized training and certifications in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Ongoing education:

We are committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Our clinicians receive regular supervision and stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based care.

Culturally inclusive:

We strive to create a welcoming, affirming, and respectful environment for people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and life experiences.

A trauma-informed approach:

Trauma plays a major part in addiction. Our entire program puts safety, trust, and empowerment at the front so your care is sensitive to past experiences.

Psychotherapy is an evidence-based approach to treatment. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in helping people recover from addiction and improve their mental health.

Proven outcomes for lasting change

Studies consistently show that engaging in psychotherapy leads to significant reductions in substance use, improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and lower rates of relapse. It equips you with the skills and insight needed for long-term success.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy shows promising results
• Group therapy helps people recover

Who benefits from psychotherapy?

Since it's such a broad approach, anyone who is ready to engage in a process of self-exploration can benefit from therapy. It's especially helpful for those who feel stuck in a cycle of addiction and are struggling with co-occurring mental health conditions. If you are willing to be open and do the work, healing is possible.

We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality care. Our team is here to help you navigate the process of starting treatment and remove financial barriers.

Does Medicaid cover psychotherapy?

Yes. As a core part of state-licensed addiction treatment, psychotherapy services at Spring Grove Recovery are covered for clients with eligible Colorado Medicaid plans. Our admissions team can help you verify your benefits and understand your coverage.