Individual Counseling

Individual counseling encompasses therapy for a single person for a variety of reasons or concerns. The focus of individual counseling is for the client to gain the information and develop the skills necessary to reduce or alleviate their current distress. Individual therapy includes areas of focus such as addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, conflict management, career counseling, parenting concerns, and skill development.

Can I bring someone to therapy with me?

There may be occasions where it may be appropriate and an added value to the therapeutic process to invite a guest to therapy, however, the therapist and the client both need to agree to extend the invitation. When inviting a guest, it is important to remember that the focus of individual therapy is to empower the client with the skills necessary to overcome their distress.

Sometimes inviting a guest to therapy may shift the focus from the client’s progress to trying to manage, explain, or dispute the guest’s behaviors. Together the client and the therapist will explore the pros and cons involved with inviting a guest to therapy.

Does attending individual counseling mean that I have a mental illness?

No, attending individual counseling does not mean that you have a mental illness. It is an inaccurate myth that you have to be diagnosed with something to attend therapy. Some insurance providers indeed require a diagnosis to cover the expense of therapy, however, the client always has the option to seek options that do not require a diagnosis for care. Life can be challenging, and it is not abnormal to need therapeutic support.