While taking care of one’s mental health has always been important, over the past several years in particular, an extra emphasis has been placed on shining a light on the importance of mental health and how it can have a profound impact on not just your physical health but overall well-being.
While most people have heard the term individual therapy, they may not be familiar with all that it entails. If you or a loved one is considering individual therapy for mental health treatment, keep reading to learn more about what it is, how it works, what to expect, and how SoCal Empowered of Idaho can help with mental health counseling.
What is Individual Therapy?
When most people hear the word therapy, what they picture is individual therapy.
Also known as talk therapy, individual therapy takes place in a one-on-one setting between a therapist or counselor and the person who is in therapy. During these therapy sessions, the therapist may steer the conversation in a specific direction or the conversation may bounce around, all with the goal of addressing whatever emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges that led to the person going to therapy in the first place.
Some common mental health challenges that can be addressed in therapy include:
- Stress
- Grief
- Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- Relationship problems
Providing a safe one-on-one setting makes it easier for the walls to be broken down so that both the therapist and the person in therapy can get to the root causes of their issue in order to address those issues in a healthy and productive manner.
How Does Individual Therapy Work?
Whether it’s at a private practice or a facility such as SoCal Empowered of Idaho, individual therapy starts with a consultation or initial intake session. During this first meeting, both you and your therapist have an opportunity to get to know each other better. For the therapist, this provides them with important information such as the person’s background, current concerns or issues, and ultimately their goal for therapy. On the flip side, during this initial consultation, the person has the opportunity to ask any questions that they may have for the therapist and decide if they feel comfortable moving forward with the therapist that they are meeting with.
Therapy in Idaho only works if there is trust there, therefore it is important that the person in therapy find a therapist or counselor that they trust and feel comfortable opening up to.
Types of Therapy
Once the initial intake session has been completed and both parties agree to move forward with therapy, the therapist will determine which type or types of therapy may be most beneficial for the individual and their needs.
Some common therapy techniques that a therapist or counselor may use include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Emphasizes emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Psychodynamic Therapy – Explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand current behaviors.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Encourages present-moment awareness and stress reduction.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy – Concentrates on finding practical solutions to immediate problems.
In some cases, a therapist may use multiple techniques, or, they may use none of the techniques listed above and use an alternative form of therapy based on the needs of the individual.
What To Expect in an Individual Therapy Session
For some, their apprehension as it relates to therapy is they don’t know what to expect. Their knowledge of therapy may be limited to stories they have been told by others or the portrayal of therapy in TV and movies.
With that in mind, here are some things you can expect when attending individual therapy so you can shed some of those nerves or apprehensions:
- Check-In – Sessions often begin with a brief check-in to discuss how you’ve been feeling since the last meeting.
- Exploration – The bulk of the session focuses on exploring specific issues, thoughts, or experiences. This may involve discussing your feelings, identifying patterns, or working through challenges.
- Skill-Building – Depending on your goals, your therapist may teach coping skills, relaxation techniques, or other tools to help manage stress and emotions.
- Wrap-Up – Sessions usually conclude with a summary of what was discussed and any actionable steps to work on before the next meeting. The next appointment will also be scheduled at this time if needed.
Therapy sessions can range anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and are typically conducted either weekly or biweekly based on the recommendation of the therapist. Therapy can also be reoccurring for extended periods of time or only be used briefly.
It’s also important to remember that everything said in therapy is 100% confidential. The only time a therapist may share what is discussed in a therapy session is if the therapist feels that there is a legitimate risk that the person may try to harm themselves or others. This confidentiality encourages those in therapy to be open and honest as it relates to their struggles so they can be addressed in a healthy and productive manner.
Benefits of Seeking Therapy
The benefits of going to therapy differ for everyone based on their initial reason for seeking therapy in the first place.
There are some universal benefits of therapy, such as:
- Personal Growth – Therapy supports personal growth by fostering resilience, goal-setting, and a stronger sense of purpose.
- Improving Well-Being – Therapy provides a safe space to process and release pent-up emotions, reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Improving Relationships – Therapy can improve your communication skills, emotional regulation, and ability to set healthy boundaries, positively impacting your relationships.
- Healing (Particularly From Trauma) – Therapy offers a pathway to healing, providing techniques to process and move forward.
- Improving Problem-Solving Skills – Therapists can guide you in developing practical problem-solving strategies to address challenges effectively.
- Coping Strategies – Learn practical tools to manage stress, navigate challenges, and maintain emotional balance in your daily life.
- Improving Self-Awareness – By exploring your thoughts and behaviors, therapy helps you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, leading to greater self-acceptance and confidence.
- Increasing Resilience – Therapy helps you build resilience by equipping you with tools to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
- Stress Reduction – Chronic stress can manifest physically. Therapy can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension by addressing the root causes.
- Improving Work-Life Balance – By managing stress and emotional challenges, therapy can improve your ability to maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional responsibilities.
Individual Therapy at SoCal Empowered of Idaho
Our Approach
Our treatment philosophy is simple– We are here for you and to help you get better. We do that through a multi-layered approach focusing on:
- Client-Centered Care – We tailor each session to your unique needs and goals, ensuring a personalized experience.
- A Holistic Perspective – We consider the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit, to create a balanced approach to healing.
- Evidence-Based Practices – Our therapists use proven techniques to guide you toward meaningful and lasting change.
- Strengths-Based Focus – We help you identify and build on your inherent strengths to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Specialized Services
We offer mental health treatment services for a wide range of issues and conditions such as anxiety, trauma (PTSD), grief, depression, bipolar disorder, and even co-occurring disorders, among others. Our therapists are trained in diverse modalities, allowing us to match clients with the right approach for their needs.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
We also know that if you aren’t comfortable you may not want to open up and share what you need to with the therapist. That’s why we make a point to provide a warm and welcoming environment where you feel heard, respected, and valued.
Are You In Need of Individual Therapy for Mental Health Treatment?
Individual therapy is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, improving relationships, and fostering personal growth. Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or seeking greater self-understanding, therapy provides a supportive space to explore your emotions and build resilience.