Everything You Need to Know About Individual Therapy in New York City (and beyond)
Taking the step to start individual therapy is a big deal. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship stress, past trauma, or just feeling stuck in life, therapy can help you gain clarity, develop healthier patterns, and create the kind of life and relationships you actually want. If you’re considering therapy, you probably have a lot of questions—so let’s dive in.
What Issues Can Individual Therapy Help With?
Individual therapy is especially beneficial for high-achieving individuals who feel pressure to excel in every aspect of life while silently struggling with stress, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion. Individual therapy can help with a wide range of challenges, including:
- Anxiety, stress, and perfectionism – Managing the constant pressure to perform, imposter syndrome, and the feeling of never being “enough.”
- Mood Disorders – Understanding emotions and finding ways to feel better.
- Relationship challenges – Navigating difficult dynamics with partners, family, or friends.
- Breakups – Processing heartbreak and moving forward in a healthy way.
- Intergenerational trauma – Breaking unhealthy cycles and healing from past family patterns.
- Self-worth and identity – Untangling self-worth from external success, people-pleasing tendencies, and the fear of failure.
- Career and life transitions – Navigating career growth, burnout, leadership pressures, and major life changes with confidence.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just know that something needs to change, therapy can help you figure out what that looks like.
How Do I Know If I Need Individual Therapy?
High-achieving individuals often excel on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained on the inside. If you constantly feel the pressure to “hold it all together,” therapy can help you find relief and balance. Consider therapy if:
If you’re wondering whether therapy could help, consider these signs:
- You feel emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re always running on empty.
- You notice unhealthy patterns in relationships, whether it’s difficulty setting boundaries, people-pleasing, or struggling with vulnerability.
- You struggle with self-doubt, low self-worth, or people-pleasing tendencies.
- You’re dealing with a difficult breakup, family conflict, or past trauma.
- You want to set better boundaries but don’t know how.
- Big life or career transitions feel heavier than they should, and you’re struggling to navigate change.
Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it’s for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, improve their relationships, and navigate life with more confidence.
What Can I Expect During an Individual Therapy Session?
Therapy is a collaborative process. Sessions might involve:
- Talking through challenges and patterns in your life.
- Exploring past experiences that impact how you show up today.
- Learning new coping strategies for anxiety, stress, or emotional triggers.
- Setting goals for personal growth and healthier relationships.
Each session is tailored to what you need, whether that’s deep self-reflection, practical tools, or a mix of both.
How Long Does Individual Therapy Typically Last?
The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some people come in for short-term support (around 6–12 sessions), while others find ongoing therapy beneficial for deeper work. We’ll discuss your goals and find a pace that works for you.
Is Everything I Share in Therapy Confidential?
Yes! Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. What you share in sessions stays private, except in specific cases involving safety concerns (which we’ll go over in the first session so you know exactly what to expect).
What If I Don’t Know What to Talk About in Therapy?
That’s completely normal! Many people feel unsure at first. Part of my job as a therapist is to help guide the conversation and explore what’s most important for you. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do therapy.
How Does Therapy Help with Managing Anxiety or Depression?
Therapy provides a space to understand and manage anxiety or depression through:
- Identifying thought patterns that contribute to distress.
- Learning practical coping strategies to manage overwhelming emotions.
- Addressing past experiences that may be impacting your mental health.
- Helping you feel more in control and supported in your daily life.
What Qualifications and Experience Do You Have as a Therapist?
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York, specializing in relationship trauma, anxiety, self-worth, and breaking intergenerational patterns. My approach is insightful, direct, and supportive—with just enough humor to keep things real.
How Do I Get the Most Out of Individual Therapy?
To make the most of therapy:
- Be open and honest about what’s going on.
- Practice skills and insights outside of sessions.
- Communicate what’s working (or not working) for you.
- Remember that progress isn’t always linear—it’s a process.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Working?
Therapy progress can look like:
- Feeling more emotionally aware and in control.
- Navigating stress and relationships with more confidence.
- Recognizing and shifting old patterns that no longer serve you.
- Feeling lighter, more resilient, and more connected to yourself.
How Do I Choose the Right Therapist for Me?
Finding the right therapist is about fit. You’ll want someone whose approach, personality, and experience align with what you need. The best way to find out? Book a consultation and see how it feels.
What If I Feel Like Therapy Isn’t Helping?
Therapy is a process, but if something doesn’t feel right, let’s talk about it! We can adjust the approach, set new goals, or explore other options to make sure you’re getting what you need.
How Much Does Individual Therapy Cost, and Is It Covered by Insurance?
The cost of therapy depends on session length and frequency. Some insurance plans cover therapy, while others don’t. I recommend checking with your provider, and I’m happy to discuss rates and payment options.
Can Therapy Help If I’ve Had Negative Experiences with It in the Past?
Absolutely. Not all therapy experiences are the same, and finding the right therapist can make a huge difference. If you’ve had a frustrating or unhelpful experience before, I’m happy to work with you at your own pace and adjust the process to what works for you.
How Do I Start Individual Therapy?
The first step is a consultation where we’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you want to get out of it, and how we can work together. If you’re looking for an individual therapist in New York, I’d love to help. [Schedule a consultation here].
Final Thoughts
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you better understand yourself, break free from unhelpful patterns, and create healthier relationships. If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out today.
