What is Individual Therapy, and How does it Work?

Individual therapy is one type of psychotherapy in which a trained professional helps a single person work through personal issues they have been facing. It is an effective treatment for a variety of emotional difficulties and mental illnesses. Also known as talk therapy, it can help improve or control symptoms that influence an individual’s well-being.

How does Individual Therapy Work?

Therapy sessions give individuals the opportunity to confidentially talk through problems or situations with a trained professional. It does not necessarily make problems disappear, but it equips individuals with the tools needed to cope with them more appropriately.

This type of therapy may be used in conjunction with other types of mental and behavioral health treatment, such as family therapy or substance abuse counseling.

What to Expect from a Therapy Session

Individual therapy is useful for many types of situations that cause stress, anger, grief or conflict. In a comfortable, private setting, an individual and a therapist will explore many different important issues, including (but not limited to):

• Expression of thoughts and emotions
• Behavior patterns
• Problem solving
• Conflict resolution
• Strengths and weaknesses

Individual therapy may be short-term (focusing on immediate issues) or long-term (delving into more complex problems). The number of sessions and the frequency of appointments depends on the individual’s situation and the recommendations of the therapist.

The exact way in which this therapy is implemented tends to vary depending on the issues in question, the practices of the therapist and the needs of the individual.

7 Reasons Therapy Might be Right for you

Some people are hesitant to sign up for therapy because of a stigma about mental illness. However, individual therapy is beneficial to all types of people who may be experiencing any one of these common issues:

1. Extreme emotions, like sadness or anger
2. Recent trauma, such as death of a loved one or divorce
3. Substance abuse
4. Problems at work
5. Loss of enjoyment of activities
6. Strained family and/or personal relationships
7. Concern from friends or family

The Benefits of Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is an effective treatment for many types of mental, emotional and behavioral health issues. But, it can also help people who are facing difficult life situations, or would like to develop healthier, more functional personal habits.

Therapy sessions can provide these seven types of benefits and more:

1. Adding to your support network
2. Gaining a better understanding of yourself
3. Learning how to handle emotions
4. Identifying underlying causes of symptoms
5. Providing coping strategies
6. Managing symptoms
7. Facilitating lifestyle changes

Whatever your issues may be, therapy can be a life-changing experience. Advantage Care Health Centers provides mental and behavioral health services for individuals that work to improve overall wellness. If you want to find out more about how our community health center can be of assistance, contact us today.