Individual therapy, also known as therapy, psychotherapy, psychosocial therapy, talk therapy and counseling, is a joint process between both a therapist and the individual in therapy. Many individuals seek out therapy in Bethesda MD for help and assistance with issues that arise in their lives that are hard to face alone, along with a myriad of other reasons.
In addition to helping individuals work through issues that arise in their lives, therapy can also be beneficial in helping individuals overcome obstacles to their well-being. Therapy can also help to increase positive feelings, such as self-esteem, compassion, and self-confidence. Individuals who are in counseling learn how to better handle difficult situations, how to make healthy decisions and how to reach and achieve goals. Many individuals discover that they actually enjoy therapy as they become more self-aware.
When to Seek Professional Therapy Help?
When an issue causes distress or begins to interfere with daily life, it might be time to seek professional help. Distress can come in many forms, including: negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or physical feelings of pain or fatigue. It is crucial to not wait until symptoms become severe before seeking help. If you begin to notice that you are often unhappy or have feelings of being overwhelmed and hopeless about issues in your life, it is best to seek out individual counseling to help you work through what you are experiencing.
Additionally, individual counseling can help if you are having a hard time focusing on work or school, are experiencing addiction, or having thoughts or feelings of hurting yourself or others. Some individuals may actively avoid seeking help for various reasons. Some reasons may include:
- Fear surrounding the stigma that is commonly associated with mental health care
- Reliving or experiencing feelings of shame when speaking about the past
- Not wanting to acknowledge that anything is wrong
- Fear that discussions with therapist won’t remain confidential
While these are all valid concerns, it is important to note that mental health issues are common in the United States. In fact, studies have found that 1 in 5 adults may be affected and suffering from a form of mental illness. Additionally, it is important to remember that therapists are trained professionals who can provide support, while maintaining confidentiality. Therapists are accustomed to helping individuals work through painful and embarrassing issues so they can move on.
If lifestyle changes are needed, a therapist can help individuals make those necessary changes. Therapists are also trained in helping to identifying underlying causes of symptoms and provide strategies for changing unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Most individuals who attend therapy learn skills that help them to manage the symptoms that caused them to seek therapy initially. These skills can include learning how to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
What Can Therapy Help With?
Therapy can help individuals with mental, emotional, physical and behavioral issues. Other concerns that may be discussed in therapy can include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Food and Eating Issues
- Anger
- Relationship or Marriage Challenges
- Addiction
- Abuse
- Family Issues
- Insomnia
Who Can Provide Individual Therapy?
Various types of mental health professionals provide therapy for not only individuals but couples and families as well. If you are in need of professional therapy in Reston VA, Dr. Carlos Durana at A Caring Approach has been helping individuals work their way through issues and improve their quality of life. If you can benefit from individual therapy, contact Dr. Durana today and get started on your journey to healing and self-discovery.