When Should You Consider Individual Therapy?

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

Sometimes you know exactly what is wrong. Other times, you just know that something isn't working the way it used to. Maybe you're overwhelmed, stuck in the same patterns, having trouble with relationships, or trying to make sense of something that happened in the past.

Individual therapy gives you a private place to slow down, talk through what is happening, and work with a therapist to better understand yourself and what you want to change.

Signs It May Be Time to Talk With Someone

You may benefit from individual therapy if something in your life has become difficult to manage, if you're struggling with a particular problem, or if you simply feel like you're stuck and aren't sure how to move forward.

Some people begin therapy because they are experiencing:

• Persistent anxiety or excessive worry
• Ongoing sadness or depression
• Difficulty managing stress
• Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted
• Problems with self-esteem or confidence
• Difficulty setting boundaries
• Repeated relationship problems
• Difficulty managing anger or other emotions
• Grief or loss
• Effects from a traumatic experience
• Major changes in family, career, or relationships
• Feeling stuck or uncertain about what you want
• Difficulty adjusting to a significant life transition

You Do Not Need a Crisis or a Diagnosis

You may also seek therapy because you want to understand yourself better. You don't necessarily need a diagnosis or a single problem that needs to be “fixed.” Sometimes the reason is simply that you want support while you figure out what comes next.

Therapy can also provide a place to look at patterns that keep showing up in your life. Sometimes understanding why you respond to situations in a particular way is the first step toward deciding whether you want to respond differently.

What If the Tools You Have Are Not Enough?

Here is one way to think about therapy.

Imagine that wherever you go, you are carrying a toolbox. In that toolbox, you have a hammer and a screwdriver because those are the tools you've always used. Then one day, you run into a problem you've never encountered before. You look in your toolbox and realize that you don't have the right tools—and you aren't even sure where to find them or how to use them.

Therapy can be a little like going to the hardware store.

Your therapist can help you add new tools to your toolbox: ways to manage stress, communicate more effectively, set boundaries, understand your emotions, work through difficult experiences, and move toward your goals.

You don't have to wait until something falls completely apart before you learn those tools.

What If I Do Not Know What to Say?

Your first therapy appointment is not a test, and you do not need to arrive with everything figured out.

Your therapist will generally want to understand what brought you to therapy, what has been happening in your life, and what you hope will change. From there, you and your therapist can begin figuring out what would be most helpful.

Therapy is a collaborative process. You should be able to ask questions, talk about what is and isn't working, and have a conversation with your therapist about your goals.

Questions to Consider Before Taking the Next Step

Finding a therapist is not simply about finding an available appointment. Consider their credentials and experience, the concerns and age groups they work with, their approach, and whether you feel comfortable talking with them.

It is reasonable to ask about insurance and appointment options before you begin. You do not have to know exactly which therapist or approach is right for you before asking for help.

Could Online Appointments Make It Easier to Start?

Distance, transportation, and a busy schedule can make taking the first step harder. Individual therapy does not always have to take place in an office; some clients use virtual appointments or a combination of formats when available.

Explore Bloom’s telehealth options to learn more about attending remotely.

Taking Your Next Step

You don't have to wait until things become unmanageable to ask for help.

Learn about individual therapy at Bloom Wellness Group, with appointments in Bettendorf and online across Iowa and Illinois.