Individual therapy is a process shared between a therapist and a patient. The common goal for seeking individual therapy is to inspire change and to improve the quality of life. People may benefit from therapy for help with issues that they are having trouble facing alone. Individual therapy is also referred to as talk therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, and psychosocial therapy.

It could be time to seek therapy if a situation in your life begins to feel overwhelming, or if it regularly causes stress and interferes with your functioning in your daily life. Distress can result in undesirable consequences such as negative thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and even negative bodily sensations such as fatigue or pain. Ideally, you’re able to seek therapy before such symptoms become too severe.

A good time to seek therapy is when you regularly feel unhappy or feel overwhelmed and hopeless about your life circumstances. Therapy is also helpful if you’re unable to focus at work, at school, experience addiction, or feel like hurting yourself or other people.

There are a number of reasons why people might avoid therapy. These can range from the social stigma associated with mental health care to the feelings of shame when speaking about issues from your past. Other reasons include:

Not wanting to acknowledge that anything is wrong
Worry that talking about your problems will not remain confidential
The National Institute of Mental Health, however, provides statistics that show that mental health issues are ubiquitous in the United States.

Up to one in five adults may be affected in some form. It’s worth noting that therapists are trained professionals who offer support and maintain confidentiality. They are accustomed to providing support to people to help work through painful or embarrassing life issues. Although social stigma about mental disorders remains an ever-present obstacle in today’s society, more and more people are becoming comfortable with discussing their mental health options with people they trust.