Individual, “one-to-one,” or “talk therapy” is the most common psychological therapy for children and adults. Individual therapy is based on the premise that when a trusting relationship with a therapist is established, a client can increase self-awareness and change destructive or unhealthy patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior. A real-life example is when you feel relief from and resolution to an issue by talking it through with a supportive friend. Though theoretical approaches vary, most individual therapy is based on the concepts outlined below. However, it is important to keep in mind that some schools of thought, such as behaviorism, focus almost exclusively on behavior change and bypass the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the need for emotional catharsis, or release.

“Name It, Claim It, and Tame It”

In a broad sense, name it, claim it, and tame it captures the essence of personal growth, both in therapy and in life. The ability to identify a problem or pattern such as anxiety, take ownership of the problem, and take steps to change it, are at the root of personal development. Individual therapy is designed to facilitate this process while offering support, suggestions, affirmation, and a compassionate ear.

Problem Patterns and Positive Psychology

Individual therapy usually begins with an assessment of “what's not working” for a client with respect to thinking, emotions, relationships, and behavior. A skilled therapist will help clients identify maladaptive or unhelpful patterns, and set measurable goals to decrease them while increasing more positive, productive patterns. Because of the inherent negativity in anxiety, a therapist who helps your child own and build on her strengths can be essential.

Catharsis and Release

Many schools of therapy are based on the idea that examining patterns of thought, emotion, and interaction can bring up strong feelings that a client can then release, or let go. Hidden or buried emotion may be discovered and integrated as well, and it is believed that this process leaves room for new, more effective patterns to emerge. A child with anxiety or his parents, for example, might find that they have underlying grief or sadness about the limitations and losses associated with anxiety. Spending some time with these feelings may allow them to transform and dissolve, making way for empowerment and new hope for the future.

Creating Change

The crux of any successful therapy is the ability to which it is effective in creating lasting change. Usually, therapy continues until the changes are stable; that is, new patterns of thinking, acting, feeling, and interacting/socializing are used more often than not to meet life's challenges. Careful observation and goal setting at the beginning of therapy are crucial to being able to assess the extent to which a child has been successful in changing old, less functional patterns. It is exciting to see how each change your child is able to make creates opportunities for more learning and growth to occur.