INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, WHAT IS IT AND WHAT DO I DO? 

Congratulations on looking for a therapist and trying to figure out what will be best for you! It can seem like it requires endurance, when all you’re trying to do is get your mental health needs met. The good news is there are lots and lots of great therapy practices! And a practice or a therapist that’s a great fit for one person, doesn’t mean that it is for you! All that matters is what works for you. Whether you feel nervous, doubtful, unsure, excited, and/or anything else, let’s chat, when/if you’re ready. Just because we talk, doesn’t mean you have to start therapy!

 

Rising Sun does not compete with other providers for “business”. We seek to support you on improving your mental health and life in ways that work for you, or to recommend those who can! We are proud to know so many competent, highly skilled practitioners and happily make referrals.

 

“What is Individual Therapy?”

Individual psychotherapy, often referred to simply as therapy or counseling, is a form of mental health treatment where an individual meets one-on-one with a trained therapist. The primary goal of individual psychotherapy is to help the person address and overcome emotional and psychological challenges, improve their mental well-being, and work towards personal growth and positive change. To see some kinds of issues tackled in individual therapy, see below.

“What am I supposed to do when I get there?”

Actually, there is no “supposed to”. You need to show up. That is the brave step you can take to begin the process. Your therapist will not expect you to perform, to already know, to act a particular way, or to cry or not cry. You just show up and be however you are that day.

 

“How will I know if I’m with the right therapist?”

Building, establishing, and growing a strong therapeutic rapport is (almost) everything! Research on therapy stresses the importance of an individual’s rapport with the therapist to achieving improvement in the individual’s well-being. Ideally a therapist is warm, interested, curious, skilled, competent, and demonstrates care and caring.

 

A good fit means that you are receiving personalized care. Some forms of therapy use a single pre-determined method and approach. There are many therapists wonderfully skilled at that. Ideally, your therapist will use a personalized and individualized method tailored to your needs. As your needs change over time, that may mean the approach changes too. You may feel a better fit with an eclectic approach that melds.

 

Cultural, Identity, and Lifestyle Competencies are important areas in which a therapist has foundational training, clinical experience, and ongoing education. A competent therapist can foster a deeper connection with clients seeking understanding and acceptance.

 

Honoring and Practicing a Holistic Approach can mean that the therapist understands the importance of not only mental health but also physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. An extensive network of medical and holistic professionals, as well as other mental health professionals, enable a therapist to make recommendations to those with the requisite training. Holistic practices and vast networks which allow for collaboration can appeal to individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to their overall health.

 

Types of issues for individual therapy

People seek out a therapist for a wide range of issues. Some people go for a single particular issue that they would like assistance processing. Others seek therapist for more long term or chronic issues. A person’s therapy journey isn’t measured in duration of sessions and two people with the same issue, let’s say depressive feelings, won’t have the same experience, journey, or duration of therapy necessarily. Below are merely some examples of why people may go to therapy. If your “issue” isn’t on this list that means the list is incomplete and your reason deserves to be on the list!   

Here’s the current imperfect list:

 

People seek treatment because they seek to be understood.

People seek treatment because they want to feel better.

People seek treatment because they want a judgment-free zone in which to share.

People seek treatment for recent events as well as past events.

People seek treatment for generally feeling awful.

People seek treatment because they don’t know why they feel so bad.

People seek treatment because they feel embarrassed or shameful about feeling bad.

People seek treatment because they want to live differently, feel differently, not have anxiety rule their life, not feel dread when thinking about a certain situation or person.

People seek treatment because someone keeps telling them it would be a good idea, even if they aren’t fully on board with the idea of therapy.

People seek treatment to talk about, process and heal from adverse childhood experiences. (No there is no definition of what “counts” as “bad enough”.)

People seek treatment because parenting is really freaking hard and we seeking a space open to discussing parenting difficulties and possible strategies.

People go to therapy in the hopes of understanding and improving their relationships: romantic, family, work, friends, neighbors, and more.

People want to process and heal from traumatic experiences

People want to cope with work-related stress, relationship struggles, family stress, or major life changes.

People was less feelings of sadness and hopelessness

People was to have interest in activities again.

People are sick and tired of excessive worry, or panic attacks.

People want freedom from phobias.

People want to work on self-esteem issues and build and maintain a positive self-image.

People want to explore their identity, including issues related to race, gender, sexuality, and/or cultural identity.

People are scared of living any longer the way they are living.

People want help with behavioral issues, like addressing substance use or behavioral addictions. Or working on issues related to disordered eating and body image. Or maybe they aren’t sure if there are issues for them but want to understand better.

People want to explore and manage anger issues.

People want to cope with physical health issues like chronic illness, learning to better manage the emotional impact of living with chronic health conditions. Or how to cope with the psychological aspects of chronic pain.

People was personal growth and development. They seek to explore one’s values, goals, and sense of purpose.

People want to enhance interpersonal communication and assertiveness.

People want emotional regulation skills to learn to manage and regulate emotions effectively.

People want to understand mindfulness and well-being to incorporate mindfulness-based stress-reduction techniques into daily life.

People found out that their parentage isn’t as they thought and want to talk about this experience.

People are embarrassed because of a dating experience and want to explore more about why and how.

People were catfished, or scammed, or victimized in some way that they feel compelled to hide and protect and need someone to listen and understand.

People have tried therapy before and had a bad experience and are trying again, and that’s very brave.