Individual therapy is by far the most common format for therapy and it can be an effective way to approach all mental health difficulties and life stressors.

Even if the problem is relational (eg. conflict within the relationship, difficulty with sexual intimacy, etc) individual therapy can support the individual in creating the change they need.

Common Reasons for Individual Therapy

The list of concerns that prompt an individual to seek therapy are endless. Below is a list of commonly addressed concerns at New Moon Psychotherapy.

• Anxiety and Stress
• Depression
• Desire for stronger, healthier relationships
• Life Transitions ie. career changes, marriage, loss, moving, life events, etc.
• Trauma and PTSD
• Performance Issues
• Sexual dysfunction
• Insomnia
• Suicide Ideation
• Self-harm
• Grief
• Perinatal Mental Health (Prenatal and Postnatal/Postpartum support)
• Having a loved one struggling with trauma and mental health 
• Self-Esteem
• Gender Exploration

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Starting therapy can be both an exciting and frightening experience. Knowing what to expect may bring comfort.

Consent

The first 10 minutes with any therapist should involve the therapist reviewing the consent to treatment form with you and providing opportunity for you to ask questions or express concerns. This is essential for therapy as it allows you to make an informed decision about beginning therapy. 

Information covered includes:

• Limits to confidentiality
• Clinic policies
• Therapist’s credentials

Assessment

• The first 1-3 sessions involves a deep dive into your current concerns, past experiences, ways of coping, goals, and expectations.
• You may be asked to complete questionnaires that will help the therapist better understand your symptoms.

Treatment Planning

• The therapist will work collaboratively with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
• They will share their suggested approach and why you would benefit from it.

What to Expect During Therapy

Confidentiality

• What happens in therapy stays in therapy (with some exceptions related to safety). 
• Therapy offers a space for you to express and explore without fear of judgment and disclosure.
• At New Moon Psychotherapy we surpassed industry standards related to the use of sound attenuating materials in our space to support your privacy and confidentiality while in our offices.

Coping Strategies and Tools to Manage Symptoms

• A goal of therapy is to equip you with the tools and strategies that you need to stop going to therapy. 
• Your therapist may offer various cognitive and behavioural activities/strategies to help you manage your symptoms. 

Collaboration

• There is no one size fits all approach to treatment and therapists are not all knowing.
• Providing your therapist with honest feedback about what is and isn’t working will help you get the most out of therapy. 

Exploration

• Therapy offers a safe, judgment free, and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, behavior and life’s challenges. 
• This can be an empowering process through which you develop a better understanding of yourself and create opportunities for change and growth.

Progress Monitoring

• Your therapist will monitor your progress to ensure that you are working towards your goals. 
• Often goals will change and progress monitoring allows for modifying a treatment plan when necessary.

Resilience

• Whether it is a desired outcome or an added bonus, many clients report an improved ability to tolerate distress and recover from difficulty. 

Future Planning

• There comes a point when you will no longer need therapy and therapy involves preparing for this change. 

Booster Sessions

• Booster sessions are tune ups for your mental health.
• After you finish therapy, you and your therapist may decide to book a booster session 2+ months out to ensure that there is support available to keep you on track.