Individual Therapy
Individual therapy sessions are 50+ minutes. During that time, we will focus on your current concerns while working towards your overall treatment goals. I ensure that sessions are collaborative and will meet you where you are ready to begin.
For those interested, I also provide more structured approaches for trauma (Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure), chronic pain (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain), and insomnia (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). Please contact me if you wish to explore these options as- depending on the approach- sessions can last 90 minutes.
Currently, sessions are only being offered online through Doxy.me (a HIPAA compliant and end-to-end encrypted telehealth platform). While COVID-19 forced many of us to telework, you might be wondering if therapy can be as effective online as in person. This is a great question, one that has been studied and produced peer-reviewed scientific articles. Long story short, yes! Many studies find the benefits of teletherapy to be just as effective as in person. Want to take a look for yourself? Check out this article. In addition, teletherapy offers the added benefits of convenience, no drive time, and being able to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Individual therapy, also known as one-on-one therapy or counseling, is a confidential and personalized therapeutic process that focuses on the unique needs and challenges of an individual. With the guidance of a trained therapist, individual therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and personal growth. This page explores the benefits, process, and effectiveness of individual therapy.
Benefits of Individual Therapy
Personalized Attention: Individual therapy offers a dedicated space where you can openly and confidentially discuss your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. The therapist focuses solely on your needs, tailoring the therapy to your specific goals.
Emotional Support: Through the therapeutic relationship, you can receive empathy, understanding, and validation for your experiences, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression.
Self-Exploration: Individual therapy provides an opportunity for deep self-reflection, helping you gain insight into your thoughts, behaviors, and patterns. This increased self-awareness fosters personal growth and empowers you to make positive changes.
Skill Development: Your therapist can teach you practical skills and coping strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, improve communication, and navigate challenging situations more effectively.
Confidentiality: Individual therapy ensures the highest level of privacy, allowing you to discuss sensitive or personal matters without fear of judgment or disclosure.
Process of Individual Therapy
Initial Assessment: The therapy process begins with an initial assessment, where you and the therapist discuss your concerns, goals, and relevant background information. This helps the therapist understand your unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Therapeutic Relationship: Building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and collaboration is a fundamental aspect of individual therapy. The therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself openly.
Goal Setting: Together with your therapist, you establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals guide the therapy process and provide a sense of direction and purpose.
Therapy Techniques: Your therapist will utilize various evidence-based techniques and interventions tailored to your needs. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness practices, and others.
Ongoing Support: Individual therapy typically involves regular sessions, typically weekly or bi-weekly, to maintain continuity and progress. The duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals.
Effectiveness of Individual Therapy
Research-supported: Individual therapy has a substantial body of research supporting its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Personalized Approach: Individual therapy allows for a highly personalized approach, addressing your unique circumstances, strengths, and challenges. This tailored approach increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Individual therapy ensures the utmost privacy and confidentiality, creating a safe space for you to explore sensitive or deeply personal issues.
Lasting Benefits: Individual therapy equips you with lifelong skills and insights that can positively impact various areas of your life, even after therapy concludes.
Holistic Well-being: Individual therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being, helping you develop a comprehensive understanding of yourself and fostering holistic growth.
Conclusion
Individual therapy offers a personalized and confidential therapeutic experience tailored to your unique needs. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, self-exploration, and evidence-based techniques, individual therapy empowers you to overcome challenges, cultivate self-awareness, and make positive changes in your life. Consider individual therapy as a valuable resource on your journey towards self-discovery, healing, and personal