Therapy is an interesting subject. It falls into that vague category of topics that are both known and unknown at the same time. Yes, it’d be fair to argue that most internet users know what therapy is. Most people also know what a phone is. But if someone stopped a stranger on the street and asked them how it works? Mechanics and all? Well, they’d likely be hard-pressed to find a solid answer. The same goes for therapy. Therapy walks a line between people knowing what it is but not knowing much more than that, and from this murky understanding, misinformation is more can more easily be communicated. However, there are several important group and individual therapy benefits.
Many of the attitudes and opinions surrounding therapy stem from media, movies, and television, often focusing on characters who suffer from immense mental turmoil (think Sopranos & Good Will Hunting). Therapy is so entrenched in media that it’s even developed its own cliche in the form of characters attending therapy who do not believe in the benefits of therapy (again, think Sopranos & Good Will Hunting). When searching Kennett Square, Pennsylvania for individual therapy, consider the following information provided by the team at New Horizons Recovery.
What Is Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy is a term that broadly refers to all forms of therapy which occur in a one-on-one setting. Poplar forms of individual therapy are:
- Psychoanalysis
- Behavior therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Humanistic therapy
Individualized therapy draws a strong connection between the mind and a person’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Each of these facets of being is connected and affects one another daily, joining together to create an individual’s perception of reality. Therapists are trained medical professionals specializing in psychology and work with patients to see how internal or external stimuli may negatively affect their perception of reality. Trauma, life obstacles, and emotional distress all have the potential to negatively impact an individual’s mental health based on how they affect perception. Therapists are trained to help identify the issues most affecting a patient’s mental health and provide encouragement and tools to help them challenge these issues and develop a more positive outlook.
5 Individual Therapy Benefits
Individual therapy benefits begin with mental health but can affect all aspects of an individual’s personal and professional life. Some of these benefits include:
1. Closure
Closure is hard to come by these days, especially when someone working through trauma is left to find it on their own. Therapy allows patients to explore their past with a second pair of eyes in a judgment-free zone. This environment encourages considering alternative perspectives and can provide closure for situations that may have otherwise seemed hopeless.
2. A Judgement-Free Zone
Some people underestimate how their problems may affect their mental health, while others may put on an act and pretend they have no effect at all. Therapy allows people to let their troubles, traumas, and regrets out into the world without fear of rejection or judgment.
3. Improved Communication
Many issues and troubles can be attributed to poor communication. When emotions run high, frustration can accumulate, anger bursts out, and communication breaks down. Therapy provides patients with tools and mechanisms for improving communication so that a more healthy and emotionally inclusive dialogue can be had.
4. Increased Self-Esteem
Everyone has negative thoughts from time to time, but too many negative thought patterns can lead to low self-esteem and overly critical consciousness. Therapists challenge these thought patterns and encourage patients to limit unnecessary self-criticisms through open dialogue and activities.
5. Coping Strategies
Coping strategies are one of the best tools for dealing with emotional turmoil, but not everyone is aware of all the strategies available, let alone the ones that will work best. Therapists are trained to identify patients’ issues and can provide coping mechanisms and processes tailored to that patient’s needs.
One does not need to be on the verge of a mental breakdown to enjoy the benefits of therapy. Everyone has trauma, experiences hardship, and everyone can use someone to talk to when their troubles feel overwhelming.
Individual Therapy in Pennsylvania at New Horizons Recovery
Choosing to go to therapy can be difficult for those who aren’t convinced by its benefits. While a plethora of information is available on the subject, it’s hard to know who to trust and what to believe. That is why, at New Horizons Recovery, we welcome any and all questions regarding our services, specialists, and facility. We believe that trust is an integral part of the therapeutic process and have dedicated our practice to going above and beyond for each patient we treat. For more information on the benefits of individual therapy, contact us today or reach out at 267.435.3134 to schedule an appointment.