Individual Counseling

Individual psychotherapy, or counseling, is an interaction between a client and a therapist with some stated objectives and goals.  Individual therapy can be useful in resolving conflicts and exploring and changing historical behaviors and thoughts that interfere with productive daily functioning.  While there are many theories about psychotherapy, most professionals agree that the primary curative component of individual counseling is the relationship with the therapist. Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and trust is an important part of the therapeutic process.

Societal norms often create stigma around seeking mental health care. There may be an implied message that only people with severe mental health concerns seek counseling. This message is unfortunate since many people can benefit from seeing a mental health professional about both small and large issues. Topics for care may include: relationship issues, family dynamics, anxiety and nervousness, addicition, depressed mood, learning disorders, career concerns, loneliness, aging, experience with oppression due to sexism, racism, ageism or other prejudice, sexual assault, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, body image, stress, financial insecurity, declining health, grief, and self-esteem.

LINKS:

• American Psychological Association
• American Counseling Association
• National Association of Social Workers