Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a joint process between a therapist and a person in therapy. Common goals of therapy can be to inspire change or improve quality of life. People may seek therapy for help with issues that are hard to face alone. Individual therapy is also called therapy, psychotherapy, psycho-social therapy, talk therapy, and counseling.
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Therapy can help people overcome obstacles to their well-being. It can increase positive feelings, such as compassion and self-esteem. People in therapy can learn skills for handling difficult situations, making healthy decisions, and reaching goals. Many find they enjoy the therapeutic journey of becoming more self-aware. Also, some people go to ongoing therapy for self-growth.
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WHEN IS IT BEST TO SEEK THERAPY?
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It's time to seek therapy if an issue causes distress or interferes with daily life. Distress can mean negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or even a bodily sensation such as pain or fatigue. It is important not to wait until symptoms become severe before going to therapy. It may be best to seek therapy if you are often unhappy or feel overwhelmed and hopeless about issues in your life.
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Therapy can also help if you cannot focus on work or school or are experiencing addiction.
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Some people may avoid treatment, and there are many reasons for this.
Some of these reasons include:
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Worry about the stigma that can come with mental health care
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Feelings of shame when speaking about past hurts
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Not wanting to acknowledge that anything is wrong
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Fear that discussions in treatment will not stay confidential
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Money issues
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Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) show mental health issues are common in the United States. In fact, 1 in 5 adults may be affected. It may help to remember that therapists are trained professionals who provide support and maintain confidentiality. They are used to helping people work through painful or embarrassing issues.
Trained therapists help people make lifestyle changes. They can also help identify underlying causes of symptoms and provide strategies for changing unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Therapy can equip people with the skills to manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life.
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WHAT CAN PSYCHOTHERAPY HELP WITH?
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Therapy can help treat mental, emotional, physical, and behavioral issues.
Concerns that may be discussed in therapy include, but are not limited to:
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