Individual Therapy
In This Section:
What is
Individual Therapy?
75%
People who enter psychotherapy report improvement in symptoms and overall functioning.
50%
36%
Prison-based therapeutic community programs cut reoffending by 36%.
75%
Roughly three-quarters of Americans entering individual psychotherapy experience meaningful symptom relief and improved functioning.
A typical course of individual therapy begins with an intake session and continues with regular, evidence-based interventions to explore and address areas such as:
Emotional Regulation & Mood Management
Anxiety & Stress Coping Strategies
Interpersonal Relationships & Communication
Self-Esteem, Identity & Life Purpose
Trauma Processing & Grief Work
Behavioral Activation & Habit Change
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making Skills
Life Transitions & Adjustment Challenges
Why Would Someone Be Referred
For Individual Therapy?
Managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma
Developing healthy coping and stress-management strategies
Resolving relationship, family, or communication difficulties
Navigating life transitions (e.g., career changes, grief, identity issues)
Improving self-esteem, motivation, and goal-setting skills
Addressing problematic behaviors or habit patterns
Processing loss, chronic illness, or major life stressors
Enhancing decision-making, problem-solving, and resilience
What Happens
After Therapy?
After completing your individual therapy, you’re welcome to return for follow-up sessions with Dr. Markey whenever you feel it would be helpful. These check-ins allow you to reinforce skills, address new or lingering challenges, and adjust your plan as needed to support ongoing growth and sustained well-being.
A Road Map to
Healing & Lasting Growth
Types of
Individual Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and so change the way they feel.
Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. This complex condition affects mood, cognition, and physical health, and evidence-based treatments may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both to restore emotional balance and functioning.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking that can impair daily functioning. While less common than other psychiatric conditions, its disabling symptoms often require long-term antipsychotic treatment and psychosocial support to manage reality testing and enhance social engagement.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder combines symptoms of schizophrenia—such as hallucinations and delusions—with mood disturbances, including episodes of mania or depression. This hybrid condition, affecting a small percentage of individuals, often challenges diagnosis and treatment, requiring integrated psychiatric care and psychotherapy to address both psychotic and mood-related features.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings between manic highs—marked by elevated energy and impulsivity—and depressive lows involving persistent sadness and fatigue. Typically emerging in early adulthood, it affects men and women equally and is managed with mood-stabilizing medications and psychotherapy.
Military / Veteran Struggles
Military and veteran personnel often face significant emotional challenges stemming from combat exposure, repeated deployments, and related trauma. These experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms requiring specialized therapeutic approaches that integrate resilience-building, trauma-informed care, and family support to facilitate recovery and reintegration.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after exposure to severe trauma, leading to intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. It disrupts sleep, concentration, and relationships, and is effectively treated with evidence-based therapies—such as cognitive processing therapy and EMDR—often combined with medication to reduce distressing symptoms.
Substance Abuse Disorders
Substance use disorders involve repeated misuse of psychoactive drugs, leading to significant impairment or distress in personal, social, and occupational functioning. They encompass tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive behaviors, and treatment typically combines behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, medication-assisted interventions to support long-term recovery.
Men’s Issues
Men’s mental health concerns—ranging from stress and anxiety to depression and relationship difficulties—often go unaddressed due to stigma and reluctance to seek help. Therapy provides a confidential, nonjudgmental space where men can explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and enhance overall well-being tailored to their experiences.
Perpetrators of Abuse / Violence
Perpetrators of abuse or violence choose harmful behaviors that violate others’ rights and safety, often influenced by complex psychological and situational factors. Treatment focuses on accountability and behavior change through specialized interventions—such as anger management, empathy training, and cognitive restructuring—to reduce recidivism and promote responsible choices.
Victims of Abuse / Violence
Victims of abuse or violence endure physical and emotional trauma that can profoundly affect their sense of safety and self-worth. Therapeutic support offers a healing environment to process experiences, rebuild trust, and develop coping skills that foster resilience and empower individuals toward recovery.
Answers to Your
Individual Therapy
Questions
What is individual therapy?
Individual therapy is a collaborative, one-on-one process in which Dr. Markey helps you explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe, confidential setting. Through guided discussion and evidence-based techniques, you’ll work together to identify underlying patterns and develop strategies for coping and growth.
Over the course of treatment, you’ll set personalized goals—whether that’s reducing anxiety, managing depression, or improving relationships—and track your progress session by session. This tailored approach ensures that therapy evolves to meet your changing needs.
Who can benefit from individual therapy?
Individuals of all ages—teens through adults—facing life stressors, emotional challenges, or transitions can benefit from individual therapy. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or interpersonal conflicts, therapy provides a dedicated space to process your experiences.
Even if you’re not in crisis, many clients seek therapy to build resilience, boost self-esteem, or gain insight into personal goals and values. Dr. Markey’s flexible approach adapts to your unique background and objectives.
What therapeutic approaches does Dr. Markey use?
What should I expect during my first session?
Your initial appointment begins with a detailed intake: you’ll discuss your personal and medical history, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Dr. Markey will explain the therapeutic process, confidentiality limits, and any necessary paperwork.
By the end of that visit, you and Dr. Markey will outline a preliminary treatment plan with clear goals and session frequency recommendations. You’ll leave with a sense of direction and the opportunity to ask any lingering questions.
How long are sessions and how often should I attend?
Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes long, which allows for focused work without being overwhelming. Most clients start with weekly appointments to build momentum and consistency.
As you meet your goals, session frequency can be reduced to biweekly or monthly check-ins. This flexible scheduling ensures continuity of care while respecting your progress and time commitments.