Our counselors provide therapy in Baton Rouge, LA

My go-to approach for helping people in individual therapy is an integrative-systemic perspective to assist individuals with leaning into their authentic selves. I prefer using a laid-back, casual style of therapeutic engagement vs. a stark and clinical approach because, when a clinician is also authentic in their therapeutic style, the client experience feels genuine.

I teach and lean heavily on the following tool(s) in individual therapy:

• Psychoeducation and skill-building on boundaries: In my work with clients over the years, I've found that unhealthy boundaries are commonly the core/root issue around many people's distress, resentment, family conflict, internal conflict, work/career discontentment, and general life stress.
• Language of boundaries: I teach clients to understand that boundaries are always happening, like breathing. I help clients recognize healthy vs. unhealthy boundaries rather than keeping the misconception that they have no boundaries (which I often hear).
• Understanding types of boundaries: Once we understand that we are always 'doing boundaries,' what type are we engaged in? We'll explore types and categories of unhealthy boundaries to increase insight and awareness.
• Deep dive into your own boundary patterns: I provide a list of 22 healthy and unhealthy boundaries for the client to review, reflect on as homework, and then process in the session when ready.
• Role-play & modeling: Clients practice using healthy boundaries in real-time, in real life, within the session, which allows clients to practice in-session, from both modeling/using healthy boundaries while engaged in session to role-playing scenarios for use of healthy boundaries outside of session with others.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy when they are re-engaging with their lives. I love witnessing and being a small part of the moment when healing is felt, realized, and expressed in a client's life. Clients will share that transformative moment with me in their session, and we process that just like any other topic (which often garners a deeper sense of healing, empowerment, and insight).

Clients can enhance their individual therapy experience by completing assigned homework, referred to by a colleague as 'LifeWork.' This not only encompasses written assignments, but also involves behavioral activation, such as establishing healthy boundaries, journaling emotions, and reflecting on thoughts and situations that emerge outside of sessions for discussion during therapy.

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can reflect on what's going on in your life and begin to make insightful connections to the 'why' of it all (jot down a few key points to remember). You can also jot down any questions you want to ask (the session can go in many directions, and it is easy to forget things you might've wanted to share or ask). Lastly, be prepared for transparency in all aspects of your life. The initial therapy session (called the intake) may feel invasive to some because it involves many personal, private inquiries about your complete background. Although clinicians do their best to deliver the queries in a palatable, engaging, and comforting manner, the information is still very personal. Just know that other clinicians and I value your courage in allowing us into your life so that we can walk alongside you toward healing and achieving your therapy goals.