When a person is dealing with a mental health disorder or an addiction, they may have lost some necessary life skills. Addiction can take quite a bit from an individual, and losing the skills that are required to get and keep a job or take care of daily responsibilities can make life a challenge. An individual who struggles with addiction could spend so much time dealing with these stronger issues that they don’t have the chance to learn what many people take for granted. However, entering into a luxury rehab center for addiction treatment is an opportunity to learn or relearn necessary life skills. This is where life skills therapy can help.
What You’ll Learn in a Life Skills Therapy Program
A life skills therapy program is much more than the typical anger management people may think of, although that is often a part of the program. It is a far-reaching program that can make a big difference in the future success of an individual. Many of the included skills work together to create a better feeling of self-confidence and success.
Basic Self-Care
Self-care skills can include proper hygiene and nutrition. You can learn to plan healthy menus, shop effectively, and prepare the meals. You will learn to maintain healthy hygiene practices and develop a sleep schedule. For some, this category also includes such things as basic housekeeping and doing laundry.
Financial Independence
Creating a budget and sticking with it is important. You need to learn how to manage your finances so important bills get paid. Many people have never had a checking or savings account. Financial independence is based on proper money skills. You may learn to prepare simple taxes and talk about retirement savings.
Time Management
This is a skill that so many people find difficult. Learning to set up a schedule that is balanced between work and leisure will help in every area of your life. You learn about priorities and how to recognize when you have too much on your plate.
Employment Skills
There is a lot that goes into finding and keeping a job. Life skills therapy can help you learn to fill out an application and face an interview with confidence. It can help you keep a job by encouraging a good worth ethic. Role-playing can help you learn how to deal with a difficult boss or handle co-workers.
Stress Management
Stress is a normal part of life. Managing it is essential for both your mental health and your physical health. Learning skills that help you relax and diminish the strong feeling that stress creates will help you in every area of your life.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Addictions often start when a person has trouble managing things like the symptoms of mental illness or emotions such as anger or depression. Learning to deal with these things in a healthy manner with the help of a mental health treatment program will help prevent future reliance on things that make the situation worse in the end.
Life Skills Therapy Includes Social Skills
Sometimes the basics of holding a conversation or knowing how to act in a social situation are very difficult. Role-playing can help manage your anxiety and help you feel confident when interacting with others.
In addition, many of those who struggle with addiction have also made poor decisions in the past. During life skills therapy and addiction treatment therapy programs, you’ll learn how to evaluate options, avoid temptations, and make proper choices that will help you avoid being in bad situations.
Contact Westwind Recovery® Today
Here at Westwind Recovery®, we understand that life skills therapy is an important part of future success. In our non-judgmental atmosphere, you will learn to recognize your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction or mental health issues, reach out to us at 855.340.8832 and talk with one of our staff members to see if we can give you the kind of support you need to start on your recovery journey. Life can be bright if you take the chance.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
