At Voyager Recovery Center in Lake Forest, we believe that real healing starts with the right kind of support—compassionate, consistent, and grounded in science. That’s why our treatment approach centers around evidence-based therapy, offering proven methods to help individuals break free from addiction and build lasting emotional wellness. Whether you’re struggling with substance use, a dual diagnosis, or the lingering effects of past trauma, our clinical team is trained to deliver care that works—not just temporarily, but for the long haul. On this page, you’ll find an overview of the therapies we offer and how each one supports your recovery journey.
At Voyager Recovery Center, we don’t believe in just “checking the box” when it comes to therapy. We’ve seen how traditional, cookie-cutter approaches to addiction and dual diagnosis treatment programs can fall short—leaving people feeling misunderstood, discouraged, or stuck in cycles of relapse. That’s why we’ve built our program around intentional, carefully chosen therapies that actually work. Each method we use is evidence-based, yes—but more importantly, it’s responsive to real human experience. Our team is trained to meet people where they are, using therapies that are flexible, compassionate, and grounded in the latest research. Here’s how that comes to life in our core therapeutic offerings:
Too often, people are told to “just change their thinking” without being given the tools to do so. At Voyager, we use CBT not as a lecture, but as a hands-on approach to help clients understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It’s a structured, yet highly personalized therapy that allows people to unpack negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more adaptive strategies. For individuals struggling with addiction, this can mean the difference between reacting to a trigger—or responding with intention and self-awareness.
We’ve worked with many clients who’ve felt overwhelmed by emotions or relationships, often without a clear roadmap to navigate either. DBT was built for just that kind of complexity. It offers real-life skills—like learning how to tolerate distress without shutting down, or how to stay grounded during emotional storms. At Voyager, we use DBT to help clients feel more stable, more connected, and more capable in everyday life, especially when intense emotions have played a role in substance use or mental health challenges.
We understand that not everyone walks into treatment ready to change everything overnight—and that’s okay. Many people feel ambivalent at first, and pushing too hard can backfire. Motivational Interviewing is a respectful, person-centered approach that honors where each client is in their journey. Rather than giving advice, our therapists listen, ask open questions, and help clients explore their own values and reasons for healing. It’s a powerful way to build real motivation—without judgment or pressure.
We’ve seen how healing stalls when the focus is too narrow—when therapy only addresses symptoms, not the whole person. That’s why our approach includes holistic therapies that support the body, mind, and spirit. These aren’t just add-ons. From movement and mindfulness to creative expression and nutrition, our holistic practices are thoughtfully integrated to help reduce anxiety, build resilience, and support long-term recovery. It’s care that feels human—not clinical or detached.
Many of our clients come to us with deep wounds from the past—often unspoken, sometimes even unrecognized. We don’t gloss over that reality. Instead, we use evidence-based trauma therapies to gently and safely help people process what they’ve been through. Whether it’s through EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, or somatic methods, our goal is not to reopen old wounds, but to help each person reclaim their story and their strength. Trauma is often at the root of substance use, and we treat it with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves.
Some thoughts and emotions can’t be fixed—but they can be lived with, in a new way. ACT teaches clients how to stop fighting their inner experience and start focusing on what truly matters to them. For individuals facing dual diagnosis, ACT is especially powerful. It helps people create a life worth living, even when things are hard. At Voyager, we use ACT to support emotional flexibility, clarity, and personal empowerment—because healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.
Our team is standing by to help you or your loved one admit into treatment. Don’t hesitate to make what could be the most important phone call of your life.
At Voyager Recovery Center, the structure of therapy is just as important as the method. We know that healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens through real connection, consistency, and meaningful conversation. That’s why we offer therapy in different formats, designed to meet clients where they are emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Each setting—whether one-on-one, in a group, or with family—is intentionally designed to support growth and insight from a unique angle.
In individual therapy, clients meet privately with a licensed therapist to explore the thoughts, behaviors, and experiences that contribute to their addiction or mental health challenges. This is a space for honesty without judgment—a time to dig deep, ask hard questions, and begin to shift core beliefs. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, or trauma-informed techniques tailored to each person’s needs. Over time, these sessions help build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the clarity needed to move forward.
While individual therapy offers a private lens, group therapy offers a mirror. Guided by experienced facilitators, our group sessions allow clients to hear from others, challenge old beliefs, and build a sense of community. For many, this is where breakthrough moments happen—realizing you’re not alone, learning from others’ experiences, and practicing new interpersonal skills in a safe space. We keep our groups small and intentional, with a focus on both emotional safety and clinical depth.
Addiction and mental health struggles rarely affect just one person—they impact the whole family. At Voyager, we offer family therapy to help repair trust, rebuild communication, and align on what recovery looks like for everyone involved. Whether it’s through structured sessions with a therapist or ongoing involvement in a loved one’s care plan, our goal is to support lasting recovery by strengthening the system around the client—not just treating them in isolation.
Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about changing. At Voyager Recovery Center, therapy plays a central role in helping clients move from survival to stability, and from fear to freedom. Whether someone is navigating the challenges of addiction, a mental health disorder, or both, the right therapeutic support can be life-changing. Our evidence-based, whole-person approach gives clients more than just coping tools—it gives them a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and connection.
Here are five key benefits of therapy in the recovery process:
Builds emotional awareness and regulation
Therapy helps clients identify what they’re feeling and why—so they can respond intentionally rather than react impulsively. This is especially powerful for those who’ve used substances to numb or escape difficult emotions.
Addresses root causes, not just symptoms
Instead of only managing cravings or mood swings, our therapists help clients explore the underlying trauma, beliefs, and relational patterns that fuel addiction and mental health issues.
Improves relationships and communication
Through both individual and family sessions, clients learn to express their needs more clearly, set healthy boundaries, and repair damaged relationships with loved ones.
Increases motivation and commitment to recovery
Evidence-based modalities like Motivational Interviewing and ACT help clients clarify their values and goals, making recovery something they want—not just something they’re told to do.
Provides tools for long-term resilience
From managing stress and anxiety to developing relapse prevention plans, therapy equips clients with practical skills they can use for the rest of their lives—not just during treatment.
At Voyager Recovery Center, therapy isn’t just a checkbox on a schedule—it’s the heart of what we do. We know that for many people, therapy in past treatment experiences felt impersonal, rushed, or overly clinical. That’s why we’ve intentionally created a therapeutic environment that feels safe, engaged, and deeply individualized. Every session is an opportunity for real progress—not just surface-level conversations, but meaningful work that supports true change.
Here’s what sets our therapy sessions apart:
Rooted in Relationship:
Healing happens in the context of connection. We focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and authenticity. Our therapists show up with consistency and presence, helping clients feel seen and supported every step of the way.
Individualized and Collaborative:
No two sessions are alike because no two people are alike. We don’t deliver scripted therapy—we tailor each session to your specific needs, goals, and progress. Clients are active participants in shaping their treatment, which leads to greater engagement and better outcomes.
Licensed and Experienced Clinicians:
Our therapists are not only licensed and credentialed—they’re also trained in emerging and evidence-based methods. Many have advanced experience in trauma work, dual diagnosis, and motivational practices, and all are chosen for their warmth, expertise, and ability to connect.
Therapies That Go Beyond the Basics:
While many centers rely solely on traditional talk therapy, we incorporate a wide range of modalities—from trauma-informed techniques and mindfulness work to experiential activities and somatic processing. Therapy at Voyager is dynamic, responsive, and grounded in what’s proven to work.
Part of a Bigger, Integrated Picture:
Therapy doesn’t exist in a silo at Voyager—it’s woven into a broader recovery journey. Therapists collaborate with case managers, medical staff, and group facilitators to ensure every aspect of care is aligned. This integration helps clients feel supported holistically, not just in the therapy room.
In short, our therapy sessions are not just about managing symptoms—they’re about helping you discover who you are beneath the addiction or diagnosis, and building the kind of life you actually want to live.
If you’ve tried therapy before and felt like it didn’t go deep enough—or didn’t truly help—it doesn’t mean you can’t recover. At Voyager Recovery Center, we do things differently. Our evidence-based, relationship-driven therapy is designed to meet you exactly where you are, with care that’s both effective and human.
You deserve support that actually makes a difference.Call us today or fill out our confidential form to connect with a member of our team. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find a clear path forward.
We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma therapy (including EMDR and somatic work), as well as holistic methods (movement, mindfulness, creative expression, nutrition).
Trauma therapy is designed to safely help people process deep wounds from the past in a way that’s supportive and gentler—using body-based techniques, trauma-focused CBT or EMDR—not just by talking about issues.
Because healing involves more than symptoms—holistic practices help address body, mind, and spirit together, reduce anxiety, build resilience, and support long-term recovery.
Motivational Interviewing is a respectful, person-centered approach that helps people find their own motivation to change, especially if they feel conflicted or ambivalent about treatment.
Yes, we also offer group therapy (for connection, shared growth, learning interpersonal skills), family therapy (to repair relationships, improve communication, strengthen support systems), and a mix of settings depending on needs.
They’re combined into personalized treatment plans, blending evidence-based approaches with holistic care so each client gets comprehensive, whole-person healing.
