Individual Counseling Services in Birmingham AL

What is Individual Counseling?

Individual counseling is a personal opportunity to receive support and experience growth during challenging times in life. Individual counseling can help one deal with many personal topics in life such as anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage and relationship challenges, parenting problems, school difficulties, career changes, etc.

Individual counseling (sometimes called psychotherapy, talk therapy, or treatment) is a process through which clients work one-on-one with a trained mental health clinician in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. Counseling allows individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change.

When is it best to seek individual counseling in Birmingham AL?

It could be time to seek therapy if an issue causes distress or interferes with daily life. Distress can mean negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or even a bodily sensation such as pain or fatigue. It is important not to wait until symptoms become severe before going to therapy. It may be best to seek therapy if you are often unhappy or feel overwhelmed and hopeless about issues in your life. Therapy can also help if you cannot focus on work or school, experience addiction, or feel like hurting yourself or someone else.

Some people may avoid treatment, and there are many reasons for this. Some of these reasons include:

• Worry about the stigma that can come with mental health care
• Feelings of shamewhen speaking about past hurts
• Not wanting to acknowledge that anything is wrong
• Fear that discussions in treatment will not stay confidential
• Money issues

However, statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) show mental health issues are common in the United States. In fact, 1 in 5 adults may be affected. It may help to remember that therapists are trained professionals who provide support and maintain confidentiality. They are used to helping people work through painful or embarrassing issues. Some therapists also offer sliding scale fees or other financial assistance to people in need. And, although the stigma surrounding mental health can still come up, more people are becoming comfortable with talking about their mental health options with those they trust.

Here at Exceeding Contentment Behavioral Halth Inc. our trained therapists can help people make lifestyle changes. They can also help identify underlying causes of symptoms and provide strategies for changing unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Therapy can equip people with the skills to manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life. 

Benefits of Coming to Exceeding Contentment Behavioral Health Inc.

Finding a therapist you are comfortable with and cooperating with them can help you get the most out of treatment. When a person in therapy is open and honest, therapists generally are better able to address each issue and adjust the treatment approach as needed. Going to therapy might feel difficult on some days. But, it is important to attend each session and complete any homework assigned. Being patient and sticking to the treatment plan can facilitate long-term success in therapy.