Therapy in Connecticut: Evidence-Based Treatment at High Watch Recovery Center
Customized, Individual Treatment
At High Watch Recovery Center in Kent, Connecticut, we provide a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies in Connecticut designed to address the complex nature of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our therapeutic approach combines the latest clinical interventions in addiction medicine with the time-tested spiritual teachings of the 12 Steps, creating a powerful healing blend that has proven effective since our founding in 1939 as the world's first 12-Step treatment center.
What Types of Therapy Are Available in Connecticut for Addiction Treatment?
Our therapy programs are delivered across our full continuum of care:
- Medically-supervised detox
- Residential treatment
- Hilltop partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Extended care and sober living
This integrated approach ensures that every individual receives consistent, high-quality therapeutic support throughout their recovery journey, whether they're just beginning treatment or transitioning toward independent living.
The therapeutic modalities we offer include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Experiential therapies such as our equine-assisted learning program
Each therapy is carefully selected and implemented by our experienced clinical team to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help with Addiction Recovery?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Connecticut at High Watch Recovery Center focuses on identifying and changing the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use. This evidence-based approach helps individuals recognize the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, empowering them to develop healthier coping strategies that support long-term recovery.
During CBT sessions, our licensed therapists work with clients to examine the underlying beliefs and automatic thoughts that trigger cravings or lead to relapse. By challenging these patterns and replacing them with more constructive ways of thinking, individuals learn practical skills they can apply in real-world situations. This therapeutic approach is particularly effective when integrated with 12-Step principles, as both emphasize personal responsibility, honest self-examination, and behavioral change.
CBT is incorporated throughout our treatment programs, from residential care through our extended care options. Whether an individual is working through early sobriety in our residential program or maintaining recovery in our Hope House IOP, CBT provides a consistent framework for understanding and managing the psychological aspects of addiction. Our therapists tailor CBT interventions to address specific substances of abuse, co-occurring disorders, and individual life circumstances.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Who Benefits from It?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy represents a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral treatment that is especially effective for individuals who experience intense emotions, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, or co-occurring mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder, depression, or anxiety. At High Watch, we integrate DBT into our comprehensive treatment approach to help clients develop crucial skills in four key areas:
- Mindfulness: Being present in the moment without judgment, aligning with 12-Step spiritual awareness
- Distress tolerance: Healthy alternatives to substance use when facing difficult emotions or situations
- Emotion regulation: Understanding and managing intense feelings without becoming overwhelmed
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship quality for building strong recovery support networks
DBT is delivered through both individual therapy sessions and skills-based groups, allowing clients to learn new techniques and practice them in a supportive environment. This therapy is available across our continuum of care and is particularly beneficial for those who have struggled with traditional treatment approaches or who experience emotional dysregulation. Our DBT-trained clinicians work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies that support both immediate stabilization and long-term recovery goals.
How Does EMDR Therapy Support Trauma Recovery in Addiction Treatment?
EMDR therapy in Connecticut at High Watch Recovery Center addresses the underlying trauma that often contributes to substance use disorders. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with painful memories, traumatic experiences, or unresolved emotional wounds. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing offers a unique, evidence-based approach to processing these difficult experiences and reducing their emotional impact.
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—while the individual recalls distressing events. This process allows the brain to heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical injury. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require extensive discussion of the traumatic event, making it particularly helpful for individuals who find it difficult to verbalize their experiences.
Our EMDR-trained therapists incorporate this modality into individualized treatment plans, particularly for clients with histories of childhood trauma, PTSD, or other trauma-related conditions. EMDR is available throughout our residential and extended care programs, and can be especially valuable during the Hilltop PHP phase when clients have developed some stability and are ready to engage in deeper therapeutic work. By addressing trauma alongside addiction, we help individuals break the cycle of using substances to manage emotional pain.
Why Should I Choose Therapy in Connecticut at High Watch Recovery Center?
Choosing therapy in Connecticut at High Watch Recovery Center means accessing world-class addiction treatment in a serene, healing environment. Our 300-acre campus in the lush Litchfield Hills provides the perfect setting for deep therapeutic work, away from the triggers and stresses of daily life. Since 1939, we have been leaders in integrating evidence-based clinical therapies with the spiritual foundation of 12-Step recovery, a combination that has helped thousands achieve lasting sobriety.
Our unique approach recognizes that addiction is a complex disease affecting mind, body, and spirit. The therapies we offer address all aspects of this disease, treating not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of substance use. Whether someone is struggling with alcohol addiction, opioid use disorder, or any other substance, our comprehensive therapeutic services provide the tools and support needed for transformation.
As a Joint Commission-accredited and NAATP member facility, High Watch maintains the highest standards of clinical excellence. Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Licensed therapists
- Addiction medicine specialists
- Psychiatric professionals
- Certified recovery coaches
This team approach ensures that therapy is coordinated with medical care, psychiatric treatment, and 12-Step education to support whole-person healing.
What Can I Expect from Therapy During My Stay at High Watch?
When you enter treatment at High Watch Recovery Center, therapy becomes a central component of your daily schedule, adapted to your specific level of care. In our Connecticut addiction therapy programs, you'll participate in a combination of individual therapy sessions, group therapy, specialized treatment modalities, and family therapy as appropriate.
Individual Therapy provides one-on-one time with a licensed therapist who will help you:
- Explore the root causes of your addiction
- Develop coping strategies
- Process difficult emotions
- Work toward personal goals
These sessions occur regularly throughout your treatment and become increasingly focused as you progress through our continuum of care. Your individual therapist will utilize approaches such as CBT, DBT, or EMDR based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
Group Therapy forms another essential element of treatment, offering opportunities to:
- Connect with peers
- Share experiences
- Practice new skills
- Build a recovery community
Our groups address topics ranging from relapse prevention and coping skills to trauma processing and interpersonal relationships. The group setting provides valuable perspective, reduces isolation, and allows you to both receive support and offer it to others.
Specialized Therapies such as our equine-assisted learning program offer experiential opportunities to practice new skills, develop emotional awareness, and build confidence. Family therapy sessions help repair relationships, educate loved ones about addiction, and create a supportive home environment for recovery. Throughout all therapy modalities, our clinical team maintains close communication to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
Ready to Begin Your Recovery Journey?
High Watch Recovery Center offers comprehensive, evidence-based therapy in Connecticut within a healing environment that has supported recovery for over 85 years. Our integration of clinical excellence with 12-Step principles provides the best possible foundation for lasting sobriety.
Call us today at 860-927-3772 to speak with our admissions team about our therapy programs and how we can help you or your loved one find freedom from addiction.
“I wasn’t sure when I arrived if I would do the program, now I am positive I have a new chance to make the years I have left to be sober, useful and enjoyable. I am very lucky to have spent three weeks at High Watch.”
-Bill R.
