What is individual psychotherapy?

Therapy articles

Knowing what individual psychotherapy is, and how it works, can help you decide if it’s the right path for you.

Many people believe that therapy is only helpful “after” the crisis, instead of “before.”

Mark Colclough, MA

If you have never had therapy before, the prospect can feel daunting. I have often heard from clients that the initial dialling of my number was the hardest part, the realising that “I need help”. This is especially true, if you’re not sure what to expect.

If you are thinking about therapy but aren’t sure what it is, or how it works, here are some answers to your questions.

What is individual psychotherapy?

Dozens of therapy styles exist within psychotherapy, all with their unique advantages. I draw from multiple disciplines and psychological models that I feel will be best suited to our session. Ours is a unique relationship; it is strictly confidential and focused on helping you meet your goals. You are very much centrestage as I keep my personal experiences out of the room, allowing you to fully explore your needs.

Sessions usually happen on a regular one-to-one basis, and there is no limit to how many you should have. I would, however, suggest a minimum of 6.

Individual psychotherapy can be used to help with a range of problems such as:

Anxiety and stress
Depression / low mood
Major life changes such as divorce or relocation
Issues with sex and sexuality
Career struggles
Trauma / PTSD
Addictions, such as gambling, substances or sex

Individual psychotherapy provides a safe space for you to explore your presenting issue and get to its root cause, allowing for healing and the formation of a positive pathway forward.

Click here to see what my previous clients have said about individual psychotherapy.

Individual psychotherapy is the one-on-one work we do together.

Mark Colclough, MA

The Client / Therapist Relationship

Quite often people ask;

“Why should I speak to a therapist when my friends are such good listeners?”

This is a good question.

Your friends have a bias. Consciously or not, they want to please you, to make you feel better in that moment, and usually will agree with the things you say. Friends might give you advice or (quite unintentionally) impose judgements. Therefore, you can find yourself navigating in waters contaminated by your friends’ good intentions.

The therapeutic relationship is beneficial in an unbiased way.

As a fully trained and qualified psychotherapist, I have learned to listen and respond in a way that is therapeutically beneficial. I use a set of skills and techniques to help you to find your own path, free from the judgement or interference of others. I do not advise or tell you what to do, but trust that you yourself can come to your own conclusions in your own time, with my support.

Furthermore, I take into account what’s happening in the room between us – which is referred to as transference and countertransference. This enables us to keep good boundaries within our relationship and work together in a healthy, meaningful way.

Lastly, therapists are required to uphold the strictest confidentiality at all times. You are encouraged to speak freely without fear of judgement, which makes the client/therapist relationship particularly intimate.

My confidentiality policy is quite simple; I only speak about your therapeutic journey and the conversations therein to you personally. If you are in couples therapy the same applies. However there are some Danish legal considerations if you are planning to harm yourself or others, or if I become aware of neglect or abuse that a minor may be subject to.