Living with a mental health condition can make many aspects of daily life more challenging. Getting treatment and support can help people manage their symptoms. It can also help people develop skills to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Individual therapy is a common mental health intervention. People may engage in individual therapy sessions to address a wide range of mental health conditions.
Participating in counseling can help people explore their thoughts and behaviors. It can help people process experiences and examine emotions. Many people find therapy to be an essential aspect of managing their mental health condition.
This article will explore what to expect in one-on-one counseling. You will learn:
- The benefits of attending individual therapy
- What to expect during therapy
- Where to find mental health treatment
If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment and support are available at New Jersey Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or to set up an intake appointment.
What is Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy is a type of one-on-one talk therapy. During individual psychotherapy sessions, individuals work with a licensed mental health provider to address broad or specific concerns. People may talk about emotions, examine thought and behavior patterns, learn new coping skills, and more.
Individual therapy can help people address a range of conditions, including:
- Grief
- Anxiety disorder
- Relationship problems
- Situational anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
People may also attend therapy during treatment for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and other mental health conditions.
Mental health professionals may use many types of evidence-based therapy when working individually with clients. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common forms of therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented form of therapy. This type of therapy includes identifying harmful thought patterns that impact behaviors and emotions. People work to change their thoughts, which may result in personal growth in specific areas.
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis helps people explore their unconscious motivations, which may contribute to their behaviors. By learning about themselves more deeply, people can use this knowledge to change destructive thoughts and behaviors.
Humanistic Therapy
This approach affirms a person’s capacity for growth and change. It advocates that the client is an expert in their own inner experiences. Throughout the therapeutic process, the therapist is there to support the client’s work.
Many trained professionals use a variety of therapeutic techniques when working with clients. Some people attend long-term individual therapy, and some use it to manage situational concerns.
What are the Benefits of One-on-One Therapy?
People may attend individual therapy sessions as part of a mental health treatment plan. People may also choose to attend individual or group therapy independently of other treatments.
There are many benefits of individual therapy. Here is an overview of some of the most significant benefits of attending one-on-one counseling.
Better problem-solving abilities
People sometimes feel “stuck” in their feelings or behaviors. Working with a therapist can help people look at their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a new light. They can learn new strategies to address their issues. They may also develop more resilience and flexibility, which can lead to improvements in solving their problems.
Reduced stress
Working with a licensed mental health provider can help people explore the underlying causes of their stress. Instead of simply “putting up” with stress, people can learn new strategies to manage it. They can address the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors contributing to stress, leading to less of it.
Behavioral changes
People work with a counselor during therapy to identify and change destructive behaviors. They may set specific goals and work toward them. Or, they may begin by talking more generally about their experiences before identifying destructive behaviors. Participating in therapy allows people to make meaningful, lasting behavioral changes that can impact other aspects of their lives.
Emotional regulation
Participating in one-on-one therapy allows people to learn about their thoughts and feelings. Thinking differently about emotions can help people feel more in control of them. Learning about feelings and being more in control can lead to less stress and fewer destructive behaviors.
Individual therapy can help people manage stress, improve functioning, have healthier relationships, and more. People may attend therapy as part of a mental health treatment plan or choose to engage in counseling independently.
What to Expect From Individual Therapy
During your first session, your therapist will likely ask questions about your needs, concerns, or goals. You may spend a few sessions developing rapport. Getting to know each other is an integral part of the process. You may share as much information as you are comfortable providing.
In other sessions, you and your therapist will work together to help you reach your goals. You may talk about emotions, develop skills, process experiences, and more. No two people have the same experiences in therapy, so your journey will be unique.
Every licensed mental health professional must maintain strict standards of confidentiality. What you share during therapy will be confidential.
Many people meet with a therapist once a week. Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes. You will work with your therapist to determine how many sessions you attend and a general treatment schedule.
Find Mental Health Treatment Now
If you, a friend, or a family member requires mental health treatment or support, you are not alone. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.