How Does Individual Therapy Work?

Therapy can be often overlooked as a great way to improve your overall well-being. Understanding how it works can help you feel more comfortable when you go.

What happens in therapy?

Individual counseling (often called psychotherapy or talk therapy) is a one-on-one discussion between the counselor, a trained mental health clinician, and the client, the person seeking treatment. The two form an alliance, relationship and/or bond that enables trust and personal growth.

Through this discussion, individuals use this safe, caring, and confidential environment to:

• Explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors

• Work through challenging or influential memories

• Identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change

• Better understand themselves and others

• Set personal goals

• Work toward desired change

Therapy can help people overcome obstacles to their well-being.

Topics that are usually addressed include, but are not limited to:

• Grief/Loss

• Parenting Skills

• Relationship Issues

• Self-harming Behaviors

• Past-Trauma

• Work-Related Issues

• Anxiety

• Anger/Impulse Control

• Chronic Pain

• Communication Issues

• Depression

• Family Conflict

Common Questions About Therapy

• I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

  Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. Your therapist will help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

• What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

  The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” Lastly, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that you may start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

• Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

  Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Therapy is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

  Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

• How long will it take to work?

  Unfortunately, this is not possible to answer this question on a general page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

• I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

  Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

Take the Next Step

If you’re thinking about finding a therapist in Culver City, CA, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us to speak with someone about how you can get started with someone from our team.