Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, or other issues, knowing you are not alone can make the problem more bearable. People seek individual therapy for a variety of reasons but one thing they all have in common is that they are suffering in some way. Individual therapy can provide relief by giving a person the tools to cope with life’s obstacles. Through education, exploration, and problem solving clients can expect to have a safe outlet where their problems are heard and feelings are validated. Using a therapeutic approach that helps a person understand where the pain originates, paired with teaching techniques that focus on changing the way one thinks about situations, a client can expect to gain relief from symptoms of depression or anxiety. Some of these symptoms include crying, low self-worth, panic attacks, negative thinking, worry, and even physical ailments. Individual therapy is a process which not only allows for some immediate relief from these symptoms; it also gives an individual the ability to apply learned strategies to new situations, making relapse from old ways of thinking less likely.
While it may not be as common for entire families to seek therapy, the value of it is undeniable. By treating family units while all together (whether it be a small child and a single parent, a brother and sister, or a family of four), they will learn more about one another. They will also acquire the ability to be stronger with perspective taking in order to understand and productively respond to challenges in the relationships. During sessions, each family member shares his or her perspective of the problem and goals are collaboratively established and agreed upon between the therapist and the family members. Better ways of communicating are taught and practiced during session, focusing on being an active listener and direct speaker. Clients report having a better quality of family life following family therapy.
The beginning of most romantic relationships is usually fun, exciting, easy, and problem free. Across time, the nuances of life begin to interrupt this bliss and focus our attention away from our partner. Some common reasons that couples seek counseling are to repair the relationship after an affair, learn how each person contributes to the problem, settle disagreements, and fall back in love after falling out. What is the common denominator with all of these? Effective communication is required to rectify the issue. During couples’ counseling sessions, I help each person to explore their pain and learn what is at the root of it. Specific measurable goals are established and monitored during the process and homework is given regularly. Couples can expect to quickly begin practicing better ways of communicating and relating both during and outside of sessions.
