Typically it is not a label or diagnosis that brings in an individual for therapy services, but rather it is a family member, friend, or self-identified difficulty with interactions that trigger a request for help. Many of the disorders treated by Upside Therapy have an impact on an individual’s social skills.
Lack of eye contact is often a hallmark for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, lack of eye contact can also be seen in individuals who are feeling anxious in a social situation, or individuals who are feeling symptoms of depression, or even in those who are easily distracted.
Anxiety and worry typically are a symptom of anxiety disorders, but this impacts social functioning as well, particularly if an individual is worried about outcomes and interactions. Anxiety and depression disorders may lead to social withdrawal, as does ASD. The unease and discomfort of psychological difficulties can lead to symptoms of irritability, anger and impulsivity.
Working with an individual on social interactions, helping with perspective taking and theory of mind, and managing behavioral symptoms that correlate with social interactions is one benefit of individual therapy. Greatest therapeutic outcomes arise when individual therapy is combined with social skills training in an individual or group format.