| Individual psychotherapy is at the core of any mental health treatment plan. It involves regularly scheduled one-on-one discussions with a trained mental health professional, with the goal of increasing your emotional well being and personal life satisfaction. Sessions may focus on your relationships, thoughts, feelings, or past experiences. Individual psychotherapy provides an opportunity to explore your deepest feelings and concerns in an atmosphere that is empathetic, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and confidential. The therapeutic relationship between client and psychotherapist develops trust over time and affords encouragement to modify cognitions or behaviors and improve other relationships in your life.
When a person stays in treatment long enough to experience the full benefits of understanding and changing undesirable patterns and behaviors, a successful outcome often results. Strong motivation to change is a key element of this success, as is honest and positive communication with a psychotherapist. The likelihood of someone prematurely terminating therapy is often significant for people with serious medical or mental illness; however, intensive intervention with other family members or friends may sometimes be helpful in ensuring continued treatment. It is not unusual for a psychotherapist to encourage clients to invite other family members to participate in sessions on an as needed basis, especially when working with children or spouses. This technique is also commonly used with clients suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, as family and friends can play a critical role in motivating these individuals to stay in psychotherapy. |
