
Individual Counseling
What is Individual Counseling?
Sometimes, our life experiences can lead
us to develop behavior patterns that no
longer serve our needs. The hardships
that we experience in life can also cause
us to react to situations in ways that
prevent us from adjusting to our current
life circumstances. When this happens,
people often experience significant levels
of distress that can interfere with their
ability to cope. The overwhelming
emotions that follow can create problems
at home, at work, with our families, and in
our personal lives.
Coming to terms with these difficult issues
can often be confusing, and can
sometimes prove to be nearly impossible
to manage on our own. At times when you
are feeling overwhelmed it can be helpful
to seek help so that you can sort out these
issues in a safe and supportive
environment.
Individual Counseling differs from
Coaching in that it is frequently more in
depth and focuses on helping clients
overcome specific emotional issues. In
counseling, the counselor develops a
strong and supportive relationship with
the client in an effort to help the client
explore, understand, and work through
their concerns. In the process, individuals
are then taught to develop more effective
methods of coping with anxiety,
depression, stress, trauma, addictions,
behavioral problems, and other personal
matters in a safe and supportive
environment.
Does counseling really help?
Research over the past fifty years has
demonstrated that counseling and
psychotherapy is an effective treatment
for many of life's problems. On average,
individuals that receive treatment are
better off than 80% of patients who do not
receive treatment. Therapy is not only
beneficial, but is cost effective for patients
who are struggling with anxiety,
depression, and other pressing
psychological problems. Benefits may
include reduced absenteeism, time off
from work, and decreased medical
expenses for related disorders. Clients
who successfully engage in treatment can
also benefit from increased self-esteem,
increased satisfaction, and improved
quality of life.
How do I select a counselor?
Studies have shown that the most
important factor associated with
successful treatment outcomes is the
quality of the therapeutic relationship.
Selecting a counselor or psychotherapist
is a very personal decision. Counselors
differ in their clinical approach, and in the
areas that they specialize in. When
selecting a counselor, you should
interview him or her to determine if they
are able to understand your unique
concerns. You should also be comfortable
with his or her personal style, and ability
to develop a productive working
relationship with you.
Is Individual Counseling right for me?
If you find it is hard to cope and you can't
seem to find a workable solution that
helps resolve your personal problems,
then counseling may be the right choice
for you. For more information on
counseling and psychotherapy you may
refer to the Frequently Asked Questions
About Counseling page located on this
site.
"Each difficult moment has the
potential to open my eyes and
open my heart"
Myla Kabat-Zinn
Overcoming emotional difficulties can
often be a painful process. Things
frequently tend to get worse for a
short while before they get better. A
counselor can help you through the
difficult passages in life until you are
able to once again see your way
through to the next stage of your
journey.
I have worked with clients on a
number of issues including:
Call and arrange for an appointment
today.
"At first we cannot see down the
path that leads to dark and
hateful things, but no light or
beauty can ever come from a
man who cannot bear this sight.
Light is always born of darkness,
and the sun never yet stood still
in heaven to satisfy man's
longings or to still his fears"
Carl Jung




Copyright 2008 Life Course Solutions
In St. Louis, Missouri In Indianapolis, Indiana
7649 Delmar Blvd. 6225 Central Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63130 Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
Phone: (314)369-4729 Phone: (317)414-0106