Individual Therapy Benefits, Types, and Information
Individual Therapy Benefits, Types, and Information
Individual therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the individual works one-on-one with their therapist or psychologist. There are many different individual therapy techniques, and many therapists have specialties.
Different individuals may benefit from different kinds of individual therapy. I work from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model, and am working on training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
How Individual Therapy Works
In individual therapy sessions, the client and therapist have the opportunity to work closely together, build a trusting relationship, and really address any issues arising. In comparison to group therapy, the focus is on the single client and the relationship, rather than the process of the group as a whole.
The various individual therapy techniques offer different modalities to help individuals address difficulties, gain insight, and build new coping mechanisms. Together with a therapist, you can uncover the difficulties you are facing and cultivate new perspectives and actions. A therapist is on your side, and the relationship is built with a strong foundation of trust. Over time, individual therapy sessions allow the relationship to mature and deepen.
If you are interested in online one-on-one therapy sessions and are in the state of California, you can schedule a consultation for free with me here. If you aren’t in California, I offer personal coaching sessions remotely as well!
Individual Therapy Benefits
There are many benefits of individual therapy which have been found in various studies. Different types of individual therapy may have different benefits, but here are a few well-researched individual therapy benefits:
- May provide longer-lasting benefits than psychopharmacological treatments for some conditions
- Effective across age ranges, including children, adults, and older adults
- Benefits of individual therapy may actually grow after treatment is complete
- Therapy may help individuals suffering from anxiety and depression return to a level of functioning similar to a person not afflicted with a mood disorder
- Especially effective in addressing a huge range of issues in children and adolescents
- Overall, individual psychotherapy may reduce medical utilization and expenses
- May reduce level of disability and morbidity and improve work and relationship functioning in those with mental health disorders
- A strong link between therapeutic interventions, mental health, and overall phyiscal health
- Less side effects than many pharmacological treatment methods
- Improve mood and health in those with chronic health conditions
You can view the Recognition of Psychotherapy Effectiveness from the American Psychological Association to learn more about the benefits of therapy sessions and find the actual research to back these claims.
Types of Individual Therapy
There are many types of individual therapy, with different indivudal situations calling for different modalities and methods. There aren’t individul therapy techniques that are perfect for everyone, and some are more effective than others with specific individuals. Here are a few of the most common types of individual therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a relatively short-term therapeutic modality that focuses on the way an individual thinks and behaves in order to improve the way they feel. It has been found to be useful in treating mood disorders, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is a relatively new form of therapy that focuses on the building of new skills to ease difficulties. Skill modules include mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a type of indivudal therapy used frequently to help treat trauma and related disorders. Using bilateral stimulation, the therapist helps the individual process and remove blockages both psychologically and physically.
MBCT
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is a form of CBT that encourages the practices of mindfulness and meditation. This individual therapy technique helps individuals familiarize themselves with states of mind surrounding difficulties, disorders, and contentment.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivation Interviwing is a relatively new form of psychotherapy that focuses on building motivation to spark change. It’s been found to be especially effective in working with addiction and substance use disorders.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy is not a solution-oriented therapy like CBT and DBT. Instead, the goal of therapy sessions is to have the client see patterns of thoughts and behaviors more clearly. Rooted in Freudian psychoanalysis, this therapy technique often turns toward childhood experiences.
Feminist Theory
Feminist Theory evolved due to the overwhelming presence of male-dominated theories. Most who seek therapy are female, and feminist theory offers a format that meets the needs of all clients and therapists with more care, dedicated effort, and equality.
Solution-Focused
Solution-Focused Therapy is a broad form of psychotherapy in which the name says it all. The therapist works individually with a client to help assess how they have solved problems in the past, what exceptions to the problem may be present, and how they can move forward.
Existential Therapy
Existential Therapy aims to offer a holistic approach to therapy sessions. It’s a therapy technique that doesn’t just focus on the past, but seeks to look at the whole of the individual’s experience without judgement.
Getting Started with Individual Therapy
A key factor in any therapeutic relationship is communication. Effective communication requires trust, and trust can take time to build. Getting started with individual therapy sessions may be scary, but a good therapist will work with you, listen without judgement, and help you gain clarity and insight into your experience. You can use the button below to contact me and get started with individual therapy sessions remotely!
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