Adult Individuals
Counseling for adult individuals is an acknowledgement that your wellbeing matters, and you are choosing to engage in a process to take care of your self, better yourself, or better understand your experiences of self, others, and the world. You may be attending sessions individually, but you can still be relationally focused, regarding your relationships with others, your relationship with objects like work, stress, on anxiety, or even your interactions with different parts of your personality. You may be attending individually because a family member or romantic partner will not attend with you, or you may be attending individually because you are attentive to your own needs and want even better for yourself. We do too!
Let's start by what our approach is not...our approach is not simply focused on learning and applying new coping skills, challenging thought patterns and adjusting them accordingly, or focused solely on "symptom reduction." Inherently, there is nothing wrong with these things. However, our experience has taught us that there is much more available than a simple reduction of symptoms and improved adjustment to the stressors or life. Like a number line, many people seek counseling when they feel like their overall wellbeing is "in the negative." Some gain symptom reduction, re-establish their neutral state, and end services. And that is totally acceptable. However, we want to invite you to continue your journey to the positive, growth oriented end of the number line. Let's understand the systems and experiences that produced the person you are and the reactions you bring forth in response to stressors or complexities. By better understanding where these patterns of behavior come from, acknowledging the emotional experiences that shaped us and the ways we processed those experiences, we can collaborate to come to a place where you can say "It make sense that I...because..." With an understanding of the context that helped shaped the responses you utilize today, previously stressful situations will appear less confusing and threatening, and space will open uppfor you to make choices and shape who you are and how you want to be in relationship with yourself, others, and the world.
What can I expect in adult individual counseling?
You can expect to be taken seriously, for your experiences to be validated, and to have a therapist that is curious to understand how your past has helped shaped your current stressors. You can expect a warm and inviting environment where you get to freely engage in life's challenges while being accepted fully through the process. You can also expect to be challenged at times, where appropriate.
What are adult individual sessions like?
Like all modes of counseling, we will start with an intake and establish a history of the presenting problems as well as goals that will far exceed simple symptom reduction. A good picture image of individual counseling is to imagine yourself running a marathon. You are already 10 miles into this long race. At this point, your therapist joins you with a Gatorade and a banana, and runs this part of the race with you. We will pace with you and encourage you as long as we are running together. At some point, your therapist will peel off and you will finish the rest of this race on your own, with renewed strength and clarity of understanding.
What is the frequency of sessions, and for how long?
Adult individual counseling sessions typically meet once every two to four weeks weeks, given the desired rhythm of sessions that one prefers. Some people find relief in 7-10 sessions and find that sufficient. Others stretch sessions from once every two to three weeks to once per month or once every six weeks. The rhythm is up to you, as you are in charge of your own wellbeing and care.
Do you offer online adult individual counseling via telehealth?
Yes, we are happy to connect with you online. We do recommend, where possible, at least beginning the process in person before switching to an online only format. But, if circumstances prevent that, completing your counseling sessions online is completely acceptable as well! You may utilize telehealth from anywhere in the state of Kentucky, the only requirement is that you yourself be in the state of Kentucky during the telehealth session.
Do you offer events, retreats, or seminars for couples?
Not yet, but we will soon! If you have topics you would like to attend, please use our contact form to request the topic. If it is important to you, it will be important to others too!