There are many kinds of treatment options for substance use disorder. Some of these work better for some individuals than others; some people may require more intensive treatment while others may only require outpatient therapy. However, there are also different kinds of therapy. Depending on the individual, their needs might be best suited to attend group therapy as opposed to individual or family therapy.
At The Freedom Center in Maryland, our rehab facility offers addiction therapy services as part of our care plan. This includes group therapy for substance abuse. Our guide below will tell you all you need to know.
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several individuals at the same time. It can be used to help treat a variety of psychological and emotional issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, substance abuse, and life transitions.
During group sessions, participants share their thoughts and experiences in an open forum to gain insight and support from others in the group. Group therapy is effective in helping individuals learn new coping skills, build self-esteem, develop better relationships with others, and gain a greater understanding of themselves. It can also offer a safe space for those who may not feel comfortable discussing their issues one-on-one or in a traditional counseling setting.
In group therapy sessions, participants are often encouraged to talk openly about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences to gain insight into their behavior and better understand themselves and the group.
Group therapy is typically led by a trained mental health professional responsible for setting boundaries, facilitating discussion, and providing feedback. The therapist may also assign specific tasks or activities to encourage members to explore certain topics more deeply or practice more effective problem-solving strategies. Sessions usually last from 45 minutes to an hour and can take place in a variety of settings including private offices, schools, or hospital wards.
Group therapy may involve identifying certain patterns of behavior or exploring how one’s thoughts and feelings impact their relationships with others. It can also be used to help members learn new coping mechanisms which they can use when faced with difficult life situations.
Group therapy can also provide members with a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and gaining insight into their own lives. Group therapy is an effective way to help people cope with mental health issues and develop healthier relationships. With the right support, individuals can learn important skills that will help them move forward in life.
Group therapy is an effective form of addiction treatment that can provide numerous benefits to individuals struggling with substance abuse. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where participants can discuss their challenges and share their experiences, which can lead to a greater acceptance of individual differences and increased self-awareness.
By engaging in discussion with other group members, participants can learn new ways of coping with their addiction and can become more comfortable talking about their feelings. In addition, group therapy can help foster accountability within the group setting, as individuals are encouraged to be open and honest with one another. By taking part in peer-to-peer support, participants can develop better communication skills which can aid them in managing stress and emotions when faced with challenging situations.
Lastly, group therapy can provide a sense of community and camaraderie. This allows individuals to connect on a deeper level; it also offers security and a safe space for them to express themselves.
Group therapy can be a beneficial tool for people who are struggling with mental health issues. It can help individuals identify underlying causes of their distress, develop new coping skills, increase self-awareness and gain insight into their feelings and behavior. Group therapy is also effective in helping individuals build strong social connections and support networks as they share experiences with others dealing with similar issues.
It can help people gain a sense of belonging and get reassurance from others who understand their struggles. Group therapy also offers an opportunity for individuals to learn about effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. By helping them to develop these skills, group therapy can assist in the prevention of future mental health problems.
The primary purpose of group therapy is to provide support and encouragement to its members while helping them become better equipped to handle their issues. The goals of group therapy are to promote personal growth, help members develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, foster personal responsibility, and gain insight into how others may be feeling or coping with similar issues. Group members work together to confront difficult topics such as childhood trauma, addiction, self-esteem, perfectionism, communication patterns, and more.
Addiction is a complex mental and physical health disorder that can be difficult to recover from without the proper support and encouragement. Providing support and encouragement during addiction treatment helps build positive relationships, increases motivation, and improves overall success rates of recovery. It also serves to provide an individual with hope for their future, which can help them focus on the goal of achieving sobriety.
Support and encouragement can come in many forms, including emotional, physical, and spiritual support from family, friends, and other members of the recovery community. A supportive environment is essential for an individual to work through their addiction issues healthily. Professional counseling sessions may also help provide support and guidance throughout the treatment process.
Finally, education and ongoing communication are key elements of successful addiction recovery. Individuals in recovery should have access to resources that provide them with the knowledge they need to understand their condition and effectively manage it on an ongoing basis. Education can also help raise awareness among family members and friends about addiction so that they can better support their loved one’s efforts to stay sober.
Group therapy sessions offer a supportive and safe environment in which individuals can share their experiences, feelings, and thoughts with others who are facing similar issues. During group therapy sessions, participants will have the opportunity to do the following:
Group therapists often provide educational materials and activities to help group members gain insight into themselves and their situations. Group therapy can also be a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar feelings, emotions, or life circumstances.
These connections often lead to improved self-esteem, greater insight into one’s feelings and behavior, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the group experience can help participants gain greater control over their emotions and behaviors, as well as build better relationships with the people around them.
Group therapy can be beneficial for a variety of people, regardless of their individual backgrounds and circumstances. People who are dealing with difficult issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, or grief might benefit from the support they receive within a safe and understanding group setting. Group therapy is also helpful for those who are struggling to build self-confidence or learn better communication and social skills.
People who are feeling isolated or disconnected might find comfort in a group setting, where they can build meaningful relationships with other people who have faced similar experiences. Ultimately, anyone looking to better understand themselves and their emotions may benefit from participating in group therapy.
Group therapy is often covered by most insurance plans. However, it is important to check with your specific insurance plan to verify what type of coverage is available for group therapy sessions. In some cases, there may be a limit on the number of sessions that are eligible for coverage or there may be additional fees you must pay out of pocket. Additionally, it is important to note that not all types of group therapy may be covered under your insurance policy. It is best to check with your provider before you begin group therapy sessions to ensure you understand what type of coverage is available.
If you find that your insurance plan does not cover group therapy, there are other options to consider. Many group therapy sessions are offered on a sliding fee scale, which means that the cost of treatment is based on your ability to pay. Additionally, some community mental health centers may offer free or reduced-cost group therapy sessions for those who can demonstrate financial need. There may also be local support groups and organizations that provide free or low-cost counseling services in your area.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Client transformations are what drive us to continually improve and enhance everything we do here. We are deeply committed to giving back, lifting others up, and ensuring that no one in our community has to face addiction alone. These are their stories of hope,
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If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Addiction is quite a disruptive mental health disorder for many people. When it comes to treatment, there’s no cookie-cutter method to solve all of your problems. Each individual that walks through the doors of a treatment facility has a different, unique story. As such, their treatment should also be special.
If you or a loved one would like to find out more about the comprehensive approach we offer at The Freedom Center, you can contact us here.
Mary is an experienced Client Care Manager with 20+ years in customer service. She excels at problem-solving and takes pride in delivering tailored solutions. Mary builds strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction with each interaction. Her attention to detail and communication skills are valuable assets. Mary goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and is dedicated to outstanding service. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, and family time.
Samantha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and find healing and recovery. Currently pursuing her advanced degree in psychology, Samantha’s personal journey of overcoming addiction fuels her passion for supporting others on their path to wellness. Samantha’s own journey of recovery serves as a powerful foundation for her therapeutic services. She approaches her work with empathy, understanding, and non-judgment, recognizing that everyone’s path to healing is unique.
Corey Hassett grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school, he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation. Outside of The Freedom Center, Corey enjoys playing golf, hiking and most of all being the best father to his three young boys.
Michael is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Director. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Accruing years of hands-on experience working alongside the administrators of facilities across the country in development of their own unique programs gave Max a unique and robust perspective into the administrative requirements of addiction treatment programs. Today, Max is able to channel his passion for battling the disease of addiction into ensuring The Freedom Center maintains strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by The Joint Commission and our partnerships in the insurance industry, and is constantly striving to improve the overall performance of the facility.
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Melissa is a visionary and empathetic leader in the field of peer support and recovery. Nationally Certified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist by the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification board, Melissa’s journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others find their path to recovery. Armed with credentials as a Registered Peer Supervisor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and Alcohol and Drug Trainee she has earned her place as a guiding light for individuals seeking hope and solace. Melissa’s illustrious journey includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, while she currently works diligently towards her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Walden University. Melissa’s personal experiences with addiction and mental health struggles instilled within her a profound passion for supporting others on their recovery journey. Her unwavering commitment to peer support, coupled with her own lived experience, fuels her drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. She played a pivotal role as a peer support specialist in the overdose response team for Montgomery County, where she collaborated closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, Crisis Center, EMS, MCPD, and Montgomery County hospitals. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field. Her diverse roles as a case manager, discharge coordinator, behavioral health technician, group facilitator, and clinician have provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery. Above all, Melissa’s authenticity shines through her self-disclosure as someone in long-term recovery herself. This profound personal connection fuels her passion for working in the field and enables her to bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her role.
Meet Federico Douglas. Federico is bilingual is Spanish. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting.
Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. She joined The Freedom Center team to provide counseling for substance use disorders and related mental health issues on an individual basis, facilitate group sessions, provide assessments, and provide support to the clinical staff. Bunmi is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and build their toolkit of resources to support their long-term recovery.
Meet Cheryl Moore. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work. Her experience in a variety of settings, from leadership in a hospital setting to private practice, affords Cheryl a well-rounded skillset ready to render top-notch care and serve the needs of our diverse community. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder. Whether she’s leading group therapy or providing an individual therapy session, Cheryl’s expansive knowledge and genuine compassion paired with her deep drive to help people are always on display at The Freedom Center.
Meet Mr. Kevin Sockwell. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community. Kevin’s expertise and experience as a Primary Therapist, paired with his natural talents and abilities as a speaker and an artist, have uniquely equipped him to reach our population and render top-notch care.
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
