IOP vs PHP: Which Program Is Right for You?

By Carmen Cook, LMFT | February 10th, 2026

Putting your life on hold for treatment is a huge, valid fear. You have a job, a family, and responsibilities you can’t just drop. Thankfully, you don’t have to. Outpatient programs like Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) offer serious support while you stay connected to your life. The decision of IOP vs PHP really comes down to finding the right level of care for you, right now. We’ll walk through the IOP vs PHP difference, from daily schedules to therapy models, so you can confidently decide if IOP or PHP is your next step.

Key Takeaways

• Match the program intensity to your needs: A PHP provides a full-time, highly structured environment that’s ideal for building a strong foundation, while an IOP offers flexible, part-time sessions that integrate recovery into your existing daily life.
• Your current life circumstances determine the right fit: A PHP is best if you need immersive, daily support without outside distractions. An IOP is designed for you if you have a stable home environment and need to manage work or family responsibilities during treatment.
• Both paths offer structured recovery while you live at home: You don’t need to check into a residential facility to get intensive, effective care. Both programs use proven therapies that allow you to heal within your community and apply new skills in real time.

Breaking Down IOP vs. PHP: Which Program Is for You?

When you’re ready to take meaningful steps toward recovery, understanding your treatment options is the first move. Two of the most effective structures are the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Both offer a higher level of care than standard weekly therapy but allow you to live at home and stay connected to your community. They provide the structure and support needed to build a strong foundation for sobriety without requiring you to check into a residential facility. Think of them as different levels of support designed to meet you where you are on your journey. Choosing between them depends on your specific needs, your daily responsibilities, and the level of clinical support you require to heal and grow.

Understanding the Full Continuum of Care

Recovery isn’t a single event; it’s a process with different stages, each requiring a different level of support. This is what experts call the “continuum of care.” It’s a flexible framework that ensures you get the right intensity of treatment at the right time. Think of it like a ladder: the highest rung offers the most intensive, immersive support, while the lower rungs provide more independence as you build confidence and skills. This approach recognizes that your needs will change as you progress. You might start with a high level of structure and then gradually transition to programs that give you more freedom to engage with your work, family, and community. Understanding this full spectrum is key to seeing how options like PHP and IOP fit into a comprehensive and successful recovery plan.

What Is Inpatient or Residential Treatment?

At the top of the continuum is inpatient or residential treatment. This is the most intensive level of care, where you live at a treatment facility 24/7. It’s a completely immersive environment designed to provide constant medical supervision and remove you from the triggers and stressors of your daily life. This option is often best for individuals who are just beginning their recovery journey, especially if they are dealing with severe addiction or co-occurring medical conditions that require round-the-clock monitoring. While inpatient care provides a vital, safe start for many, it’s not the only path. Outpatient programs are designed as powerful alternatives or as the next step down, offering structured, evidence-based treatment while allowing you to live at home and stay connected to your support system.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for those who need consistent, structured support but also need the flexibility to maintain work, school, or family commitments. In an IOP, you’ll typically attend therapy sessions for a few hours at a time, several days a week. This schedule provides a solid framework for recovery with group sessions, individual counseling, and skill-building workshops while still allowing you to practice what you learn in your everyday environment. It’s an excellent option if you have a stable home life and are motivated to engage in treatment but need more than a once-a-week therapy session to address substance use challenges effectively.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a more intensive level of care, acting as a bridge for those who need significant support but don’t require 24-hour supervision. Often called day treatment, a PHP involves attending therapy and other clinical activities for several hours a day, five to seven days a week. It’s like a full-time job focused on your recovery. This highly structured environment is ideal if you’re stepping down from residential treatment or need a higher level of care to manage symptoms and prevent relapse. You get the intensity of an inpatient program during the day and the comfort of returning to your own home at night.

What Therapies Are Offered in IOP and PHP?

Whether you choose an IOP or a PHP, you’ll engage in proven, evidence-based therapies that form the backbone of your recovery. Both programs are built around a combination of therapeutic models to help you heal from the inside out. You can expect to participate in individual therapy for one-on-one support, group therapy to connect with peers who understand your experience, and often family therapy to mend important relationships. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are frequently used to help you identify and change destructive thought patterns and behaviors. These core treatments ensure you’re not just stopping substance use but also building the mental and emotional skills for lasting wellness.

Treating Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Substance use and mental health are often deeply intertwined. It’s rare for one to exist without the other, which is why effective addiction treatment must address both simultaneously. Both IOPs and PHPs are specifically designed to treat these co-occurring disorders. The main difference lies in the intensity of care. A PHP provides a highly structured, supervised environment with daily medical and psychiatric oversight. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re dealing with severe symptoms or transitioning from an inpatient facility, as it offers the stability needed to manage both your mental health and substance use challenges in a focused setting.

Core Services: Psychiatric Evaluations, Medication Management, and Life Skills

Beyond therapy, both programs provide essential services to support your whole-person recovery. Treatment typically begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to understand your unique needs and create a tailored plan. If appropriate, medication management is integrated to help stabilize co-occurring mental health conditions, ensuring you have a solid foundation for healing. Just as importantly, these programs focus on practical life skills training to help you rebuild and move forward. This could include anything from financial literacy and resume building to communication skills, all designed to equip you with the confidence and tools for a successful life in recovery.

IOP vs. PHP: How Do the Daily Structures Differ?

When you’re looking at treatment options, the acronyms can feel overwhelming. But understanding the structure of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) versus a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the key to finding the right fit for your life and recovery goals. Both programs offer a solid framework for healing without requiring you to live at a facility, but they differ quite a bit in their intensity, time commitment, and the level of support they provide.

Think of it this way: both paths lead toward recovery, but one is a more immersive, full-time commitment, while the other is designed to integrate more flexibly with your daily responsibilities. The right choice depends on where you are in your journey and how much support you need to feel steady on your feet. Let’s break down the key differences so you can see which structure aligns best with your needs.

Time Commitment: Comparing Program Hours and Frequency

The most significant difference between an IOP and a PHP is the time you’ll spend in treatment each week. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is the more intensive option, essentially acting as a full-time commitment. You can expect to attend sessions daily for about 20 to 30 hours per week. This structure is designed to provide a high level of support and routine.

On the other hand, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers more flexibility. Treatment typically involves about 9 to 12 hours of programming per week, spread across three to five days. This reduced time commitment allows you to continue with work, school, or family obligations while still receiving consistent, meaningful care.

How Much Medical Support Will I Get?

Because a PHP requires more time, it also offers a higher level of clinical care and more direct supervision. This environment is ideal if you need more intensive support to manage your recovery. PHPs often include regular medical check-ins, access to mental health professionals, and a full schedule of individual and group therapy sessions. It’s a step down from residential care but still provides a very contained and supportive setting.

An IOP provides robust clinical support but with more autonomy. It’s a great fit if you have a stable living situation and are ready to practice recovery skills in your everyday environment. You’ll still engage in powerful addiction therapy, but with less day-to-day oversight than in a PHP.

Medical Oversight and Medication Adjustments in PHP

In a Partial Hospitalization Program, you get consistent medical oversight built right into your day. This is about more than just therapy—it’s about caring for your whole self as you heal. With regular access to medical staff, you have a team to help monitor your physical health, manage lingering withdrawal symptoms, and address any other health concerns that come up. This close supervision is especially important if you’re taking medication for your mental health or as part of your recovery. The clinical team can make timely adjustments to your plan, creating a crucial safety net that ensures your treatment is both safe and effective while you build a strong foundation for your future.

Do You Need Flexibility or a Structured Schedule?

Choosing between these programs often comes down to what your daily life needs to look like. An IOP is built for flexibility. The schedule is intentionally designed so you can maintain your job, attend classes, and care for your family while still making your recovery a priority. You learn to apply the tools you gain in therapy directly to real-world situations as they happen.

A PHP provides a highly structured day, which can be incredibly helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a predictable routine to ground you. The full-day schedule removes outside distractions, allowing you to focus completely on your health and well-being. This organized setting helps build a strong foundation before you transition back into your daily life.

How Long Do Programs Last and What’s Next?

The duration of these programs also varies. Because of their intensity, PHPs are typically shorter, often lasting around four to six weeks. IOPs, with their less frequent sessions, usually run longer, from eight to 12 weeks or more, depending on your needs. It’s also common for these programs to be part of a continuum of care.

Many people start in a PHP to build stability and then transition to an IOP as a step-down level of care. This allows you to gradually take on more independence while still having a strong support system in place. This seamless transition ensures you’re never without the right level of support for your stage of recovery.

The Role of Aftercare in Long-Term Success

Completing a PHP or IOP is a massive achievement, but recovery doesn’t stop when the program ends. Think of it as the beginning of a new chapter, not the final page. Aftercare is the structured support that follows your primary treatment, and it’s essential for maintaining your progress in the long run. It’s not an optional add-on but a crucial part of your healing journey, designed to help you apply the skills you’ve learned as you return to your daily routines. This continued guidance provides a safety net, helping you handle real-world challenges and triggers with confidence while solidifying the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to build.

Developing Relapse Prevention Plans and Connecting to Support Groups

A core component of both IOP and PHP is creating a solid relapse prevention plan. This isn’t just a vague idea—it’s a personalized, actionable strategy you develop with your therapist. You’ll learn to identify your specific triggers, practice healthy coping mechanisms, and create a list of people you can call for support when you feel vulnerable. The skills you gain in therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are especially powerful here, as they teach you how to reframe the thought patterns that once led to substance use. This plan becomes your personal roadmap for handling challenges with strength and clarity.

Recovery is not a solo mission; it thrives on connection. Building a strong support network is just as important as your individual plan. The structured environment of a treatment program helps you lay this foundation, and the flexibility of an IOP makes it easier to start attending community support groups like AA or NA. These groups offer a space to share experiences and draw strength from others who truly get it. Your peers from group therapy, supportive family members, and your clinical team all become part of this network, creating a community dedicated to championing your long-term success.

Is IOP or PHP the Right Choice for You?

Deciding on the right level of care is a big step, and it’s all about what fits your life right now. Both Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) offer more structure than weekly therapy, but they serve different needs. Instead of thinking one is “better,” focus on which program aligns with your personal circumstances and recovery goals. Let’s walk through what makes each unique so you can feel confident in your decision.

Who Thrives in an IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a great fit if you have a stable home life but need more support than a weekly therapy session. It’s designed for people who want to build recovery skills while managing daily responsibilities like work or family. You’ll attend therapy for a few hours, several days a week, giving you a solid foundation without putting your life on pause. This structure helps you practice what you learn in real-time, integrating new coping skills into your daily routine.

Ideal for Milder Symptoms and a Strong Support System

An Intensive Outpatient Program is built for flexibility, making it a powerful choice if you have a stable home environment and need to manage work or family responsibilities during treatment. This level of care thrives when you have a solid support system in place because it’s designed to add a clinical framework to your existing life, not replace it entirely. You’ll get the therapeutic structure you need for a few hours each day and then return to your community to apply those skills in real-world settings. It’s ideal if your symptoms don’t require round-the-clock medical supervision but are significant enough that once-a-week therapy isn’t cutting it. You get the consistency of a structured program with the autonomy to keep your life moving forward.

Who Thrives in a PHP?

If you need a more immersive environment to heal, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) might be the right path. A PHP is more intensive than an IOP, offering a full day of structured programming five days a week. It’s an excellent option if you’re transitioning from residential treatment or if your home environment has triggers. This level of care provides a safe, supportive space where you can dedicate your full attention to recovery, surrounded by peers who understand your journey.

Best for Severe Symptoms or an Unstable Home Environment

A PHP is an especially strong choice if you’re managing intense symptoms or if your home life feels more stressful than supportive. The program’s highly structured daily schedule, filled with therapy and clinical activities, offers a predictable and grounding routine when everything else feels chaotic. This immersive environment acts as a buffer from outside triggers, giving you the space to focus completely on your healing. With a higher level of clinical supervision and consistent access to medical and mental health professionals, a Partial Hospitalization Program provides a safe, contained setting to build a solid foundation for recovery before you transition back to your daily life.

Finding Your Community: Why Program Culture Matters

Your environment plays a massive role in recovery. If you have a strong support system, an IOP can help you strengthen those connections. If your home life feels unstable, the consistent community of a PHP can make all the difference. At Mana Recovery, we build our addiction therapy programs around connection and peer support. In either program, you’ll be part of a community that respects your journey and provides the encouragement you need to move forward with strength and dignity.

Am I Eligible for IOP or PHP?

It’s easy to talk yourself out of getting help by thinking you don’t “qualify.” A common myth is that IOP is a last resort, but it’s a proactive step for anyone needing structured support. Another misconception is that PHP is only for the most severe cases. In reality, these programs are for a wide range of needs. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to deserve dedicated care. The best way to know what’s right is to contact us and have a conversation. We’re here to help.

The Importance of a Professional Assessment

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Choosing between an IOP and a PHP is a significant step, and getting it right starts with a professional assessment. This isn’t a test; it’s a confidential conversation with a trained clinician who will listen to your story. Together, you’ll look at your specific needs, daily responsibilities, and the level of clinical support required for you to heal and grow. This collaborative approach ensures your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you, creating a strong foundation for your recovery from the very beginning.

Weighing the Goals and Potential Challenges

Choosing a treatment program isn’t about picking the “best” one—it’s about finding the one that fits your life and your recovery needs right now. Both Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are powerful options, but they are designed with different goals and structures in mind. Understanding these differences is key to making a choice that feels empowering, not overwhelming. One program prioritizes creating an immersive, stable environment, while the other focuses on integrating recovery skills into your existing daily routine.

Each approach comes with its own set of benefits and practical considerations. A highly structured program offers incredible support but demands a significant time commitment, which might mean stepping away from work or other duties. A more flexible program allows you to maintain those responsibilities but requires a greater degree of self-motivation to stay on track. By looking closely at the primary goals and potential challenges of each, you can identify the path that gives you the best chance to build a strong, lasting foundation for your recovery.

Key Goals of a PHP: Stabilization and Skill-Building

The main goal of a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is to provide an intensely focused and structured environment for healing. Think of it as a bridge between residential treatment and returning to daily life, or as a way to get immersive support without needing 24/7 supervision. The highly organized schedule is designed to help you stabilize, manage acute symptoms, and build a solid foundation of coping skills away from outside triggers and stressors. It’s an ideal setting if you need to dedicate your full attention to recovery and benefit from a consistent, supportive routine surrounded by clinical staff and peers.

Potential Downsides: Managing the High Time Commitment

The very thing that makes a PHP so effective—its intensity—is also its biggest practical challenge. Committing to a program for 20 to 30 hours a week is like taking on a full-time job focused entirely on your well-being. This requires you to press pause on work, school, and other significant responsibilities for the duration of the program. While this level of commitment allows for deep therapeutic work and consistent medical oversight, it’s a trade-off that isn’t feasible for everyone. It’s important to honestly assess if you can create the space in your life for this kind of immersive care.

Key Goals of an IOP: Integration and Independence

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed around the goal of integration. It provides a robust therapeutic structure while allowing you to continue living your life—going to work, caring for family, and staying connected to your community. The focus is on learning new skills in therapy and immediately applying them to real-world situations. This approach helps you build confidence and independence by practicing recovery in the environment you’ll be living in long-term. It’s a great fit if you have a stable home life and are ready to actively weave your recovery into your daily routine.

Potential Downsides: The Need for Self-Control

The flexibility of an IOP comes with a greater need for personal accountability. Because you remain in your everyday environment, you will likely face triggers and stressors outside of your therapy sessions. This requires a strong level of self-motivation and a commitment to using the coping skills you’re learning. While you’ll have consistent support from your addiction therapy program, the autonomy of an IOP means you are responsible for managing your choices and actions with less direct supervision. It’s a powerful step, but it works best when you feel ready to handle that independence.

What Does a Day in Treatment Actually Look Like?

Thinking about treatment can feel abstract and even a little intimidating. What do you actually do all day? Understanding the daily rhythm of a program can make the entire process feel more approachable and real. Whether you’re in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), your days are designed with purpose. Each activity, from group sessions to individual therapy, is a building block for your recovery. Let’s walk through what you can expect from a typical day in each program, so you can see how treatment can fit into your life.

What’s a Typical Day in an IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is built to work with your existing schedule. Instead of pausing your life, you integrate treatment into it. You’ll typically attend sessions a few times a week for about three hours each day. These are often scheduled in the morning or evening, making it possible to keep up with your job, school, or family commitments. A day might involve checking in with your group, participating in a therapy session focused on developing coping skills, and setting goals for the days ahead. The focus is on providing substantial support while you continue to handle your daily environment, applying what you learn in real-time.

What’s a Typical Day in a PHP?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a more immersive experience, like a full-time job dedicated to your well-being. You’ll typically spend about 20-30 hours per week in treatment, attending sessions five to seven days a week for several hours each day. This highly structured environment provides a steady rhythm of therapeutic activities, including individual counseling, group therapy, and holistic practices. Because you’re spending more time in a supportive setting, a PHP offers a powerful opportunity to focus entirely on your health and build a strong foundation for recovery before transitioning to a less intensive level of care.

Balancing Treatment with Work, School, and Family

One of the biggest questions people have is, “How can I manage treatment while still handling my responsibilities?” This is where the flexibility of outpatient programs truly shines. IOPs, in particular, are designed for exactly this challenge. You can attend therapy and still go to work, pick up your kids from school, or meet other obligations. This structure isn’t just convenient; it’s therapeutic. It allows you to immediately practice the skills you’re learning in your everyday life and bring real-world challenges back to your therapy sessions. It’s about making recovery a sustainable part of your world, not something that happens in isolation.

What Happens in Therapy and Group Sessions?

At the heart of both IOP and PHP are the connections you build and the skills you learn. A typical day is a blend of different types of addiction therapy. You’ll likely participate in group sessions where you can share experiences and gain perspective from peers who understand what you’re going through. You’ll also have individual therapy to work on personal challenges and goals. Many programs incorporate evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you change thought patterns. At Mana Recovery, you might also engage in our unique Recover Strong program, which uses physical fitness to help heal your mind and body, building resilience from the inside out.

Let’s Talk Logistics: Cost, Insurance, and Access to Care

Making a decision about your recovery involves looking at the real-world details. Things like cost, insurance, and how you’ll get to treatment are just as important as the therapy itself. Let’s break down the practical differences between IOP and PHP so you can see how each one might fit into your life. These programs are designed to be effective and accessible, giving you a solid foundation for recovery without asking you to put your entire life on hold.

The goal is to find a path that feels sustainable. Thinking through these logistics ahead of time can help you commit to a program with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the best fit for your circumstances. At Mana Recovery, we want to make this process as clear as possible, because getting help shouldn’t be confusing.

How Much Does It Cost? A Guide to Insurance Coverage

It’s no secret that cost is a major concern when seeking treatment. Generally, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) costs more than an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) because it includes more hours of therapy and a higher level of clinical support. An IOP can be a more affordable option while still providing significant structure and care.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out alone. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover substance abuse treatment. Our team can help you understand your benefits and what your plan covers. You can verify your insurance with us directly to get a clear picture of the costs. We believe financial stress shouldn’t stand in the way of your recovery.

Considering Location and Your Daily Commute

One of the biggest advantages of both IOP and PHP is that you can live at home while attending treatment. This setup makes recovery more accessible, especially if you have family, work, or housing to maintain. You get the intensive care you need during the day and return to your own space at night.

Of course, you still need to get to the facility. A PHP requires a bigger time commitment on-site, which might be a factor if transportation is a challenge. An IOP offers more flexibility, with fewer hours per week. When considering your options, think about the daily logistics of getting to and from treatment. Our team can also discuss our different program schedules to find one that works for you.

Which Program Leads to Better Long-Term Success?

When you invest your time and energy into a program, you want to know it works. Research shows that structured outpatient programs like IOP and PHP are highly effective for building long-term recovery. Both use proven, evidence-based methods to help you understand the roots of addiction and develop healthy coping skills.

The key is the quality of care and your commitment to the process. Whether in an IOP or a PHP, you’ll participate in addiction therapy that is designed to create lasting change. The goal isn’t just to stop using substances; it’s to build resilience, confidence, and a life where you can thrive. Success comes from consistently showing up and engaging with the tools you’re given.

What Research Says About Program Effectiveness

It’s completely normal to wonder if a program will actually make a difference. The good news is that research consistently supports both IOP and PHP as powerful paths to recovery. These aren’t just random meetings; they are structured treatment models built on proven methods that work. Because both programs use similar types of therapy—like individual counseling, group sessions, and behavioral therapies—they give you the tools to create real change. The consistent schedule helps you build healthy routines, and since you’re living at home, you get to apply what you learn in your daily life right away. This approach helps you build a strong foundation for lasting wellness without having to step away from your community completely.

How to Choose Between IOP and PHP

So, how do you choose? The right program for you depends entirely on your personal needs. If you are stepping down from residential treatment or need significant daily support to stay on track, a PHP provides that immersive structure. If you have work, school, or family duties that you need to balance, an IOP’s flexible schedule might be a better fit.

Take a moment to honestly assess your situation. How much support do you need right now? What are your daily responsibilities? The best first step is to talk with a professional. We can help you evaluate your needs and recommend the level of care that will give you the strongest start. Contact us to have a confidential conversation about your path forward.

Related Articles

• What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
• What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
• Addiction Therapy: What to Expect
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Addiction
• How to Choose the Right Addiction Treatment Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a PHP to an IOP? Yes, absolutely. It’s very common for people to transition from a Partial Hospitalization Program to an Intensive Outpatient Program. Think of it as a natural step in your recovery journey. You might start with the intensive structure of a PHP to build a strong foundation and then move to an IOP as you gain confidence and need more flexibility to integrate back into your daily life. This “step-down” approach ensures you always have the right level of support for where you are.

Will I have to quit my job to attend treatment? Not necessarily. An Intensive Outpatient Program is specifically designed to fit around work, school, or family commitments, with sessions often held a few times a week for a few hours. A Partial Hospitalization Program, however, is more like a full-time job focused on your recovery, requiring 20-30 hours a week. This makes holding a job difficult, but it provides the immersive support some people need to get started. The right choice depends on the balance of structure and flexibility you need.

How do I know if I need more than just weekly therapy? If you feel like your weekly therapy sessions aren’t quite enough to keep you steady, it might be time to consider a more structured program. An IOP or PHP can be the right choice if you find yourself struggling with cravings between appointments, feel that outside triggers are hard to manage, or simply need a stronger community of support to make meaningful progress. These programs provide the daily skills and connection that can make a real difference.

What happens after I complete an IOP or PHP? Finishing a program is a huge accomplishment, but it’s not the end of your journey. Before you complete your time in an IOP or PHP, you will work with your care team to create a continuing care plan. This plan often includes transitioning to a standard outpatient program with less frequent sessions, connecting with support groups, and continuing with individual therapy. The goal is to ensure you have a strong support system in place to help you maintain your progress long-term.

Is my family involved in the treatment process? Addiction often impacts the entire family, so healing those relationships can be a vital part of recovery. Many programs, including ours, offer family therapy as a core part of treatment. This provides a safe space to rebuild trust, improve communication, and help your loved ones understand how to best support you. Your participation in family therapy is based on your individual situation and what feels right for your healing process.