Individual Therapy and Counselling

The process of consulting with a therapist to resolve troublesome behaviours, beliefs, feelings, relationship concerns, and somatic responses is known as therapy, sometimes known as psychotherapy or counselling. Starting therapy can help you become the healthiest version of yourself, regardless of the issues you're facing. You can enhance your relationships, resolve painful feelings, and change self-destructive behaviours and routines through counselling. Many mental health issues can benefit from therapy to improve symptoms. People learn to manage symptoms that don't respond to treatment immediately in therapy. According to research, the benefits of therapy outlast the effects of medication alone.

Individual therapy or counselling involves a collaborative dynamic between the therapist and client. The therapeutic process aims to facilitate change and improve the quality of life of an individual. Therapeutic methods are moulded to suit each unique individual to help clients confront barriers that prohibit self-growth and interfere with emotional and mental wellbeing. Counselling can increase positive feelings such as self-worth, love, compassion, courage and improve psychological wellbeing.

In addition, Prof Pretorius guides clients through the processes of retrenchment and the stressors of work and everyday life. She believes that an individual's existence in all stages of life should be meaningful. She also deals with the difficulties both women and men face in everyday life. These issues range from domestic violence, discrimination, workplace bullying and sexual harassment to developing skills to cope with life and lived experiences, relationship difficulties, challenging parental relationships, step-parenting and divorce.

It may take some time for you to decide whether or not you are ready for treatment. You might want to wait and see if time, lifestyle changes, or the support of friends and family can help you. Consider therapy when stress is the source of the problem, and more especially when:

  • Every day, at least an hour is spent thinking about or dealing with the problem.
  • The problem makes you feel embarrassed or makes you want to avoid other people.
  • Your quality of life has suffered as a result of the problem.
  • The problem has hurt education, job, and relationships.
  • To deal with the problem, you've made lifestyle modifications or created routines.

If any of the following emotions or feelings are interfering with your life, counselling and therapy may be able to help you minimise their impact:

  • Overwhelming emotions
  • Fatigue
  • Rage, anger or resentment
  • Agoraphobia (fear of places and situations that might cause panic attacks, helplessness, embarrassment or anxious feelings)
  • Anxiety or intrusive thoughts
  • Apathy
  • Hopelessness
  • Social Withdrawal
1How long do you need individual therapy?

Therapy might take anything from a few weeks to several months or even years. It all depends on your particular needs and the problems you are facing. Some People come to therapy with different problems in mind, and only a few sessions may be all they need.

2What is the difference between therapy and counselling?

Counselling usually focuses on a single topic for a set period. Long-term therapy focuses on you as an individual, including how you see yourself and the world, your thoughts and behaviours, and the underlying patterns of why you do the things you do.

3How long is a therapy session?

If you're having individual therapy, your appointment will generally last between 45 minutes to an hour.