Therapy for Individuals

Need a helping hand

People may enter therapy for help with issues that are difficult to face alone. In therapy, people learn to overcome obstacles to their well-being.

You may desire to grow in terms of your self-awareness. Perhaps you need advice or help with making healthy decisions, acquiring new skills for handling difficult circumstances, or reaching goals.

Individual therapy can help you improve your quality of life and inspire change.

When should you seek therapy?

When issues interfere with your daily life or cause you concern, such as negative thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or a body sensation like pain or fatigue, it could be time to seek therapy.

Do not wait until your symptoms become severe before seeking therapy. If you are feeling unhappy, overwhelmed, and hopeless about issues in your life, you should seek help as soon as possible.

Therapy can help as well if you are unable to focus on school or work, experience addiction, or feel like hurting yourself or someone else.

There is nothing wrong with seeking help!

People avoid treatment for many reasons including: worry about the stigma that can come with getting mental health care, feeling uncomfortable when sharing past hurts, unwillingness to acknowledge that something is wrong, fear of confidentiality, or money problems.

Mental health issues are common in the United States. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that 1 in 5 adults may be affected.

Remember that therapists are trained professionals who provide support and confidentiality.

They help people work through difficult circumstances, help them make lifestyle changes, identify underlying causes of symptoms, introduce methods for changing undesired thoughts and behaviors, as well as equip people with skills to manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life.

How psychotherapy can help you

Therapy can help treat emotional, physical, mental, and behavioral issues.

Concerns that may be brought up in therapy include, but are not limited to: Abuse, ADD/ADHD, Addiction, Adoption, Affair Recovery, Anger, Anxiety, Codependency, College Adjustment, Conflict Resolution, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Issues, Food/Eating Issues, Grief, Infidelity, Infertility, Insomnia, Life Transitions, Miscarriage, Premarital, Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Relationship/Marriage Challenges, Self-Esteem, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma, Women’s Issues, and Work and Career.

What should you expect during individual therapy?

Finding a therapist with whom you are comfortable is vital for successful treatment; so make sure you feel safe, understood, and heard.

The first session typically focuses on obtaining information about your past physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as the factors that bring you to therapy.

The first few sessions give the therapist a good understanding of the situation, and this allows them to determine the best course of action and address concerns.

Though at first it is uncomfortable to talk about current concerns or past experiences, sessions become more comfortable as they progress.

Discussion also will center on the type of therapy to be used, goals, session length, and how many sessions may be needed. Homework may be assigned to practice the topics discussed in therapy.

During therapy, you may develop healthier thinking patterns and a more positive outlook.

How can you get the best results from therapy?

When you are actively engaged in therapy, progress happens.

You develop better coping skills, healing occurs, you meet your therapeutic goals, and you gain a positive therapeutic relationship that results in fewer relapses of common conditions, as well as the good effects of therapy extending beyond treatment.

Finding a therapist with whom you are comfortable and cooperating fully throughout therapy will help you gain the most from treatment.

When you are honest and open in therapy, your therapist is better able to address the issue and adjust the treatment approach if necessary.

Therapy is difficult; but it is important to attend each session, to complete your homework, be patient, and stick to the treatment plan for long-term success in therapy.

Now what?

Have you found yourself looking for help but are unsure of where to go?

No matter the individual or situation, I provide an atmosphere free of judgment and full of acceptance.

In a comfortable, supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client’s individual needs to help attain the personal growth they are striving for.

I am currently accepting new clients in the greater Grand Rapids area and am here to help you.

Call me today at (616) 236-3281, so we can set up a consultation and begin your journey to a better life.