How Long Does Counselling Take?
In a list of internet searches, this is likely a popular question. The disappointing answer is that it varies, but let’s explore factors that can help you set expectations.
Knowing how much time you may need to invest in counselling can help set expectations for therapy; even allocate funding and plan your schedule. This can also build self-compassion as you learn to become patient with yourself in the change process. Change takes time and there is a cost associated with private therapy. So how do we guesstimate?
The amount of sessions it will take to meet your counselling goals will vary. Factors like your history, current supports, session frequency, and your goal(s) help to determine how long you may need regular therapy sessions. To begin, it’s important to set a clearly defined goal so that you know when change has happened. Your therapist can help you with setting up a goal tracker and creating accountability.
Factors Affecting Growth and the Change Process
The amount of time required for the change process in therapy can vary from a few months (around 10-12 sessions weekly), to 6 months or longer.
Acute issues, like general stress management often requires fewer treatment sessions compared to chronic conditions. An example of a chronic condition would be a lifelong mood problem like generalized anxiety disorder or depression.
Different styles of therapy also require different lengths of time. For example, brief therapies can focus on helping you set a goal and create accountability, and then you are responsible to make the change and maintain progress. Significant and lasting change from short term therapy is possible when you can be accountable to your own growth.
When you want to change something significant, like a long-held thought pattern or emotional response, this takes time. You can expect to be in therapy for several months or longer. Some people choose to talk to a therapist for an ongoing period of time as they continue to practice their lifestyle changes.
What the Research Says
According to APA.org, 50% of people reported recovery after 15 to 20 therapy sessions. This is regardless of the style of therapy a counsellor used. For people with co-occurring conditions or certain personality disorders, treatments of 12-18 months may be required. Individuals who have chronic problems may require extensive therapy. This can include supportive therapy to avoid psychiatric re-hospitalization, but this represents a minority of cases.
In my therapy practice, I have also noted some personal statistics. In EMDR, the average session length for individuals is approximately 10 sessions on average. Outside of EMDR, the average length of therapy for clients is around 12 sessions in my practice. This accounts for roughly 50% of my caseload, as many clients work with me for several years with fluctuating frequencies.
Setting Your Expectations for Therapy
Change is a process. It takes time, effort and commitment. The more energy you put into therapy, the more you benefit and the sooner you can reach your goals for change. Maintaining the benefits from therapy takes personal accountability. It’s normal to feel frustrated if change happens slower than you expect or would prefer. Sometimes, clients pause therapy and then return when they notice the effects wearing off because their accountability waned.
Talk to your counsellor about the change process and what you can expect from your therapy journey. This can help you set realistic expectations and lead to important insights along your journey.
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Book a consultation to begin your individual or couples therapy journey with me.
