Common questions and answers

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy is a type of counseling that involves one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist. A therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment, and may help you relate current struggles to past experiences. The goal of therapy is to identify and address any mental health concerns, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being.

Is individual therapy right for me?

Individual therapy can be beneficial for anyone struggling with mental health concerns such as Anxiety, Depression, stress, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. If you feel overwhelmed or stuck, therapy can help you develop strategies to manage difficult emotions and situations, and gain self-awareness.

What is group therapy?

Group therapy involves meeting with a therapist and a group of people who share similar mental health concerns or are seeking to learn psycho-educational tools to help manage difficulties at school, work, and in relationships. Group therapy sessions can be focused on a specific topic or concern, such as Anxiety or addiction, overcoming negative thinking, anger management, or learning organizational skills. The goal of group therapy is to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals learn from others and practice new skills.

Is group therapy right for me?

Group therapy can be beneficial for individuals who want to build skills along with others who experience similar challenges. It can also be helpful for those who want to engage with others, and can provide a sense connection, support and accountability. It can also be more cost-effective than individual therapy as it often occurs more frequently and because there are more people in the room, each session is less than it would be for individual therapy.

What types of concerns can be treated in individual and group therapy?

Both individual and group therapy can be helpful for a wide range of mental health concerns, including: Anxiety, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), relationship issues, anger management, substance use/addiction, grief and loss, struggles with self-esteem, stress management, life transitions, and 2SLGBTQIA+ concerns.

What does an initial therapy session might look like?

A first therapy session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to build initial rapport and get to know one another. Research shows that two thirds of effective therapy is based on the relationship between client and therapist. During the first session, the therapist will typically ask you about your reasons for seeking therapy, any mental health concerns you may have, and relevant personal history. Using this information, the therapist will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

How long should I go to therapy?

The length of therapy varies and based on the type and severity of the presenting concern, your goals and needs, and the therapeutic approach being used.

Short-term therapy can be effective for addressing specific concerns or providing support during a life transition. Longer-term therapy, which can last several months or years, may be more appropriate for addressing complex mental health concerns or providing ongoing support. The duration of therapy will depend on your unique needs and goals, and the therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine the appropriate length of treatment.

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