Therapy sessions can be organised in different formats, depending on the patient’s needs and the type of issues that are addressed. By default, all therapy sessions are individual unless otherwise mentioned. That means that there are only two people in the room – you and your psychotherapist. This is the most common approach to therapy, and it can help you on a wide range of concerns, including, but not limited to, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and low self-esteem.
Scheduling an appointment for individual therapy is easy. If you need someone to talk to, or you have a specific mental health concern in mind, all you need to do is browse our extensive database of certified therapists and counsellors, view their profiles, and click on the “Book Appointment” button. Next to their name, you can see where they are based, as well as the areas they specialise in. Keep in mind that local individual therapy sessions are held in-person, at the therapist’s office, and you can filter the search results by location to find someone near you.
If you’re not ready to have face-to-face therapy sessions, you can book an online therapy session instead. This way, you can get to know your therapist, become acquainted with the format of the sessions, and move on to in-person therapy when you feel comfortable. No matter which type of sessions you prefer, you can rest assured that they are completely confidential. UK Therapy Guide therapists and counsellors are accredited by UK governing bodies and abide by a strict code of conduct.
The general scope of individual therapy sessions is to discuss your problems, emotions, and concerns in a safe, private environment. Going to therapy might not necessarily make your life easier or get rid of challenges – however, it can equip you with the tools you need to face these challenges in a healthy way, avoid negative thoughts, and achieve emotional wellbeing.
In most cases, individual therapy revolves around talking. Your therapist will ask a series of questions to explore the areas of your life that affect you in a negative way. This can include past experiences, fears, conflicts, strengths and weaknesses, as well as destructive behavioural patterns. The exact approach followed by the therapist will vary, depending on your unique needs. Sometimes, the therapist can also do small exercises to further explore your subconscious and facilitate healing.
Some of the most widely employed approaches during individual therapy include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Gestalt therapy, experiential psychotherapy, and Integrative Cognitive Therapy. Your therapist may choose one or more therapy types depending on the severity of the issue and the way you respond to the sessions.
The frequency and duration of the session vary from patient to patient. The typical session lasts for 50 minutes, but your therapist can adjust that timeframe if they deem it necessary.
Individual therapy sessions can be short-term, in which case you will attend them for just a few weeks, and to tackle a short-term problem, such as work-related anxiety. However, if you want to address a more complex problem, such as childhood trauma, your therapist may suggest long-term therapy.
On average, therapy sessions are planned once a week, but it’s common to have two sessions per week at the beginning of therapy, or when treating more complex disorders.
Sometimes, people hesitate seeking mental health treatment because they worry about the stigma surrounding mental health. However, therapy can be one of the best things to happen in your life. Talking to a professional can feel as liberating as talking to a friend, and it can help you become the best version of yourself.
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t wait to hit rock bottom or break down to seek therapy. The earlier you start the sessions, the better, so don’t neglect the warning signs. Individual therapy isn’t just for people who are battling clinical mental health disorders, but for everyone who needs some guidance with processing their feelings and overcoming a harder period.
Seek individual therapy if:
The ultimate goal of therapy is to develop healthy, functional habits and increase resilience when faced with life’s challenges. Whether you’re going through a stressful period or you want to address a complex issue that’s been affecting you for years, your therapist can help you navigate your feelings and develop healthy long-term strategies.
In the long run, therapy can enrich your life in many ways:
Therapy can be a transformative life experience. No matter what issue you are struggling with, our certified therapists and counsellors can help you process your emotions and improve your life.
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