What to Expect When You Start Your Healing Journey
Considering individual therapy can feel both exciting and a little uncertain—especially if you’re not sure what to expect. At New Leaf Counseling & Wellness, we understand that taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering, What actually happens in therapy? How will I know if it’s right for me?
The truth is, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are many approaches therapists use to help you feel better, develop healthier coping strategies, and gain deeper insight into your life. Today, we’re breaking down some of the most common approaches and techniques used in individual therapy and we’ll provide some individual therapy examples. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or life transitions, understanding these methods can help you feel more comfortable taking that next step.
What Is Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy is a one-on-one process between you and a licensed therapist. It’s a safe, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences. The goal is to support your emotional well-being and help you develop tools to navigate life’s challenges.
At New Leaf Counseling & Wellness, our therapists in Schaumburg and Naperville work with adults and teens to create personalized treatment plans. We meet you where you are and walk alongside you at your pace.
Common Approaches & Techniques in Individual Therapy
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used and effective individual therapy approaches. It focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A therapist helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns and teaches you how to reframe them in healthier ways. For example, if you often think, “I’m not good enough,” CBT helps you challenge that belief and replace it with something more balanced. CBT is often used to treat anxiety, depression, stress and negative thought pattern.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT builds on CBT techniques but adds tools for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. You’ll learn practical skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is highly structured and supportive, especially for those who feel emotions deeply. DBT is best for emotional regulation, borderline personality disorder and self-harm behaviors.
3. Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach helps you uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be influencing your current life. It explores past experiences, trauma and deep-seated patterns. By understanding your past and its impact on the present, you can gain insight and heal old wounds. Psychodynamic therapy often feels more reflective and exploratory.
4. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy is a specialized therapy designed to help you process traumatic memories in a safe and effective way. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to help your brain reprocess painful memories so they’re less triggering. Often used in treatment of PTSD, many clients find relief from long-standing trauma or distressing life experiences after EMDR sessions.
5. Humanistic Therapy (Person-Centered Therapy)
This warm and non-judgmental approach focuses on your potential for self-healing and personal growth. The therapist provides unconditional support and empathy, helping you reconnect with your authentic self. Many people find humanistic therapy to be deeply empowering and validating and is often helpful with improving self-esteem, personal growth and finding meaning.
6. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
SFBT is future-focused and goal-oriented. Rather than delving into the past, this approach emphasizes finding practical solutions to current challenges. It’s often a shorter-term therapy useful with specific goals or life transitions that builds on your strengths and resources.
How Do You Know Which Approach Is Right for You?
You don’t have to figure it out alone! At New Leaf Counseling & Wellness, our compassionate therapists are trained in a variety of approaches and will collaborate with you to determine the best fit. Many therapists integrate several techniques to create a tailored experience just for you.
Ready to Begin Your Therapy Journey?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about how therapy can help, we’re here for you. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or other challenges, our team at New Leaf Counseling & Wellness in Schaumburg and Naperville is ready to support you. Contact us to schedule your first appointment or a consultation. We’re here to answer any questions and help you take that first step.
