Individual therapy allows a trained professional therapist to help a person work through their thoughts, concerns, emotions, and situations. One-on-one attention enables the therapist to be thorough in understanding the individual’s specific problems and develop an individualized approach to treatment. Development of self-awareness comes by discussing issues, getting feedback from the therapist, and creating practical and better communication skills and coping tools/techniques.
Advantages of Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers several advantages, including:
- Confidentiality. The information shared during sessions remains completely private.
- One-on-one attention. This allows the therapist to be thorough in understanding the individual’s specific problems and develop an individualized approach to treatment.
- An intense and comprehensive level of analysis and treatment.
- Completely customized to the individual. For example, individuals who can handle more focused and intense interventions may benefit from a quicker therapy pace. On the other hand, individuals who require time to adjust may benefit from a slower-paced therapy.
- A strong therapeutic alliance refers to the working relationship between the individual and therapist. Research indicates that the therapeutic alliance is a key component of successful therapy intervention.
- The development of self-awareness comes by discussing issues and getting feedback from the therapist.
- Flexible scheduling. The individual can arrange a time for the therapy sessions that is most conducive to their schedule.
- Quick appointments- depending on the Practitioner’s schedule.
- The development of better communication skills.
- An effective component in treating a broad range of mental health disorders.
Disadvantages of Individual Therapy
The disadvantages of individual therapy include:
- Cost. It’s typically more expensive than group therapy.
- No peer interaction. It doesn’t allow individuals to identify with others who share similar problems or issues.
- A motivation requirement. Individuals, who are not committed to changing, doing the work, and applying the principles they learn, may struggle in certain situations.