Individual Therapy
At Andrews & Associates Counseling, individual therapy offers a safe and supportive space where you can navigate life's challenges and find the support you need to thrive.
Life is full of challenges. From the daily stresses we face to major life events, it is no wonder that many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and lost at times. But there is hope. Individual therapy offers a safe and supportive space where you can navigate life's challenges and find the support you need to thrive. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, individual therapy can provide the guidance and tools necessary to help you heal, grow, and build resilience.
about individual therapy
What is individual therapy?
Individual therapy, also known as talk therapy or psychotherapy, is a form of mental health treatment that involves meeting one-on-one with a therapist to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal of individual therapy is to help you gain insight into your life, address symptoms you may be experiencing, and make positive changes that can improve your overall well-being.
Therapy provides a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you navigate life's ups and downs and help you work through any challenges that may be holding you back. With the help of a therapist, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your patterns of behavior over time. This increased self-awareness can help you improve your life and your relationships with others.
Individual therapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more. During sessions, therapists use various techniques and approaches tailored to each client’s specific needs. Individual therapy is a supportive and collaborative process, making it a great resource to learn coping skills, discover strategies to support your mental health, and manage any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Improved mental health
Increased self-awareness
Increased self-esteem
Enhanced problem-solving skills
Learning new coping skills
Improved ability to handle stress
What are the benefits of individual therapy?
There are many benefits to individual therapy, including but not limited to:
Improved relationships
Improved quality of life
Healing from trauma
Finding strength and resilience
Increased happiness and well-being
Improved academic/work performance
Who is individual therapy right for?
People of all ages can benefit from individual therapy. At Andrews & Associates Counseling, we regularly see children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in session. In fact, therapy can be beneficial to anyone regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, or background. However, the therapist and the treatment approach that is best for a given client depends on their unique preferences, needs, and circumstances.
Our providers have areas of expertise that may include working with a particular age group, specific concerns, and/or specific treatment methods. Therapists collaborate with their clients to create personalized treatment plans to help them reach their desired goals and maximize their improvement.
Why do people seek individual therapy?
Individual therapy can be a valuable tool for anyone who wants to improve their mental health and well-being. But there are many different reasons someone might choose to begin therapy. Some common reasons why people seek therapy include:
Mental health conditions
Reason for seeking therapy: You are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder. This could include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, or attention deficit disorder (ADHD), for example. Therapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions.
Life transitions and stress
Reason for seeking therapy: You are having difficulty coping with a life change or stressor. Some examples might be a job loss, a death in the family, a divorce, or a chronic illness. Therapy can help you cope with major life changes and move forward.
Interpersonal problems
Reason for seeking therapy: You are struggling with relationships. This could be with your partner, your family, your friends, or your coworkers. Therapy can help you improve your communication skills, resolve conflict, and build healthier relationships.
Personal Growth
Reason for seeking therapy: You are feeling overwhelmed or stuck in life. You may not know what you want to do with your life, or you may be feeling like you are not living up to your potential. Therapy can help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and make positive changes in your life.
Substance misuse
Reason for seeking therapy: You are misusing substances like drugs or alcohol to cope. Therapy can help address addictions, identify the underlying issues that contribute to substance misuse, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Trauma
Reason for seeking therapy: You have experienced trauma. For instance, abuse, a natural disaster, an accident, neglect, or any type of violence. Therapy can help you process and heal from past or recent trauma stemming from any cause and of any level of severity.
Therapists at Andrews & Associates Counseling address a wide range of issues through individual therapy.* Here are a few examples of issues individual therapy clients frequently seek support for in Manhattan, Wamego, Junction City, and the surrounding areas:
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship problems
Emotion regulation
Stress management
Family Life
Trauma
Military Life
Grief and loss
Addictions
Eating disorders
Setting boundaries
Finding purpose
Self-esteem and self-confidence
Life transitions and adjustments
Academic and/or professional concerns
This is only a small glimpse of the specialty areas we provide support for on a regular basis, both in person at our offices in the Flint Hills region of Kansas, and beyond via Telehealth. Above all, we want you to understand that you are not alone. No matter what you are going through, your mental health and well-being is a priority, and help is available.
*Areas of focus and therapeutic specialties may vary from provider to provider.
When is the right time to seek individual therapy?
Therapy is often assumed to be reserved for those experiencing distress or difficulty in life. The reality is that all people will struggle with various aspects of life at one point or another. Therapy works both as a treatment method for current issues, and as a preventative measure to help reduce the mental health impact if you face other life challenges in the future. If you are ready to make a change in your life, therapy is a safe, effective, and confidential way of working through whatever struggles you may face.
Mental health issues are quite common, with more than 1 in 5 adults being affected in any given year. People of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are vulnerable. No one is immune to mental illness. Yet, seeking help and support for these challenges is often stigmatized or misunderstood.
Sometimes therapy is put off or avoided due to feelings of shame, or reluctance to talk about past hurts. But mental health is just as important as physical health and should not be ignored. It is essential to recognize that seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness but rather a brave and proactive step towards self-improvement and overall well-being.
Individual therapy can be an important and useful tool no matter why or when an individual starts treatment. Therapy does not need to be left as a last resort. It is never too soon or too late to seek therapy. The sooner therapy is started, the sooner improvements can be made. If you are starting to consider whether you might benefit from therapy, that alone can be a sign to proceed.
Signs that it is time to seek therapy can sometimes be complex. Symptoms that may indicate deteriorating mental wellness can vary depending on the circumstances or disorder an individual is facing. However, there are several clues to look out for and some signs that should not be disregarded. Alert someone you trust and ask for help if you:
Feel overwhelmed or anxious
Have distressing thoughts or emotions
Withdraw from friends and family
Have trouble maintaining relationships
Feel angry or irritable all the time
Struggle at work or school
Feel pain, fatigue, or other body sensations
No longer enjoy your usual activities
Go through a traumatic experience
Have difficulty coping with daily life
Notice changes to your sleeping or eating patterns
Have trouble making decisions or taking care of yourself
Experience thoughts of self-harm or thoughts of hurting others
Crisis and Emergency Notice
If you or someone you love may be of harm to yourself, themselves, or others, please call 911 or go directly to the emergency room. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is urgent that you get support right away. In a mental health or emotional crisis, call or text the Lifeline at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to seek therapy. However, if you are experiencing any of the above it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
How to find the right therapist for you
Finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapy process. When choosing a therapist, the key is to find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Here are some tips for finding a therapist who is a good fit:
Ask for recommendations
Ask friends or family members if they have any recommendations for a therapist. You can also ask your primary care physician or another mental health professional for a referral. You are welcome to "shop around." At Andrews & Associates, our team will even refer out to other therapists and practices by the client's request when there is a need, or to ensure the best fit.
Do your research
Research potential therapists online and reach out to request more information if needed. Look for a therapist who specializes in the issues you are facing and has experience working with clients in your age group. At Andrews & Associates Counseling you can browse our provider profiles individually or by office location. Read through therapist profiles to learn more about their background, interests, specialties, and approach.
Request a consultation
Many therapists offer a brief consultation to discuss your needs and see if they are a good fit for you. Take the opportunity to ask questions about the therapist's approach and verify whether their office location and appointment hours are accessible to you. You can also call the practice to request more information or for additional assistance.
Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts when choosing a therapist. It is important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist, as this will facilitate a more productive therapeutic relationship.
What to expect during your first therapy session
At your first therapy session, your therapist’s main goal will be to begin to get to know you and build rapport with you. Your first session will most likely involve having a conversation and answering questions to help your therapist learn about your needs. Here are some basic topics you might expect during your first therapy session:
A review of important forms and paperwork
Your therapist will utilize some of your first session to review your intake and consent forms, and to answer any questions you have before getting started.
A discussion of your history and background
Your therapist might ask you questions about your personal and family history, as well as any major life events that may have shaped who you are.
An exploration of your current challenges
Your therapist will ask you about the issues that brought you to therapy and how they're impacting your life.
A discussion of your goals for therapy
Your therapist will work with you to set realistic goals for therapy and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve those goals at a pace that is right for you.
What to expect in future sessions
What your future sessions of therapy will be like will depend on your unique case. In the initial conversations with our team and your therapist, we will help answer any questions you may have and share what to expect moving forward.
What happens during a therapy session?
The therapy treatment itself will be customized to your needs and may consist of a variety of in-session discussions and therapeutic techniques. Your therapist may provide you with “homework,” exercises, or skills that you can practice outside of session as well.
How long does therapy last?
In general, each therapy session typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The total length of time someone might remain in individual therapy will vary depending on their needs and goals. Some clients may only need a few sessions, while others may need to attend therapy for several months or even years.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of individual therapy will vary depending on the therapist, and the client’s desired payment method. There are many ways to pay for therapy, including insurance, private pay (self-pay), employee assistance programs (EAPs), and government assistance programs. Some therapists may accept insurance, while others may not. It is important to ask about the cost of therapy before starting treatment and contact your health plan (if applicable) to verify your coverage. Sliding scales or reduced fee sessions may also be available.
Your therapist and our team will be able to provide you with the specific information that is most relevant to you at the time of scheduling, and these details can be discussed during your first appointment as well.
Privacy and confidentiality in individual therapy
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapy relationship, and one that is taken very seriously. This strict privacy and confidentiality that therapists keep allows clients to be open and honest in session. In individual therapy, clients can feel safe working through the problems they face without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Your therapist is legally and ethically bound to keep your sessions confidential, with only a few exceptions (such as if you are a danger to yourself or others). Therapists are trained to deal with any difficult or challenging situations that may arise during therapy and will take all necessary steps to protect your privacy both during and outside of your sessions.
How to measure the success of Individual therapy
Remember that therapy is a process. At a basic level, it involves the therapist and the client working together to identify and address the client's concerns. The therapist provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They also help the client develop new coping skills and make changes in their lives.
On a deeper level, individual therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth. It can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. It is important to be open and honest with yourself and with your therapist for the best results.
Measuring the success of therapy is complex, as it often involves subjective factors like improved self-awareness and increased resilience. Individual therapy is a process that is not always linear, and it takes time to see results. However, there are several ways you can begin to measure the success of therapy.
For instance, your therapist may periodically offer scales and forms to fill out as a way to track the improvement of specific symptoms. Family and friends may also notice changes when they are around you, such as an improvement in your communication skills, self-regulation, or how you relate to others.
The key here is to look for larger trends in how your behaviors or symptoms have improved over time. Signs of improvement in specific areas should become clearer as you progress in therapy. Clients are encouraged to consider ways they can measure their progress (with the help of their therapist and individually) so that each success can be identified and reinforced along the way.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative journey towards healing and personal transformation. As such, individual therapy is not always easy. You will need to be willing to show up and put in the effort before you can begin to see the changes that individual therapy can help you achieve. Approach therapy with willingness, honesty, and consistency, and it is very likely that you will see progress.
Taking the first step towards seeking support
Choosing to participate in individual therapy is a meaningful way to invest in yourself and your well-being. It can be a powerful tool for overcoming life’s obstacles and achieving personal growth. By understanding the benefits of therapy, finding the right therapist for you, and being open and honest in your sessions, you can grow and begin to make positive changes in your life.
Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but individual therapy offers a beacon of hope. It provides a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and find the support and guidance you need. If you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, consider taking the first step towards seeking support.
Begin your journey of hope, growth, and healing. Contact us today or browse our therapist profiles to get started.
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