How Many Therapy Sessions Do I Need? Understanding the Path to Emotional Healing
How long should I stay in therapy?
How many sessions do I need to feel better?
How often should I go to therapy?
I often hear these questions in my first session with clients. I am quite sure you have asked yourself the same questions while searching for the right therapy and the right therapist for you. Finding a “good” therapist or a “good” therapeutic approach or treatment can be a complex, personal, occasionally confusing, and even painful process. Let me share some ideas to consider that may make this process more effective, exciting, productive, and compelling.
The Truth About Therapy: There’s No Magic Number of Sessions
I do not believe that a magical number exists (that would be cool, right!?) and, of course, I do not intend to promise that there is a certain, defined, and researched number of therapy sessions. Yet, knowing how many sessions you might need in your own healing journey can help you plan and budget. It can also alleviate your worries and fears around making an initial phone call or meeting with your therapist for the first time.
Factors Influencing the Length of Therapy
Here are some important points to consider during the decision-making process regarding the length of therapy:
- The complexity and severity of your mental health concerns.
- How long you have been struggling to manage your symptoms.
- What you have been treated for.
- What types of therapy have been used (trauma therapy, family or couple counselling, child or adolescent therapy, or specialized therapeutic modalities to treat a specific diagnosis).
Why More Frequent Therapy Sessions Can Lead to Better Results
One study showed that beginning therapy with more frequent sessions (for example, weekly sessions) may produce better results in achieving your therapeutic hopes and goals.
Your Emotional Health Is Worth the Investment
In conclusion, I am truly not trying to disappoint you or confuse you, yet there is no “right” answer regarding how many therapy sessions you need to overcome your personal and emotional challenges and barriers. However, it is important to consider starting with more frequent sessions.
Your emotional health is of utmost importance, and finding the right support is crucial. At Williamson and Associates, Individual, Couple and Family Therapy we are here, reach out for a free phone consultation!
Therapy at Williamson & Associates in Olds, Alberta
At Williamson & Associates we understand you may be struggling with more than one issue. To support you, our practice offers both in-person therapies in Olds, Alberta and online therapy in Alberta. Our skilled team specializes in child, teen counselling, marriage counselling, co-parenting counselling, family therapy, blended family counselling, anxiety therapy, trauma and PTSD therapy, EMDR therapy and more in Olds, Alberta. Learn more by checking out our FAQs and Blog!
