Individual therapy is a joint process between a therapist and a person in therapy. Common goals of therapy can be to inspire change or improve quality of life. People may seek therapy for help with issues that are hard to face alone.

Individual therapy focuses on a variety of issues, including trauma and abuse, depression, grief and loss, anxiety, work-related and academic stressors, self-esteem and identity issues, and relationship issues. Individual therapy can benefit those managing lifestyle changes related to aging, parenting, and chronic illness. Some social issues, such as struggles with women’s issues, being LGBTQIA+, racial and ethnic matters, and religious and spiritual concerns, can be addressed through individual therapy.