When most people think of individual therapy, they imagine sitting one-on-one with a therapist and talking about thoughts, feelings, and experiences. That is part of the process. At Faith Works Counseling, we take it further by working through a systems lens, which is supported by decades of peer-reviewed human research.
Research in family systems theory and ecological systems theory shows that individuals are deeply influenced by their relationships, environments, and broader social systems (Bowen, 1978; Bronfenbrenner, 1979). This means your thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses are not created in isolation. They are shaped through interaction with the people and systems around you.
People seek individual therapy for many reasons. Research consistently shows that individuals pursue therapy when experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, or life transitions. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy have demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals understand patterns, regulate emotions, and improve functioning (Butler et al., 2006; Cuijpers et al., 2020).
Through a systems approach, we help you identify patterns in how you think, respond, and relate to others. Research supports that increasing awareness of these patterns is a key mechanism of change in therapy.
At Faith Works Counseling, we genuinely enjoy being counselors and psychotherapists. Research shows that a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in therapy (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). We take that seriously and are honored to walk alongside you in your growth.
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Mental health challenges occur across all ages, races, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. Research consistently confirms that psychological distress is a universal human experience.
Change can feel uncomfortable, but research shows that engaging in therapy leads to meaningful improvements in emotional health, functioning, and life satisfaction.
We want more than growth for you. We want you to thrive. As you face challenges, consider that what feels difficult today may be developing new strengths for tomorrow.
There is no ceiling to your potential. You are important. You are valued. Your future is shaped by the choices you make and the support you allow yourself to receive.
Research & Evidence
Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. Jason Aronson.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(1), 17–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2005.07.003
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., de Wit, L., & Ebert, D. D. (2020). The effects of fifteen evidence-supported therapies for adult depression: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy Research, 30(3), 279–293. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2019.1649732
Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work III. Psychotherapy, 56(4), 423–430. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000235
What this means for you
You are not the problem. You are part of a system that can be understood and changed. Therapy helps you recognize patterns, strengthen your responses, and make choices that lead to real, lasting growth.