Individual Therapy

What is individual therapy?  

Individual therapy, or one on one therapy, is where a client meets one on one with a therapist.  In individual therapy the therapist will ask their client questions to find out about different areas of their clients life and what areas of their life they may need some support in.  Sometimes it’s with relationships and struggles in relationships.  Sometimes it’s dealing with things like depression or anxiety.  Sometimes it’s dealing with traumatic events.  Sometimes it’s dealing with feelings of overwhelm.  Sometimes it’s dealing with behavioral or substance addictions.  The therapist will guide their client through questions to inquire about these areas and clients may explore any area of their life with their therapist.  Therapists are trained to assess in a safe and judgment free manner.  

Once the client has explored these areas with their therapist, the therapist will work with the client to resolve or better manage the issues identified.  Techniques the therapist may use include offering their client a neutral sounding board, helping the client identify and challenge negative thinking patterns, helping the client develop and implement positive and adaptive coping skills, helping the client understand themselves so they can better understand why they do the things they do and interact with others in the manner they interact.  Therapists may assist clients in reframing their view of themselves, relationships, situations, and others.  Therapists help their clients gain better insight into themselves.  Often therapists will assign homework or small goals to reach between sessions.  Therapists are highly trained in research based techniques to help their clients reach their goals.

How long does individual therapy take?

Typically a client will meet with their therapist once a week for a one hour session.  Usually sessions are “standing” meaning same day and same time each week.  On average, a client will meet weekly for 3-4 months.  This is of course dependent on the number of issues being addressed as well as the severity.  Some clients need less time and some need more but this is average.  Sessions can be conducted in person or online through a video conferencing platform.  Your therapist will check in with you regularly during sessions to see how you feel about the progress you are making.  They will adjust as needed to make sure your needs are met.

How do I know if I need individual therapy?

I believe that anyone can benefit from individual therapy.  The skills and process really help clients to be their best selves.  With that said, if you are struggling with depression, anxiety that interferes with your daily functioning, struggles in your relationships, significant negative self-talk, regularly feeling overwhelmed, past or recent trauma that is interfering with your daily functioning, unwanted behaviors that you can’t seem to get under control, self-harming behaviors, suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, or mood swings, it may be time to seek therapy.  I’ve been practicing as a therapist for almost 14 years and consistently clients have said they were glad they sought help and often wished they had sought help sooner.  

How do I get started?

Contact us today to get started.  You can call or text us at (801) 845-4406 or email us at scheduling@tranquilitycounselingutah.com.  You can also visit our website and schedule online:  www.tranquilitycounselingutah.com.  We have openings as soon as this week and we have therapists to fit any issue and any budget.  

Sherrie Nebeker, MA, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Sherrie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She is the owner and director of Tranquility Counseling Services which is an outpatient mental health group practice.  Sherrie has been practicing as a therapist for almost 14 years and loves working in the mental health space.