Am I the Problem in my Relationships?

“The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I'm not going to let myself pull me down anymore.” ― C. Joy Bell

Individual Therapy and Self-Knowledge

Individual therapy is a personal opportunity to receive support and experience growth during challenging times in life. Often, these challenges arise from interpersonal relationships. The answer to whether or not you are the problem in your relationships may not be clear or precise. However, it is a question worth asking. Individual therapy can also help you learn about who you are and what you want in your life.

“Deep down within the heart there is a stillness which is healing, a trust in the universal laws which is unwavering...because it is so deep we need both patience and perseverance when digging for it.” ― Paul Brunton

The Importance of Self-Knowledge

We may not always be able to change the circumstances that trouble us but we can change our perspective about ourselves and our relationships. Identifying our own struggles can help define areas in our lives that need work. This self-knowledge can help you determine whether you need to make changes within yourself and/or if you need to set boundaries with other people who are causing problems in your life and relationships.

“Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect and trust.” ― bell hooks

What Individual Therapy can do for You

The primary goal of individual therapy is to develop understanding of your thought and behavior patterns to help increase function and well-being. In therapy, you can learn how to effectively manage stress, interpersonal difficulties and troubling situations. It is an opportunity to develop the ability to make healthy decisions, set goals and become more self-aware.

“I found power in accepting the truth of who I am. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I cannot live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life.” ― Alison Goodman

How to Prepare for Individual Therapy

Before beginning treatment, clients and therapists can and should communicate about what to expect from psychotherapy. Doing so helps both parties establish goals that are both reasonable and well understood. It is important to:

• Develop an idea about what you would like to address in therapy

• Ask your potential therapist about their:

  • Background (expertise, experience and education level)

  • Rate structure (fees charged per hour or month, insurance coverage)

  • Treatment frame (goals, length of each session, total length of treatment)

  • Logistics (location of office, video conferencing, emergency availability)

“A lot of the conflict you have in your life exists simply because you're not living in alignment; you're not be being true to yourself.” ― Steve Maraboli

What's Next?

I offer free 15-minute consultations for prospective clients. If you are interested in Individual Therapy, please reach out. I offer in-person sessions in San Francisco and HIPAA- compliant virtual therapy throughout California. You can find my information about my office location here. Feel free to email me at sharon@sharonchristopher.com with any specific questions or concerns you would like to inform me of before you schedule your consultation. I'm here for you.

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