Friday, June 20, 2014

Learn About The Benefits That Individual Psychotherapy Has To Offer

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.

Tools that are vital to effective therapy include strategies for coping, being able to re-evaluate one's expectations of himself or herself along with life priorities, and learning to focus on personal strengths and downplay weaknesses. The therapist will help patients develop these tools, which are necessary for building a positive mindset needed for recovery.

After the sessions have been completed, it's time for the patient to start to put into practice all the advice they have gleaned over the past several weeks or months. Attending periodic follow-up sessions is recommended as most patients may feel uncomfortable if they abruptly stop communicating with their therapist. It is helpful to touch base, just to make sure one doesn't revert back to negative ways of thinking and behaving.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment