,

What to Expect During an Individual Therapy Session

,

Individual therapy — also called talk therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy — is a safe, collaborative space where adults can explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a licensed mental health professional. At Forensic Insight Group (FIG), we provide individual therapy services in Massachusetts, both in-person and via telehealth, for adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and other mental health concerns.

Whether you’re seeking mental health support, coping strategies, or personal growth, individual therapy can provide insights, skills, and guidance to improve your well-being.

What Happens in Therapy?

During individual therapy, you can expect:

  • Session structure: Sessions typically last 45–55 minutes and are held weekly, though this may vary depending on your needs.

  • Duration of treatment: Therapy can be short-term (a few sessions) or long-term for more complex issues. Your therapist will collaborate with you to set goals, frequency, and length of treatment.

  • Confidentiality: All discussions are private, creating a safe space to explore sensitive topics.

Therapists help you:

  • Identify unproductive patterns and solve challenges

  • Learn new coping skills and strategies

  • Understand and manage your emotions

  • Receive evidence-based treatment tailored to your mental health concerns

Therapy is a collaborative process — your active participation is essential for progress.

How Therapy Works at Forensic Insight Group

At FIG, we follow a clear, client-centered process designed to ensure comfort and effectiveness:

  1. Initial Consultation

    • Schedule a brief phone consultation to discuss your needs and assess therapeutic fit with our clinicians.

  2. Intake Session

    • Complete necessary paperwork, including consent forms, insurance details, and payment information.

    • Review FIG’s confidentiality policies, ask questions, and provide relevant background information.

    • Set preliminary therapy goals collaboratively with your clinician.

  3. Ongoing Sessions

    • Sessions are typically client-driven and flexible, focusing on your goals and needs.

    • Clinicians provide guidance, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies to support your mental health journey.

This structured yet flexible approach helps clients feel informed, supported, and ready to engage fully in therapy.

Common Therapy Modalities

FIG clinicians use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders.

  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Short-term therapy addressing interpersonal issues and communication; often used for depression.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotion regulation and coping skills; helpful for PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and chronic emotional challenges.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy & Psychoanalysis: Explores unconscious patterns shaped by past experiences; psychoanalysis involves more intensive, frequent sessions.

  • Supportive Therapy: Builds self-esteem, coping skills, and emotional resilience.

  • Additional Approaches: Animal-assisted therapy, creative arts therapy, and play therapy (for children/adolescents in evaluations).

Why Therapy Works

According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 75% of people who engage in therapy experience benefits such as symptom relief, improved coping, and increased well-being. Success depends on:

  • Therapist expertise — working with a trained, skilled clinician

  • Client engagement — openness, honesty, and active participation

  • Realistic expectations — understanding that therapy is a process

For tips on maximizing therapy benefits, check out our post: How to Get the Most Out of Therapy.

Getting Started with FIG

Ready to begin your journey? At Forensic Insight Group, we offer individual therapy in Massachusetts for adults, including those navigating the criminal justice system.

  • Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs.

  • Flexible sessions available in-person or via telehealth.

  • Guidance from experienced clinicians committed to client-centered therapy.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation or learn more about our therapy services.

References:

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2019, January). What is Psychotherapy? Psychiatry.org

  • JED Foundation. (2022, November 29). What to Expect from Therapy. jedfoundation.org