Individual Therapy

Individual therapy, also known as talk therapy or psychotherapy, is a form of mental health treatment where you meet one-on-one with a trained therapist to address emotional, behavioral, or mental concerns. Individual therapy can take many forms, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and DBT therapy, among others.

What is Individual Therapy?

Individual Therapy Process

The individual therapy process typically begins with an assessment session, where the therapist and individual discuss their concerns and goals for therapy. The therapist will then develop a treatment plan that may involve a combination of techniques and interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.

The following therapy sessions will work through the issues identified in the assessment session, with the goal of developing emotional well-being and overall feelings of well-being. The frequency and length of these therapy sessions vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals.

  • Assessing concerns and individual goals
  • Developing techniques and interventions
  • Working through issues in assessment
  • Continuing progress to personal need

How Does Individual Therapy Work?

The exact mechanisms underlying how individual therapy works change based on the approach, but in general, therapy works by providing a safe, supportive environment for you to explore and work through concerns.

With many techniques and skills, therapists help you gain insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while sharpening your skills to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Individual therapy is an evidence-based treatment, meaning its positive effects have been proven for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use.

Benefits of Individual Therapy

Individual therapy has many outstanding benefits, including effectively treating a range of mental health conditions and distressing symptoms. Therapy can finally provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to discuss concerns and receive support and validation without fear.

Through therapy, you can also improve your interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and feeling of wellness. Working with a trained therapist, you can develop the right coping skills to help you better your condition, symptoms, emotions, thoughts, and relationships.

  • Proven treatment for mental health
  • Long- or short-term therapy options
  • DBT, CBT, and EMDR approaches
  • Improved relationships and feelings
  • Better coping skills and symptoms
  • Boosts positive thoughts and actions

Individual Therapy Experience

Individual therapy experiences begin with an assessment where the therapist and you discuss the big concerns and goals for therapy. Following sessions work on the issues you identify in the initial assessment until emotional well-being and overall function have improved. While the therapy process can be challenging, emotional, and hard work at times, most people experience therapy as a supportive, helpful experience that can lead to real improvements in your mental health and well-being.

What is Individual Therapy Like?

Individual therapy depends on your needs and goals—as well as the approach used by the therapist. In general, therapy means meeting one-on-one with a trained therapist in a safe setting to discuss emotional, behavioral, or mental concerns.

During these sessions, your therapist may use different techniques and exercises to help you gain insight into thoughts and behaviors while you form positive coping skills to manage symptoms. Therapy can be both difficult and meaningful, but most patients discover they can get effective support and guidance from their trusted therapists.