What is your go-to approach for individual therapy?

Starting with a new client is a crucial moment for establishing trust and rapport. Here are some steps a therapist might consider: Warm welcome: Begin with a warm and welcoming greeting. Make the client feel comfortable and valued from the moment they enter your office or connect with you online., Introduction: Introduce yourself and briefly explain your role as a therapist. This can help clarify expectations and establish boundaries from the outset., Exploration of goals: Taking time to explore the client's goals and reasons for seeking therapy. Understanding what they hope to achieve can guide the therapist's approach and help tailor therapy to the client's needs., Establishing rapport: Building rapport is essential for a successful therapeutic relationship. Take the time to listen actively, show empathy, and validate the client's experiences and emotions., Assessment: Conducting an initial assessment to gather relevant information about the client's history, current situation, and any specific challenges they may be facing. This can help inform your treatment plan and approach., Setting expectations: Clarifying what clients can expect from therapy, including the frequency and duration of sessions, confidentiality, and any other relevant policies or procedures., Collaborative approach: Emphasizing that therapy is a collaborative process where both the therapist and the client work together towards the client's goals. Encourage open communication and feedback throughout the therapeutic journey., Addressing concerns: Allowing space for clients to ask questions or express any concerns they may have about therapy. Addressing these early on can help alleviate any apprehensions and build trust., Creating a safe space: Creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and honestly., Ending on a positive note: Ending the first session on a positive note, reaffirming your commitment to supporting the client and working together towards positive change.

What tools do you teach in individual therapy?

I teach the following tools: Self-awareness: Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one's own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and tendencies. It involves being conscious of your strengths, weaknesses, values, beliefs, and emotions, and how they influence your actions and interactions with others., Emotional self-regulation: Emotional self-regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one's own emotions effectively. It involves recognizing and understanding emotions as they arise, then using strategies to regulate or modulate those emotions in order to respond to situations in a constructive and adaptive manner., Improved motivation: Improved motivation refers to an increase in the drive, energy, and commitment to pursue and achieve goals. This can involve setting clear objectives, finding purpose and meaning in one's actions, overcoming obstacles and setbacks, and maintaining focus and persistence in the face of challenges., Relationship and communication skills: Relationship and communication skills are the abilities that help individuals effectively interact with others in a variety of interpersonal contexts. This includes skills such as active listening, empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, negotiation, and nonverbal communication. Strong relationship and communication skills are essential for building and maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships with others., Setting healthy boundaries: Setting healthy boundaries involves establishing clear and appropriate limits in relationships and interactions with others. This includes setting limits on how others can behave towards you, as well as defining your own boundaries in terms of what behaviors and treatment you will and will not accept. Healthy boundaries help maintain self-respect, protect against exploitation or manipulation, and foster mutual respect and understanding in relationships., Gratitude mindset: A gratitude mindset is an attitude or perspective characterized by a focus on recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, even in the face of challenges or adversity. It involves cultivating a sense of gratitude for the blessings, opportunities, and experiences in one's life, and actively acknowledging and expressing appreciation for them. A gratitude mindset can promote resilience, happiness, and overall well-being.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy?

Progress cannot be measured along a singular metric. I know a client is making progress when they are reliably self-reflective, approach the same challenges with less distress, and have a feeling of personal mastery. Progress in therapy can also be assessed using a self-report inventory, such as the Beck Depression Inventory, the PHQ-9, or a similar inventory.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement individual therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by journaling. So often, the most pressing or insightful reflections occur outside of therapy sessions. Referencing a journal can also help to organize and make a session most productive by providing a list of topics, concerns, thoughts, or feelings to process with the clinician.

What should someone do to prepare for starting individual therapy?

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, compose a list of problems, symptoms, and concerns as you see them. It is also helpful to write a list of questions for your therapist. Don't rely on your memory alone, as anxiety related to your first session might lead you to forget.

Offered in-person & online

Our counselors provide therapy in Philadelphia, PA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Find a provider Call (215) 544-2163

All Philadelphia services

Services

Individual therapy Couples/marriage therapy Child therapy Family therapy Online therapy Psychiatry/medication Teen counseling
Counseling approaches & specialties

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) ADHD therapy Anger management therapy Anxiety therapy Christian counseling Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Depression counseling Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) Eating disorders EMDR therapy Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) Grief & loss counseling Humanistic therapy Insomnia therapy LGBTQIA+ counseling Life transitions counseling Motivational interviewing Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy (OCDT) Person-centered therapy (PCT) Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) Strength-based therapy Stress management therapy Trauma/PTSD therapy
Our Providers
Call (215) 544-2163
Philadelphia, PA therapy

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you

Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

465,314 people sought individual therapy help in Pennsylvania in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a individual can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Asa Slowe

Licensed Associated Professional Counselor (LAPC)

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +2 more

Coping Skills, Stress, Life Transition, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, +2 more

Next opening: Fri Nov 22, 9 am View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Molly Hunt

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Aetna, Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness, AmeriHealth Administrators, +30 more

Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +16 more

My approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that no two clients or circumstances are the same. Together, we can find the best path forward for... My approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that no two clients or circumstances are the same. Together, we can find the best path forward for you Read more

Next opening: Tue Nov 26, 4 pm View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Brighid Shea

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)

Aetna, AmeriHealth Administrators, AmeriHealth Pennsylvania, +10 more

Narcissism, Anger, Coping Skills, Stress, Women’s Issues, +9 more

I am passionate about providing a warm, compassionate space for all clients to feel understood, validated, and respected as they navigate their unique... I am passionate about providing a warm, compassionate space for all clients to feel understood, validated, and respected as they navigate their unique life challenges. Read more

Next opening: Tue Dec 3, 5 pm View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Justin Voss He/Him

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Aetna, Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness, AmeriHealth Administrators, +36 more

Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, Life Transition, Anxiety, +3 more

As a queer person, I understand the complexities and intersections of identities, and how they shape our worldview, experiences, and connections to ot... As a queer person, I understand the complexities and intersections of identities, and how they shape our worldview, experiences, and connections to others. Read more

Next opening: Tue Dec 10, 5 pm View all availability

View all Philadelphia providers

Common approaches to Individual therapy

Starting Individual therapy

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, allows people to engage in private sessions with a skilled therapist, counselor, or psychologist. The core objective of individual therapy is to establish a secure and confidential setting where you can openly discuss whatever emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges you face. Through these one-on-one sessions, the client and therapist work together to delve into, comprehend, and ultimately find solutions for the issues at hand in their life.

How does individual therapy work?

Individual therapy unfolds in a structured process, commencing with an initial assessment in which the therapist gathers essential information about your history, concerns, and objectives. Together, you and your therapist collaboratively establish specific, attainable goals for your sessions, which can encompass symptom alleviation, personal development, or finding solutions to particular challenges.

Can individual therapy help me?

Yes, individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, at Thriveworks can help you to improve your mental health and overall quality of life.

Is individual therapy conducted in person or online?

Individual therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does individual therapy last?

The duration of your individual therapy sessions will vary. The decision on the number and frequency of sessions is typically collaboratively determined by the client and therapist.

How much does individual therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.

Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our Philadelphia therapists and counselors accept 43 insurance plans

Aetna
Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness
AmeriHealth Administrators
AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage
AmeriHealth Pennsylvania
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS Medicare Advantage
Carelon
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth EAP
Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage
Compsych

First Health Network
Geisinger Health Plan
Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | Medicare Advantage
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | PPO - HMO
Humana Exchange
Humana HMO/POS
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross | BCBS
Independence Blue Exchange
JP Farley Corporation
Keystone 65 Medicare Advantage
Keystone Health Plan East (CHIP)
Keystone Health Plan East HMO | POS
Martin's Point (US Family Health Plans)
Martins Point (Generations Advantage Medicare Advantage)
Medicare PA
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Personal Choice 65 Medicare
Personal Choice PPO | EPO
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
Tricare West
UPMC
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum EAP

Self-pay costs at Philadelphia

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews

View all reviews

★★★★★

The therapist we have is always on time/ professional/ and helpful. I am glad we found him.

Michele Dec 2023

Thriveworks.com verified review

★★★★★

Crystal Sommerville was a TSS to out now 26 year old when she was a young child. Crystal has maintained a professional and therapeutic relationship with both her client and our family. We have watched her develop her professional skills coupled with compassion, patience, understanding, listening and being available. Our family has benefited directly from ALL of the advice, opinions, therapy and personal interest for many years. ANY client who has the privilege of working with Crystal Sommerville WILL only benefit from her!!! We are PROUD to let everyone know CRYSTAL SOMMERVILLE IS AN AWESOME THERAPIST!!

Read more Crystal Sommerville was a TSS to out now 26 year old when she was a young child. Crystal has maintained a professional and therapeutic relationship with both her client and our family. We have watched her develop her professional skills coupled with compassion, patience, understanding, listening and being available. Our family has benefited directly from ALL of the advice, opinions, therapy and personal interest for many years. ANY client who has the privilege of working with Crystal Sommerville WILL only benefit from her!!! We are PROUD to let everyone know CRYSTAL SOMMERVILLE IS AN AWESOME THERAPIST!!

Philadelphia Nov 2021