How can therapy support my recovery?

Getting sober is a powerful start—but recovery keeps unfolding long after that. Therapy can be a place to keep that growth going, to talk through the things that surface as life rebuilds—stress, relationships, purpose, or learning how to thrive in a life of sobriety. You’ve already done something difficult. Therapy can help you keep building on it—staying connected to what matters, making sense of what’s changed, and moving forward in ways that feel real and lasting.

What’s the difference between therapy and a 12-step program?

Therapy offers a private space to focus on your personal story, emotions, and relationships. It’s guided by a licensed professional and shaped around your goals, pace, and experiences. In therapy, we might explore what has influenced your use or recovery journey, strengthen coping skills, and support ongoing growth in areas like identity, relationships, and balance. A 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, is a peer-led community where people share their experiences and support one another in maintaining sobriety. These meetings can provide connection, structure, and accountability.

Do I have to work the 12-steps in therapy?

No—you don’t have to work the 12 steps in therapy. Many people find it helpful to do that work with a sponsor, while using therapy to explore what comes up along the way—things like relationships, emotions, identity, and long-term growth in recovery. If the 12-step approach has been meaningful for you, we can absolutely draw from that language and structure. Therapy can be 12-step informed, but it’s always guided by what supports your recovery and feels most authentic to you. If the 12 steps aren’t something you connect with, that’s completely okay. Therapy will always be shaped around your individual needs and what best supports your recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve steps and twelve traditions books from therapist in Nashville, Tennessee symbolizing hope and healing through therapy for addiction and recovery at Hanks Therapy Co. 12-Step informed counseling and therapy.

Therapy for Addiction and Recovery

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Recovery is about more than getting sober—it’s about learning how to live differently, build stability, and enjoying life while doing it. For many who’ve struggled with alcohol or drug addiction, that means finding new ways to handle stress, connect with others, and trust themselves again. Therapy offers a steady place to work through the ups and downs of recovery, make sense of what’s been difficult, and keep growing in ways that last.

I work with people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction who are rebuilding relationships, managing stress, facing trauma, or adjusting to life without substances. Whether you’re early in your recovery or have years of sobriety, therapy can help you strengthen the foundation you’ve built and continue moving toward a more grounded, meaningful life.

My role isn’t to judge or fix—it’s to walk alongside you with steadiness and respect. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that keep you stuck, develop tools to stay balanced, and build on the progress you’ve already made.

If this sounds like a good fit, I’d be glad to connect. Click the link above to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation and take the next step in your recovery journey.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Getting sober is a powerful start—but recovery keeps unfolding long after that. Therapy can be a place to keep that growth going, to talk through the things that surface as life rebuilds—stress, relationships, purpose, or learning how to thrive in a life of sobriety.
You’ve already done something difficult. Therapy can help you keep building on it—staying connected to what matters, making sense of what’s changed, and moving forward in ways that feel real and lasting.
Therapy offers a private space to focus on your personal story, emotions, and relationships. It’s guided by a licensed professional and shaped around your goals, pace, and experiences. In therapy, we might explore what has influenced your use or recovery journey, strengthen coping skills, and support ongoing growth in areas like identity, relationships, and balance.
A 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, is a peer-led community where people share their experiences and support one another in maintaining sobriety. These meetings can provide connection, structure, and accountability.
No - you don’t have to work the 12 steps in therapy. Many people find it helpful to do that work with a sponsor, while using therapy to explore what comes up along the way—things like relationships, emotions, identity, and long-term growth in recovery.
If the 12-step approach has been meaningful for you, we can absolutely draw from that language and structure. Therapy can be 12-step informed, but it’s always guided by what supports your recovery and feels most authentic to you.
If the 12 steps aren’t something you connect with, that’s completely okay. Therapy will always be shaped around your individual needs and what best supports your recovery.