By Rachel Lund, LMHC

When I was 19, I went to a residential rehabilitation treatment center in Arizona for 60 days. It was a terrifying, rock-bottom, wild, life-changing and precious experience — one that likely saved my life and certainly set me on a path toward health and safety within myself and in my life. Over the decades since, I’ve learned that healing from significant trauma or pain is a marathon, not a sprint, and it was crucial that I continued therapy and the work I had started after leaving treatment. I met an incredible therapist, and together we built a therapeutic relationship that lasted for nearly 15 years. I credit inpatient treatment with saving my life, and the next 15 years with helping me develop into the safe, compassionate, curious and resilient woman I wanted to be. 

From my experience, and experience now in the mental health field for the last 14 years, transitioning to outpatient counseling after more intensive treatment can be one of the most meaningful steps in your mental health journey. Whether you’ve been in a residential program, Residential Treatment or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), returning to a regular therapy routine is a significant milestone. Outpatient counseling provides the continuity of care you need to maintain and build upon the progress you’ve made. 

A few things to consider in this transition:

• Transitioning from structure to independence — Residential facilities often provide a highly structured environment with constant support from health care professionals and a full calendar geared toward giving you the space to focus on your healing work. Transitioning to a less structured environment can be difficult and may feel overwhelming, and finding a therapist to meet with consistently can provide helpful scaffolding each week. 
• Relapse prevention — You might fear that your symptoms could return or worsen once you leave the facility and you could lose all the progress you experienced in treatment. The stability and safety of the residential setting can make the outside world seem daunting, so knowing you have someone to walk that journey with you is critical so you can continue the work you started. We are not meant to heal alone! 
• Trustworthy support systems — Some individuals may return to environments that lack the necessary support systems, such as understanding family members, friends, or work and school environments. It is also not uncommon to feel isolated upon leaving treatment, especially if you have formed bonds with other clients or staff members during your stay. I remember feeling like I had just lived in another country and spoke another language while in treatment, and that no one would “get me” when I left — the vulnerability and change you experience in treatment is unique and powerful! The great news is you have likely learned new skills to build and maintain healthy and safe relationships, and an outpatient therapist can help support you as you find and nurture the right supports around you in your life. Even more, they can help you build the inner relationship you want with yourself. As my daughter says, we can all learn to “be an inner coach, not an inner critic.”
• Adapting to daily life — Managing everyday responsibilities, such as work, school and social interactions, can be stressful and challenging after a residential stay. Many people also are wanting support to maintain their treatment regimen once they leave treatment. You may have decided to make some major changes to your life, and establishing a strong therapeutic relationship during this phase is crucial for sustained recovery and personal growth.

Before beginning your search for a new therapist, take some time to reflect on your needs and goals. Consider the following questions:

• What specific issues do you want to address in therapy?
• What therapeutic approaches have been helpful for you in the past?
• Are there particular qualities or characteristics you value in a therapist?

Understanding your own needs will help you identify the type of therapist who can best support you. Once you meet them, be open and honest with them about your experience and feelings, and share any concerns or hesitations you might have about building this new relationship. Also, give yourself and your therapist time to get to know each other and develop a rapport; just as in any relationship, consistency and patience are key to forming a strong therapeutic alliance. Your long-term commitment to yourself, and your commitment to carving time out of your week to pay curious and loving attention to yourself, will pay off!

Transitioning back into outpatient counseling is not just a step; it’s a leap toward long-term stability and growth. Remember, the journey you began with Residential Treatment is a profound chapter of your life story, and outpatient therapy is the bridge that connects your past efforts to a hopeful and empowered future. Embrace the process, trust the support around you and, most importantly, trust yourself. Your path to healing is uniquely yours, and every step you take is a testament to your strength and resilience.

By Rachel Lund, LMHC  |  selfspaceseattle.com