Individual Counseling in a Nutshell
Have you been thinking about starting therapy? Are you wondering what it will be like? This blog post gives you an idea of what to expect.
What is individual counseling?
The term “individual counseling,” (also known as therapy, psychotherapy, and talk therapy), is counseling that focuses on an individual’s issues, in contrast to couples counseling, which focuses on issues within the couple, or family therapy, which focuses on the family unit. In individual counseling, you’ll explore your thoughts and feelings, discuss earlier experiences in your life, and resolve challenges you’re having currently.
Why meet with a therapist?
Individual therapy is a useful treatment for coping with problems and learning new strategies for resolving issues. Therapists are licensed professionals who are skilled at listening and helping you find solutions to your problems in a nonjudgmental, confidential setting. They have expertise in helping you explore your thoughts and feelings, without bringing their own needs into the mix.
It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable with the therapist that you choose (see this post on how to find the right therapist for you). Over time, the goal is to feel safe and supported enough to explore any topic that is on your mind.
How long will I be in counseling and how often are sessions?
Short-term counseling lasts anywhere from 4-8 sessions, typically. Long-term counseling can last for years. Many clients choose to engage in long-term therapy as a way to have consistent, scheduled time dedicated solely to self-reflection and to care for their emotional and mental health, much like going to the gym for physical health or going to church for spiritual health.
Typically, counseling sessions are 45-50 minutes and take place on a weekly basis. Over time, the frequency may decrease to biweekly or monthly sessions, depending on your needs and goals.
How much does counseling cost?
The cost varies from therapist to therapist and whether you choose a therapist who is in-network with your insurance (on your insurance panel of providers) or a therapist who is out-of-network. If your therapist is out-of-network, you should find out if your health insurance will reimburse you for your payments to the therapist.
Here are some questions to ask your insurance company:
- How much does my insurance plan reimburse for counseling services provided by an out-of-network provider?
- How much is my deductible?
- How many counseling sessions per calendar year are covered by my plan?
- Do I need a referral to counseling from my primary care physician, in order to get reimbursed by my insurance?
- What paperwork do I need to submit to insurance in order to be reimbursed?
What if I have additional questions?
You can get more information at QLC’s FAQs page. Also, you can ask your therapist any question that you have.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please call us at 1-844-QLC-TALK (1-844-752-8255) or email us here
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