What is the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOP is a group therapy approach to learning and developing the skills needed for recovery, stability, independence, and flexibility. Participants have the option to receive individual therapy and/or family therapy in addition to their groups. Our groups meet three hours a day three times a week and we have daytime and evening options. IOP also includes case management which addresses the needs of each participant by linking them up with resources and assistance available in the community.
We use the evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in our groups. ACT is focused on changing behaviors as opposed to changing thoughts, feelings, or sensations and uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies to help participants practice this. We cannot get rid of our pain, suffering, or discomfort and ACT helps us move towards what matters even when this is present.
In IOP you can expect to have the opportunity to:
- Learn about yourself
- Build relationships with others in recovery
- Receive support from and offer support to your group members
- Participate in group discussions on a wide range of topics related to recovery
- Increase your ability to connect with the present moment
- Become clear on your values and move your feet in that direction
- Learn and practice skills to cope with difficult or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and sensations
- Develop a plan to prevent returning to use (if that is a goal of yours)