What is Individual Therapy?
There are many misconceptions and myths about individual therapy, and many people wonder what it’s all about. One common misconception is that the psychologist’s job is to simply sit, listen, asks questions, and make statements in order to “fix” the client.
In reality, individual therapy (sometimes called “psychotherapy” “talk therapy” or “counseling”) is an organic and naturally unfolding process through which clients work one-on-one with a trained clinician in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. The goal is to explore an individual’s feelings, thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors, work through challenging memories, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change. The psychologist and client collaborate to define the goals of therapy and the means to achieve those goals.
Why Do People Seek Individual Therapy?
People seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons. A client and psychologist may work together for as few as five or six sessions or as long as several years, depending on the client’s unique treatment needs and personal goals for therapy. Individual therapy can help an individual work through many different issues including:
- Traumatic life events.
- Depression or other mood disorders.
- Anxiety related symptoms.
- Psychotic symptoms.
- Parent-child conflict.
- Eating and body issues.
How Do I Get Started?
The first step to getting help is to call our office to schedule your initial consultation and then intake appointment. You will be asked to provide general demographic information over the telephone to help us evaluate if our practice can address your treatment needs. You may then be scheduled for an initial diagnostic & intake session, which provides an opportunity for you to meet with Dr. Mike or one of our other clinicians and discuss background information about yourself and the reasons you are seeking services. In addition, our staff will answer your questions regarding services, insurance, fees, confidentiality, and what to expect in therapy.
After the initial consultation, based upon the information that’s discussed about your treatment needs, Dr. Mike will collaborate with you to determine if your treatment needs may be addressed within the context of therapy, and decide on a mutually agreeable time slot for treatment to begin or provide you with an adequate referral. Typically, Dr. Mike will meet with you weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly for approximately 45-50 minutes. The frequency and duration of sessions may vary depending on your treatment needs. At your second appointment, you will begin working with Dr. Mike to set goals for your therapy experience and then develop concrete steps toward achieving them.
To learn more about individual therapy services available at The Psychology Practice of Michael G. Selders, Ph.D., PLLC please call 214.421.0821 and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
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