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One-to-one therapy can take different forms, including approaches such as counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. It may be one part of drug and alcohol addiction treatment, depending on the provider and the person’s needs.

Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not provide therapy directly, but we can help people understand treatment options and discuss suitable providers where appropriate.

Why Is Individual Therapy Important When Recovering From Addictions?

Recovery can involve more than stopping alcohol or drug use. Detox, where clinically appropriate, may support the physical side of withdrawal, while therapy may help people explore emotions, triggers, coping strategies, relationships and relapse prevention.

Some people use alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, depression or difficult emotions. A suitable treatment provider can assess these needs and explain whether one-to-one therapy, group work, family support or other treatment may be appropriate.

What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy, often called CBT, is a talking therapy that can help people notice links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In addiction treatment, CBT-informed work may help some people identify triggers, manage cravings and develop safer coping strategies.

CBT is not the right approach for everyone. A qualified therapist or treatment provider should assess what support is suitable.

What Are The Benefits Of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Depending on the person and provider, CBT may help with:

  • Recognising triggers and high-risk situations.
  • Building coping strategies for stress, anxiety or cravings.
  • Understanding patterns that contribute to substance use.
  • Supporting relapse prevention planning.
  • Developing practical tools for daily life after treatment.

The exact therapy offered, therapist qualifications and treatment goals should be confirmed directly with the provider.

Finding Addiction Therapy Support

If you are looking for one-to-one addiction therapy or wider rehab support, Recovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance and referral support. We can help you explore treatment pathways and, where appropriate, connect with suitable treatment providers.

Any clinical assessment, therapy plan or admission decision is made by the treatment provider.

John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: June 17, 2026

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.