Individual therapy or counseling is, first and foremost, a relationship. It is a relationship between the client and the counselor, or therapist. A great deal of scientific research has been conducted on psychotherapy, and two conclusions are paramount: One – therapy works, and helps clients to live better, healthier lives (Martin Seligman, 2002); and Two – the relationship between the client and the therapist is the single most important factor in successful therapy (Jay Lebow, 2007).

I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, in which we decide together what to work on and what the goals are. As a therapist, I am actively involved by asking questions, facilitating a deeper understanding of your situation, and providing emotional support. I believe that we all have personal strengths and resources, and I will help you to mobilize those strengths to deal effectively with life and relationship problems.

There are several components and stages of individual therapy. They are not necessarily sequential. Therapy is both an art and a science. It is a creative process that occurs between client and therapist, based on> sound, tested theories and methods.

	Initial consultation
	Therapy goals and plan
	Exploration
	Problem solving and “working through”
	Homework
	Consolidation and integration
	Follow-Up

Individual therapy begins with an initial consultation. In this first session, we will talk about the problem areas, symptoms such as anxiety and depression, family and childhood history, and other relevant issues. We will also talk about your goals for therapy and agree to a plan. The plan will include how and when we will work together.

In my work with individuals, I use a variety of counseling methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and some action methods (follow the links for detailed descriptions of these methods). Like most therapists today, I use many different techniques and approaches, based on the needs of the individual.

In the exploration and “working through” stages of therapy, we talk about feelings, relationships, beliefs, decisions, and patterns of behavior. The goals here are to solve personal problems, repair relationships, and to understand how and why we feel the way we do. This understanding will help us to manage our own lives more effectively. Various homework, or therapeutic assignments, may be useful.

I find that most people are capable of insight and understanding. A great deal can be learned during the process of therapy. In the consolidation and integration stage of therapy, this learning and insight is practiced on a day to day basis. Follow-up sessions are often helpful to reinforce the new learning and healthy relationship and behavior patterns.

One final note, which applies to most forms of therapy: Many people who enter therapy are looking for symptomatic relief or solutions to specific problems. These tend to be temporary solutions – a quick fix. The problem here is that these symptoms and problems tend to recur over time. True, lasting personal growth and change occurs over time, and requires dedication, determination, and a great deal of personal responsibility. This process takes time.

A wonderful and widely-read book on this subject is The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D. (1978). I highly recommend it for anyone interested in therapy, personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Peck says that he makes “…no distinction between the mind and the spirit, and therefore no distinction between the process of achieving spiritual growth and achieving mental growth. They are one and the same.” We learn and grow only by facing our problems with honesty, and by recognizing that our problems often result from the choices we make. In other words, we create our own experience and problems in life. Now we can learn to create a life of “grace” – one of meaning, significance, and abundance.