DUI Therapy in Durango, Colorado
Finding Support After a DUI: How Preferred Counseling in Durango Can Help
n Durango, Colorado, Preferred Counseling is a licensed therapy provider approved by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health to offer DUI therapy services. For many, this type of therapy is an essential step after receiving a DUI, as the state mandates it for offenders. The experience of getting a DUI can be overwhelming, and Preferred Counseling is here to provide guidance, support, and a pathway toward healing and growth.
Why Therapy is Mandated for DUI Offenders
In Colorado, as in many other states, DUI therapy is required as part of the legal consequences following a conviction for driving under the influence. The intention behind this mandate isn't just punitive; it’s rooted in rehabilitation and prevention. DUI therapy aims to help individuals address the underlying factors that led to their offense. Whether it's substance abuse, emotional distress, or poor decision-making patterns, therapy offers a structured space for reflection and change.
The goal is to reduce the likelihood of reoffending by giving people the tools to understand their behaviors, identify triggers, and build healthier coping mechanisms. It’s not simply about meeting legal requirements—it’s about truly addressing the root cause of risky behaviors that can lead to another DUI or other life-altering issues.
The Emotional Impact of a DUI
Getting a DUI is a frightening, often shameful experience. Many individuals feel an immediate rush of regret, fear, and anxiety. There can be feelings of guilt about the risks they posed to others on the road, as well as frustration about how their life has been affected—fines, legal fees, court appearances, and even potential job loss or strained relationships.
A DUI conviction can feel like an isolating event. It's common to feel judged by others, or even worse, to internalize self-judgment, leading to cycles of shame and negative self-worth. These emotional responses can, in some cases, feed into the very issues that contributed to the DUI in the first place—whether it's dependence on alcohol or a habit of making reckless choices when under stress.
Preferred Counseling in Durango recognizes these emotional struggles and offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can work through these feelings with professional support.
Tracks A through F, What are the Differences?
Track A DUI Therapy
- Who: Usually first-time DUI/DWAI offenders with a lower BAC (under 0.15) and minimal substance-related risk factors.
- Length of Therapy: 42 total hours of therapy over approximately 21 weeks (group typically meets 2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- Group therapy sessions focusing on education, risk-awareness, and basic relapse-prevention tools.
- May include brief individual check-ins with a counselor.
Track B DUI Therapy
- Who: Often first-time offenders with a higher BAC (0.15+), or those whose evaluation suggests moderate risk factors.
- Length of Therapy: 52 total hours of therapy over approximately 26 weeks (2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- Group therapy with more emphasis on coping skills, substance use patterns, and lifestyle changes.
- Possible additional requirements like random testing.
Track C DUI Therapy
- Who: Typically individuals with two or more alcohol/drug-related driving offenses, or who demonstrate a higher level of substance use risk.
- Length of Therapy: 68 total hours of therapy over approximately 34 weeks (2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- More extensive group therapy focused on deeper behavioral changes, addiction topics, and relapse prevention.
- Closer monitoring, possible individual therapy sessions, and structured recovery goals.
Track D DUI Therapy
- Who: Multiple repeat offenses, significant history of substance misuse, or other high-risk factors identified in clinical evaluation.
- Length of Therapy: 86 total hours of therapy over approximately 43 weeks (2 hours/week).
- What’s Included:
- Long-term, intensive group therapy aimed at addressing chronic substance misuse and persistent high-risk behaviors.
- May include more frequent individual sessions, psychiatric/medical referrals, and ongoing compliance checks.
Track F DUI Therapy
- Who: Often assigned for multiple DUI convictions that rise to the level of a felony DUI (for example, fourth or subsequent offenses) or individuals deemed to need very intensive and extended treatment.
- Length of Therapy: Can extend beyond the standard timelines. Exact hours and duration are determined by severity and court/clinical requirements. Generally Track F participants can expect 180 total hours of therapy over approximately 18 months.
- What’s Included:
- Comprehensive, long-term treatment planning, often involving multi-agency coordination (court, probation, treatment, possibly mental health services).
- Rigorous monitoring, possible specialized groups or additional supports like sober living requirements.
How Therapy Can Be a Positive Step Forward
One of the most important things to understand about DUI therapy is that it’s an opportunity, not just an obligation. Preferred Counseling works with individuals to help them understand how they ended up in this situation, and more importantly, how to prevent it from happening again. Therapy is about empowering clients to take control of their lives, improve their mental health, and learn new strategies for coping with life’s challenges.
Here are some of the benefits of participating in DUI therapy at Preferred Counseling:
- Preventing future offenses: By identifying the behaviors, beliefs, or circumstances that contributed to the DUI, clients can learn how to make better choices in the future.
- Tackling substance use or addiction: For many, a DUI is a wake-up call about alcohol or drug dependence. Therapy provides a structured approach to understanding and overcoming addiction.
- Improving mental health: Often, there are deeper emotional issues that need to be addressed. DUI therapy can help individuals work through depression, anxiety, or trauma that may have played a role in their actions.
- Rebuilding self-esteem: A DUI can take a toll on one’s self-image. Therapy helps individuals rebuild confidence and self-worth through reflection and personal growth.
What to Expect in DUI Therapy
At Preferred Counseling, DUI therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Therapy sessions will generally explore the following areas:
- Personal Accountability: Clients will reflect on the actions that led to their DUI and take responsibility for their behavior. This isn't about blaming or shaming, but about understanding personal choices and how they impact others.
- Exploring Triggers: Whether it's social pressure, emotional pain, or an ingrained habit, clients will explore what triggers their risky behaviors. Identifying these triggers is key to preventing future DUIs.
- Building Coping Strategies: Clients will learn practical tools to cope with stress, peer pressure, or emotional challenges without resorting to alcohol or drugs. These strategies may include mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, or developing new social supports.
- Substance Use Assessment: For individuals struggling with addiction or substance misuse, therapy will involve a detailed look at their relationship with alcohol or drugs. Clients will work with therapists to develop a plan for recovery, whether that’s through continued therapy, 12-step programs, or other support systems.
- Understanding the Impact: Therapy also focuses on understanding the broader consequences of a DUI. Clients will discuss how their actions affect others, from loved ones to strangers on the road, and how they can make amends, either through restorative actions or by committing to safer behaviors in the future.
Goal Setting: Finally, therapy is about looking forward. Clients will set realistic, achievable goals for their future—whether it's staying sober, rebuilding relationships, or improving their mental health.
A Path Toward Healing
A DUI is often seen as a life-altering event, and it certainly can be—but it doesn’t have to define someone’s future. With the support of Preferred Counseling, individuals can move beyond their mistakes and create a healthier, more fulfilling life. Therapy is about more than just checking off a legal requirement; it’s about truly learning, growing, and healing.
If you or someone you know has received a DUI, consider reaching out to Preferred Counseling in Durango. With their licensed and compassionate team, they can help you navigate the challenges of this difficult time, guiding you toward better choices, stronger mental health, and a brighter future.
Preferred Counseling’s mission is to provide not only a mandated service but a space for real transformation and hope.
Bradley Hargett
M.A., LPC, NCC
Bradley Hargett is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) at Preferred Counseling in Durango, Colorado. He specializes in DUI & DWAI therapy, helping individuals navigate substance-related legal issues through compassionate and effective counseling. Bradley also facilitates state-mandated classes, providing education and support for clients seeking positive life changes.
With a Master’s degree in Counseling and extensive experience in addiction recovery, Bradley uses evidence-based techniques tailored to each client’s needs. His supportive and non-judgmental approach empowers clients to build healthier habits and achieve long-term success, making him a trusted resource for personal growth and recovery.
Contact
1315 Main Avenue
Suite 212
Durango, CO 81301
DUI Classes and Therapy in Durango, Pagosa Springs, Ignacio, Bayfield, Silverton, Mancos, Cortez and Beyond.
Fees
Intake Fee $50
Group Sessions $40
Individual Sessions $100
Couple Sessions $120
Sliding scale: apply for eligibility
Pay by Cash, Check, Credit Card
DWAI Therapy in Durango, Colorado
DWAI Classes in Durango, Colorado
DUI Therapy in Durango, Colorado