All students at Sober College participate in both individual and group therapy. Prior to admission, Clinical Director, Aimee Noel evaluates each new clients history and assigns them one for four staff therapists whom she believes will best meet their individual needs. Generally, this therapist will remain with the client for the duration of their stay at Sober College, as they move through the different phases of the Sober College Program.

The therapist conducts a biopsychosocial assessment and integrates it, the psychiatric evaluation, the neuropsychological miniscreener and the self-administered emotional intelligence questionnaire to create a comprehensive clinical treatment plan. We use a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and come from a developmental perspective and family systems approach. If a student stays local after they move out of Sober College their therapist can be incorporated into their aftercare program. Phone sessions can also be set up as transitional support for those moving out of the area.

Therapists also host different therapeutic process groups for both the Men’s Primary Houses and the Women’s Program multiple times per week. Clients are required to participate in a minimum of three group therapy sessions per week. By offering both individual and group therapy, and having our clinical team in constant communication, Sober College clients are given a well-rounded and personal therapeutic component.

Weekly Individual Therapy

Clients participate in individual therapy one to three times a week. They work through past and present issues with the help of a therapist whom they develop a close relationship with during their stay. The consistency of the therapy sessions allows the student to develop trust with their therapist, leading to insight and healing. Individual therapy allows clients to go deeper into the issues that may have contributed to their drug and alcohol abuse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

At Sober College we utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence-base approach proven to be effective in treating conditions typical to this population, including:

• Anxiety
• Depressions
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
• Addiction

Group Therapy

In addition to individual therapy, all residents attend three groups per week: a therapeutic process group, a mindfulness group and a relapse prevention group. There are also smaller special topics groups offered on a rotating basis. The groups have included such topics as social skills, grief, anger management, gaming addiction and marijuana support group.

We use a combination of traditional therapeutic techniques, as described above, and less traditional therapeutic approaches. The idea is to reach as many residents in as many ways possible to help with the recovery process. Our experiential therapy program focuses on emotional intelligence and somatic mindfulness. While engaging in experiential activities including equine therapy, trapeze, wind tunnel and surf therapy, residents are encouraged to take pause and get in touch with their emotions and how their bodies respond to the stress or exhilaration that they experience. We believe that this awareness is directly related to relapse prevention. We often see clients that struggle with traditional talk therapy responding well to our experiential therapy program.

Individual and group therapy is centered around an examination of:

• Family of Origin Issues
• Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Coping Strategies
• Grief Work
• Overcoming Patterns of Trauma
• Management of Stress, Anxiety, and Other Disorders
• Relapse Prevention Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Somatic Mindfulness
• Recognition and Arrest of Unhealthy Behavior Patterns

Experiential Therapy: Applying Traditional Therapy Methods in Nontraditional Ways

Sober College offers a plethora Urban Experiential Therapy options including Surf, Trapeze, and Wind Tunnel Therapy. Students work with our therapists and Program directors to get in touch with some hidden emotions by participating in these unconventional, emotion provoking activities students are able to get in touch with some different, deeper emotions than they would in a traditional office setting. Students go through the process of fear, courage, and success and are able to connect with their therapist, heir peers, and themselves in a profound way. Sober College’s Experiential Therapy Program takes therapy outside the office to appeal to the young adult population and promote personal growth.
Click Here to learn more about the Experiential Therapies offered at Sober College.