Individual counseling work takes two basic forms, that of remediation (fixing issues that occurred in the past), and that of development (working through issues happening today). If you are struggling with a difficult personal issue, such as anxiety, grief, depression, panic, and or fear, this is considered remediation therapy. In other words, the approach will look at situations that developed because of your past but are now impacting your present.
For developmental work, counseling is more focused on the present, and is usually as short as 1-4 sessions. Again, we define the issue together and determine the best course for moving forward. Developmental work is more about finding the right relationship and career, or effective when you are going through a current life transition.
My approach to either situation is to conduct a thorough assessment of your issues, so we have a starting point, and then develop a treatment plan. The most successful and affordable way I’ve found is to conduct the sessions about a week or two weeks apart, so we maintain continuous efforts. You can not build muscle with working out once in awhile. It takes a steady effort. This also allows us to form a strong bond, and for me to gather enough information for a thorough understanding of who you are and of course the issue.
For some individuals four sessions is enough therapy, to remedy the issue. However, some people may choose to continue for up to an additional year or two. Either way, I like to work in the same manner as your family Doctor. That is to address the issue up front, work collaboratively with you to resolve it, and then discharge you as soon as you are feeling better. By getting to know you this way, you can come back for one or more sessions whenever you want the support. Some people have worked out issues in as little as 2 sessions and others up to 12 sessions a year, (just once a month!). We only continue if it is working for you.
People often ask why do you do this work, is it the money or the satisfaction of working with people. I share that I do this work for success. For you my client to have success in living an authentic life that not only works, but is fulfilling and deeply satisfying.