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How Long Do I Have To Be In Therapy?
How Long Does Therapy Take?
The length of time you spend in therapy is entirely up to you. You will discuss this with your therapist when creating your treatment goals and plan after a thorough assessment. Depending on your needs, progress with therapy, and the number of issues you want to address, you may choose to be in therapy for a few weeks, months, or even years.
According to the American Psychological Association, “on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50 percent of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.” Additionally, they state that through the working relationship between the client and counselor sometimes the preference is for “longer periods (e.g., 20 to 30 sessions over six months), to achieve more complete symptom remission and to feel confident in the skills needed to maintain treatment gains.”
There is no need to decide what’s best for you at the outset. Usually I suggest that we plan for four sessions initially and then review towards the end to see where we’ve got to and to assess whether continuing work would be worthwhile. During the time you remain in therapy we will always continue to review the work regularly together to ensure it remains effective for you and that you are getting what you need.
Learn more about the Stages Of Therapy.