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Children
Children often need just as much support, if not more, in dealing with difficult life events. However individual therapy is approached differently with children in that it is unrealistic to expect a child to talk for 50 minutes about his or her feelings.
Children very often have not yet developed the verbal skills required to identify and express how they are feeling about a situation. As such, play therapy becomes a valuable tool with which children are able to process their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Through play therapy a child may be able to "talk" about a situation in a safe environment, thus gaining a sense of comfort and empowerment regarding the current stressor. Common reasons that parents seek out individual therapy for their child include (but are not limited to):
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Dealing with parental divorce or conflict
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Coping with grief or the loss of a loved one
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Social/ relational challenges
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Changes in environment including moving or switching schools
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Abuse - including physical and emotional
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Processing traumatic experiences
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Adoption
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Academic-related challenges
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Developmental difficulties
Parents may also seek out additional support due to the following behaviors:
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Increased aggression
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Sexual preoccupation
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Change in play or interaction with others
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Change in sleeping or eating
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A developmental regression
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Poor personal boundaries
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Physical symptoms such as upset stomach, headache, etc.
Adolescents
It goes without saying that adolescence can be a very difficult time for many teens. And with the addition of social media, it's important that parents not underestimate the increasing psychological stressors teens are facing.
Some find an extra source of support helpful in navigating these times and seek out individual therapy. Extra support may also be extremely helpful when this already cumbersome time is coupled with additional physical, emotional, or environmental challenges. Common reasons for teens to seek individual therapy include (but are not limited to):
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Peer/ Relationship Conflict
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Academic Stress
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Familial Conflict
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Divorce
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Environmental change such as moving or switching schools
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Loss of a loved one
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Exposure to an extreme stressor
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Bullying-including physical and emotional (such as through social media)
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Sexuality Issues
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Anger and Aggression
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Destructive behavior towards one's physical self
Adults
Adults may attend therapy for a variety of reasons including transitional life events, extreme stressors, and everything in between.
Therapy provides an environment where one can examine the current situation, reflect upon the precipitating events, and identify more productive means of coping. Individual therapy allows one to identify past and present challenges that are impeding his or her ability to feel empowered, peaceful, and fulfilled. Some common reasons to participate in individual therapy include (but are not limited to):
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Relational conflict
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Transitional life events such as a change in employment, living situation, etc.
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Loss of a loved one
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Exposure to an extremely stressful event
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Emotional distress
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Difficulty managing stress
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