Key Benefits of Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is more than just a place to talk about your feelings—it’s an opportunity for self-growth, healing, and change.
There are many different types of therapy out there. Individual therapy is focused on, as you can probably guess, the individual, where you’ll get one on one time with your provider to work on your mental health. There are different modalities of individual therapy that may be more helpful for certain concerns (like using EMDR for trauma healing), but in general, therapy is a space just for you and whatever you want to talk about.
We have an idea in our culture that there's something shameful about struggling with your mental health. If you were struggling with another aspect of your health, like dealing with a broken leg, or treating a chronic illness, you might not think twice about getting help. But when people need help with their mental health, it can be harder to seek the help you need.
Talking about mental health, whether in therapy or with trusted loved ones, helps break down harmful stigmas about mental health. It’s normal to feel nervous or unsure about opening up, but individual therapy is designed to be a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can process your feelings at your own pace. Many people find that simply talking about their struggles out loud is the first step toward healing.
There are many good reasons to start individual therapy, whether it’s for the first time or you’re returning after a break. Some of the key benefits of individual therapy include:
Help you explore your patterns and change them when necessary
We all have patterns that we engage in regularly. Think about the roles you tend to play in your relationships with others, for example. Sometimes those patterns become unhelpful and contribute to distress, individually or in our relationships. A therapist can help you explore these patterns and develop ones that work better for you and who you are now.
Offer a safe space where you can show up as your full self
Therapy is a place where you can be completely open about your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or stigma. For many, this alone is a relief. Therapy is entirely for you and your benefit. You don’t have to worry about meeting anyone else’s needs for a little bit, which can be freeing. Your therapist is there to support you, as you are.
Teach you new coping skills
Therapy gives you a chance to learn and practice new coping skills. Sometimes, the coping skills that you’ve been using up until now aren’t working anymore, or are causing unintended consequences. Working with a therapist can help you discover which coping skills aren’t working and why, and let you explore new coping skills so you can find what works for you in the present.
Help you learn more about yourself
Therapy is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better. You can learn more about your emotional and relational patterns. You can get to know what your emotions feel like in your body. Therapy can help you learn how to listen to your inner voice, or intuition. You can discover more about your wants and needs individually and in relationships. And you can feel more like yourself again.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy offers a space to be heard, understood, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges. Our therapists at Anchor Counseling New York are accepting new clients - schedule an appointment today to get started.
