Individual therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a trained professional helps an individual work through personal issues they have been facing. It is an effective treatment tool for a variety of emotional issues and mental disorders. Also known as talk therapy, it can help control or improve symptoms that influence an individual's well-being. Marésa van der Walt offers individual therapy for adults.
Individual therapy for adults
Adults seek out therapy for many reasons. Some see therapy because they feel overwhelmed or experience a prolonged sense of sadness or helplessness. Some people feel ill-equipped to shake off the stress and anxiety associated with everyday life. At times, adults begin therapy to help make sense of how they think about themselves and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves to be able to lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.
Therapy sessions allow adults to talk through problems or situations with a trained professional confidently. It does not necessarily make problems go away, but it equips individuals with the tools needed to cope with them more effectively.
Why start Individual Therapy?
- Acute Stress Reaction
- Addictions and Substance Abuse
- Adjustment difficulties and disorders
- Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks
- Anxiety and Fears/Phobias
- Anger Management
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Conflict management/resolution
- Depression
- Existential issues
- Grief counselling
- Impulse Control Disorder
- Loss or Grief
- Mood-disorders
- Negative thinking patterns
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Self-awareness and self-development
- Spirituality, Spiritual Conflict, Spiritual Crises (Christian perspective)
- Stress
- Trauma
What to expect
The first session of therapy usually focuses on gathering information. Marésa will speak with you about your past physical, mental, and emotional health. We will also discuss the concerns and issues that have brought you to therapy.
During therapy, Marésa will encourage you to talk about past experiences or current concerns. She provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your difficulties and work towards improving your quality of life. It is important to note that the therapy journey can, at times, be painful and uncomfortable and painful as you become more aware of your feelings and thoughts. However, with this awareness comes growth and insight that can provide you with a sense of empowerment, fulfilment, and renewed energy.
RECOMMENDED LINKS
ADULTS
- EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE: Book by Dr Daniel J Siegel: "Mindsight. The New Science of Personal Transformation" (2010).
- SELF COMPASSION: Self Compassion Exercises by Dr Kristen Neff.
- HEALING FROM TRAUMA: Book by Dr Bessel van der Kolk: "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" (2014)
- DEPRESSION: Downloadable resources related to depression from The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
- PANIC DISORDER: General questions answered – American Psychological Association website.
- ANXIETY: Helpful general facts about anxiety – Anxiety BC website.