One-on-one therapy, also known as individual counselling, offers a confidential space for self-exploration, emotional support, and lasting change. Whether you're navigating a life transition or simply seeking personal growth, this form of therapy can provide meaningful guidance tailored to your individual needs.

In this post, we explore what one-on-one therapy involves, how it differs from other formats like group or couples counselling, and who can benefit most from this personalised approach.

Understanding the Structure of One-on-One Counselling

One-on-one counselling is a collaborative process between a client and a trained therapist. Sessions are confidential and steered to draw attention to the client’s experiences, goals, and emotional wellbeing while using competencies of my counselling skill set to support you.

I draw from various approaches—such as relational, somatic, or feminist frameworks—to create a supportive space that meets the unique needs of the individuals who decide I am the best fit for their counseling goals and needs. Counsellor is not a controlled term so anyone can call themselves a counsellor without any certification. In British Columbia where I practice I am accredited as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) which means I have attained a University Masters Level education, 500+ hours of experience in my practicum and ethical & clinical competencies have been attained. I have been an active RCC since 2014 and have more than 5000+ hours of one on one client experience.

A Space for Personal Growth and Emotional insight

Unlike group or couples therapy, one-on-one therapy creates space for the client’s experience in the context of their life, relationships, and community. This can be particularly beneficial for people who:

• Prefer confidentiality or find group settings overwhelming

• Want to process grief, trauma, anxiety, or life transitions without having to worry about how other people will feel

• Want focused support on identity, values, or boundaries

• Are seeking a consistent and emotionally insightful therapeutic relationship

This format allows space to explore difficult emotions without fear of judgement, helping clients build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation over time.

Individual Therapy vs. Group and relationship Counselling

While all forms of therapy can be helpful, they serve different purposes. Group therapy often offers peer support and shared experiences, while relationship therapy addresses interpersonal dynamics within intimate, family, collegial or friend relationships.

Individual sessions provide uninterrupted time to explore personal narratives, experiences and patterns in depth—making one-on-one therapy particularly effective for long-term transformation.

Is One-on-One Therapy Right for You?

Many clients wonder if one-on-one therapy is appropriate for their concerns. The answer is almost always yes but what makes the difference is finding the right fit as a counsellor for the issues you wish to explore—this flexible model with the right counsellor can support a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural needs.

You might benefit from individual therapy if you:

• Feel stuck or overwhelmed in your personal or professional life

• Struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout

• Are going through a significant life event like divorce, loss, grief, or relocation

• Want to deepen your self-awareness or align more closely with your values

• Have experienced a significant life event that causes you to reconsider your values and choices

• Have unresolved issues from your past that affect your present

The therapeutic relationship becomes a container for exploration, healing, and meaningful change—one step at a time.

Accessible Support Across British Columbia

In British Columbia, many therapists offer one-on-one therapy both in-person and online. Whether you're based in the Comox Valley or live in a remote area of BC, virtual therapy ensures that support is always within reach.

Online sessions provide the same level of depth, confidentiality, and professionalism, while allowing you to attend from the comfort of your home. This flexibility can make a significant difference for clients juggling work, caregiving, or mobility challenges.

Conclusion: The Quiet Strength of Individual Counselling

One-on-one therapy is a powerful, tailored approach for those seeking a safe space to reflect, grow, and integrate. It honours your pace, your story, and your goals—with compassion and curiosity

Whether you're just a beginner at therapy or an experienced client, the process offers valuable opportunities and perspectives that provide new insights and opportunities. A counsellor who is the right fit for you can support you in building awareness, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with what matters most to you in your life, family, friends and community.