Saturday, June 28, 2014

Discover How Individual Psychotherapy Can Benefit You

By Sherry Gross


Many people who are struggling with temporary or ongoing emotional issues have been helped by attending regular sessions with a dedicated psychologist. Individual psychotherapy is tailored to the particular needs of the patient and provides the building blocks needed to successfully overcome the hurdles hindering them. The approach used can vary depending on the practices of the therapist, and the nature of the patient's case.

The number of sessions a patient needs differs, but typically at least eight are required to make sufficient progress. As the psychologist asks the patient questions, he or she forms a picture of the key issues that need to be addressed and the best way to go about doing this. In some cases the problem is apparent and prompts the patient to seek help, other times it is underlying and must be identified first.

The first step is to recognize the problem, examine possible causes, and finally develop a strategy that will enable the client to overcome it. While the patients need to trust the therapist's judgment, they should also be sure to bring it to the counselor's attention if at any time they feel that something simply isn't working for them, so the plan can be revised accordingly.

A solid, trusting relationship between the psychologist and his or her clients is essential to a successful therapy plan. Patients must feel comfortable talking to their therapists, because open communications between the two are key to being able to work through the issues at hand. Qualities to look for in a therapist include honesty, compassion, warmth, patience, and being unbiased and non-judgmental at all times.

A personalized therapy plan provides patients with an organized set of steps they can work through with the help of their psychologist, reaching several minor goals throughout the process, and it ultimately culminates with the attainment of one long-term goal at the conclusion of the program. The mindset of the patient plays a critical role in the success of the plan.

During their sessions, the patients will gain helpful tools from the therapist that will effectively push them towards their objectives. This include coping strategies, focusing on one's strengths rather than weaknesses, and developing realistic expectations. Key aspects of a positive attitude, these tools will help patients overcome the issues facing them.

Upon completion of therapy sessions, patients are then faced with the challenge of putting all they have learned over the past few weeks or months into action. Stopping contact with the psychologist at this point is not advisable as it may make the patient feel detached and cause a relapse in thinking or behavior. Follow-up appointments every few weeks are a good way to make sure their clients continues to make progress.

If the client has the right attitude towards it, psychotherapy can be very effective in helping him or her achieve victory over the troubling issues. In order to enjoy a positive outcome, it is ultimately up to the patient to exercise diligence, and put what they have learned to good use. The therapist is there to make suggestions, but clients must be willing to listen and act on these suggestions if they are to make progress.




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