Individual therapy is a process in which one person (the client) meets with a trained mental health professional (the therapist) to discuss and work through situations or emotions which have been difficult for or challenging to the client. The client and the therapist meet periodically (often once a week or twice a month) for about 50 minutes each session to discuss the client’s feelings, beliefs, or behaviors; to identify aspects of the client’s life the client would like to change; to better understand themselves and others; to set personal goals; and to work toward desired change.  The therapist employs one or more approaches or techniques to facilitate the therapy work.  The client and therapist may work together for as few as five or six sessions or as long as a year or more, depending on the client’s unique needs and personal goals for therapy. Individual therapy sessions at Insights are conducted in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. We also offer HIPAA compliant Telehealth sessions including online therapy, phone counseling, and video counseling.

What is the difference between therapy and counseling?

The two terms are often used interchangeably to mean working with a mental health professional to help solve various problems in your life.  However, some mental health professionals make a distinction between therapy and counseling.

• “Therapy” (a shortened form of “psychotherapy”) refers to a longer-term, more in-depth approach to address and solve the client’s problems or concerns.  It often focuses on gaining insight into persistent and lasting problems, looking more generally at the client’s thought processes and his or her way of being in the world rather than specific problems.
• “Counseling” refers to a short-term, focused approach to solve a client’s more specific problems or concerns.  It often targets a particular symptom or difficult situation and offers suggestions and advice for dealing with it.

In practice there may be an overlap between therapy and counseling. A therapist may provide counseling with specific situations and a counselor may function in a psychotherapeutic manner. Generally speaking, however, therapy requires more skill than simple counseling. It is conducted by professionals trained to practice therapy. While a therapist is qualified to provide counseling, a counselor may or may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide therapy.

Call Insights Therapy today at 214.706.0508, email us at info@insightstherapy.com or click here to schedule an appointment. Insights offers flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend appointments.