Psychotherapy has seen a lot of growth over the past decade. Many books and articles have been written about the topic, and specifically which therapy is best for each person who enters psychotherapy. This article aims to balance the scale and provide a complete overview of the benefits and drawbacks of each type of therapy. How do you decide which type of therapy is right for you? First, it is important to remember that individual therapy does not have to be incompatible with group therapy. Both are not mutually exclusive. Both approaches can be used creatively and supportively to benefit the client. This is certainly the case in my psychotherapy practice.

Psychologists Laguna Beach Both my therapeutic and philosophical stances regarding both approaches are based on how I view relationships. Therapy can only be achieved through a relationship-oriented model. The therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is the most important. From that connection, further experimentation can be made and contact can be established. Whether they are in individual or group therapy, I consider the person's inner and outer perceptions to contact important.

One of the best ways to determine whether individual or group therapy is right for you is by how they contact me.

We can see the differences between these approaches and begin to "unpack" them. There are some significant differences and similarities. Of course, there will be overlaps in certain areas.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

These are just a few of the characteristics that apply to this kind of psychotherapy approach.

Special attention

Individual therapy is a great way to get the individualized attention the client needs. It is where they can tell their story to someone who is supportive and caring. This therapeutic relationship is where they can be heard and validated as the unique individual they are. Here, clients will receive special attention to their smallest worries and hurts. Respect for the client's entire being will be shown.

Clients can feel free and secure in a one-to-one therapy relationship.

Validation of childhood trauma

The therapist can spend his time with the child within him in a one-to-one relationship. The therapist can validate childhood traumas and give positive and supportive permissions for the child who has been so hurt. This is when the unmet needs can be acknowledged and honored. The therapist's ability to just be 'there for that hurt child' for an hour for a revolutionary moment in its own right will be remarkable. While we cannot undo the hurts from the past, we can help the client's 'child' to create a better, more fulfilling present. It is during this time that developmental problems will be addressed. This will be a time where new ways of being are explored in a safe and secure environment.

Advocate therapist

The therapist can help clients build trust and confidence by being a 'one-to-one' relationship. They will have someone there to support them and to tell them what they need to hear. To advocate for them and to stand by them in a way that may never have happened to them. To be their advocate in an extraordinary and powerful way.

Secure base

The therapist is a trusted partner in the client's life. This secure base can be established over time, where trust and support can be given. Clients may feel more comfortable exploring their difficulties when they have the support of a therapist. It is okay to feel sad and scared knowing that the therapist will always be there. You can also be angry knowing that your therapist will not abandon you. You will feel safe and secure. This is essential for risk and change to occur.

To feel safe and secure enough to explore their inner being in a'realistic' way. An attachment bond will be necessary. They will need to establish an attachment bond. This bond should be positive and not negative. It shouldn't replicate past negative attachments. They will feel more secure from a positive attachment. It is possible for clients to feel less secure without it. This needs to be addressed and a positive relationship between client and therapist is necessary for "real" therapy to take place.

Time factor. For some clients, it is crucial that they feel at home with their therapist as soon as possible. Clients need to be able to let go of their past and uncurl. Different people require different time dimensions in order to feel safe, to be open, and to feel truly there, maybe for the first times in their lives.