Finding help is the first step toward feeling better.

Individual counseling at Willowbrooke at Tanner provides one-on-one support with a licensed therapist who listens, understands and helps guide meaningful change.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or a major life transition, counseling offers a confidential space to explore what is happening, learn practical skills and move forward with confidence.

As part of Tanner Health, Willowbrooke Counseling Center serves communities across west Georgia and east Alabama with comprehensive, evidence-based care for children, adolescents and adults. Services are available in person and, when appropriate through secure telehealth.

Understanding individual counseling

Individual counseling is a collaborative process. You and your therapist work together to clarify concerns, identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and develop strategies that improve emotional well-being.

Sessions focus on:

• Thoughts, emotions and behaviors
• Relationship patterns
• Stressors and life transitions
• Coping strategies and skill development
• Personal values and goals

Our clinicians use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-informed care and interpersonal therapy.

These approaches help individuals regulate emotions, challenge unhelpful beliefs, build resilience and create sustainable habits.

Unlike group therapy, individual counseling focuses entirely on your needs, pace and progress. 

Some individuals benefit from combining individual and group services. Your therapist can help determine what fits best.

Because Willowbrooke Counseling Center is part of Willowbrooke at Tanner's integrated continuum of care, it is easy to coordinate services such as psychiatry, medication management, family therapy or specialty programs when needed.

Counseling for adults

Adult counseling may address:

Therapy helps adults build coping skills, improve communication, strengthen boundaries and increase clarity in decision-making.

Counseling for teens

Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional, academic and social development. Teen counseling provides support for:

Therapists create a safe, respectful space where teens can develop coping tools and strengthen resilience.

Counseling for children

Children often express emotional distress through behavior. Individual counseling for children uses developmentally appropriate methods, including play-based strategies, to help them:

• Identify and express feelings
• Develop emotional regulation skills
• Improve social interactions
• Adjust to life changes
• Reduce anxiety or behavioral concerns

When appropriate, parent collaboration is incorporated to reinforce skills at home.
 

Benefits of individual counseling

Research consistently shows that therapy can improve mood, daily functioning and overall quality of life. Many individuals experience:

• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improved stress management
• Greater emotional awareness
• Stronger relationships
• Healthier communication and boundaries
• Increased confidence and resilience

Individual counseling focuses on practical change — learning skills, building insight and taking action aligned with your goals.

What to expect in your sessions

Your first appointment includes a comprehensive intake assessment. During this visit, your therapist will:

• Gather background information
• Discuss current concerns
•  Identify strengths and support systems
• Clarify goals for treatment

Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Early visits focus on building trust and defining priorities. Over time, you will practice new coping tools, track progress and adjust goals as needed.

Confidentiality is essential. Information shared in therapy is private, with limited legal exceptions related to safety, abuse or court order. Your therapist will review confidentiality policies during intake.

Individual Counseling frequently asked questions

How do I know if individual counseling is right for me?
Counseling may help if you feel overwhelmed, stuck, persistently anxious, depressed or unsure how to manage stress or life changes. Therapy supports both short-term challenges and longer-term personal growth.

How long does counseling last?
Duration varies. Some individuals benefit from short-term therapy, often six to 12 sessions focused on a specific concern. Others choose longer-term care for ongoing support. Progress is reviewed regularly, and decisions are made collaboratively.

What approaches do therapists use?
Clinicians may use cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, trauma-informed care, solution-focused therapy or interpersonal therapy. Treatment is tailored to your goals and preferences.

Can counseling help with panic attacks or social anxiety?
Yes. Evidence-based strategies such as cognitive restructuring, exposure techniques, grounding exercises and breathing techniques can significantly reduce panic symptoms and social anxiety.

Is telehealth available?
Yes. Willowbrooke Counseling Center offers secure telehealth for many counseling services. Telehealth follows the same quality and confidentiality standards as in-person sessions.

What should I bring to my first session?
Bring a list of medications, relevant medical information and any prior treatment summaries if available. You may also want to think about your goals or write down questions.

Will I have to talk about my past?
You control what you share. Some therapy focuses on present concerns and skill-building, while other approaches explore past experiences to better understand current patterns. Your therapist will work at a pace that feels appropriate.

How can I get the most out of therapy?
Attend sessions consistently, practice skills between appointments and communicate openly with your therapist about what is helpful. Clear goals and collaboration support lasting progress.
 

Getting started 

Establish Care for Counseling

New patients: Ready to begin individual counseling for yourself or your child or teen? Taking the first step toward better mental health starts here.

To ensure you receive the highest level of expert, personalized care, all new counseling patients begin with an in-person assessment at Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use in Villa Rica. This assessment helps our team understand your needs and connect you with the appropriate counselor and services.

No appointment is necessary — simply walk in to get started. Whether your concern feels urgent or you are seeking routine counseling support, Willowbrooke Urgent Care is your starting point for care.

Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use
20 Herrell Road, Suite 1, Villa Rica, GA 30180

For information about counseling or any of our services, call 770-812-3266.

Following your initial assessment, ongoing counseling services may be scheduled in Villa Rica, Carrollton or via telehealth.

Existing counseling patients: Call 770-812-3530.