Are you having a difficult time handling the challenges in your life? Could you use an expert opinion on what you’re going through, a non-judgmental ear just to listen and clear direction? Do you think you could benefit the most from individualized attention to help identify which direction you need to take?Are you hesitant to talk to others about your problems?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then individual therapy could be the solution you’ve been seeking. Individual therapy differs from group or alternative therapy methods in the way that you are provided one on one therapy to address your concerns. For some, individual therapy may be helpful to prepare them for more intense group work or identify a need for more specialized treatment. Individual sessions are also included as a part of outpatient services to help process issues that may be difficult to address in a group setting.

Advantages to Individual therapy:

• The confidentiality is easily maintained in individual therapy.
• The client receives one-on-one attention from the therapist, and this allows the therapist to be very thorough in understanding the specific problems of the client and in developing an individualized approach to offering help.
• The level of analysis and treatment can be much more intense and comprehensive in individual therapy compared to group therapy.
• The pace of the therapy can be tailored to the specific need of the client. 
• The client can arrange a time for the therapy sessions that is most conducive to their schedule.
• Individual therapy allows for the development of communication skills in clients who need help with these skills.

Disadvantages to Individual therapy:

• Individual therapy is typically more expensive than group therapy.
• Some clients may have a strong need to identify with other individuals who share similar problems/issues. This need can be best addressed in a group settings.
• Clients in individual therapy need to be motivated and are obviously in the spotlight. Clients who are not committed to changing, doing the work, and applying principles learned in therapy may struggle when they are the center of attention.