Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

In my experience, many clients begin to feel a sense of progress right from the first sessions. Simply having someone present, listening deeply, and holding space with care can be profoundly healing...

In my experience, many clients begin to feel a sense of progress right from the first sessions. Simply having someone present, listening deeply, and holding space with care can be profoundly healing in itself. The therapeutic relationship is often the starting point of change. Alongside that, the body-based and somatic methods I use tend to create small shifts early on, which can grow over time into lasting change.

Experience has shown me that some shifts can be felt anywhere from one session onwards. But generally clients notice some kind of difference within a couple of sessions. Psychotherapy can be an...

Experience has shown me that some shifts can be felt anywhere from one session onwards. But generally clients notice some kind of difference within a couple of sessions. Psychotherapy can be an ongoing process so often more will come up to explore or come to light as other things are being addressed or resolved. This is a tricky question because there are so many variables including the client's own idea of what progress is to them.

It really varies depending on what a client brings and what they need. Some issues are easier and others are much more complex. It may take one client quite a while to feel safe enough to really open...

It really varies depending on what a client brings and what they need. Some issues are easier and others are much more complex. It may take one client quite a while to feel safe enough to really open up while another client can feel they get what they need after just one meeting.

It is difficult to determine how many sessions any client may require. Counselling therapy is an individual process for each person. Some people only need a few sessions, while others may feel the...

It is difficult to determine how many sessions any client may require. Counselling therapy is an individual process for each person. Some people only need a few sessions, while others may feel the benefit of more sessions to deal with more complex or ongoing life issues. I am committed to regularly â??checking inâ?? with you during therapy to ensure your needs from counselling are being met, & how you are feeling about continuing therapy. The appropriate time for ending therapy is negotiated to be when you are feeling ready, & no longer require my support. I firmly trust your decision, as I believe you are the expert in knowing you best. Besides...you can always return for â??top upâ?? sessions in the future as needed, should your life circumstances change, & you feel a session or two may be beneficial for you at that time.

I have noticed that when clients start to heal they start to find their voice. Their body language expands from being almost hunched up in pain to starting to expand their chest and hold their head...

I have noticed that when clients start to heal they start to find their voice. Their body language expands from being almost hunched up in pain to starting to expand their chest and hold their head higher. People start to unfreeze and start to face the difficult relationships they had been avoiding. People are able to let go of negative patterns of behaviour by identifying them and choosing not to go down negative pathways that had been previously unconscious and unexamined. Clients start to lead a more examined and balanced life. They are able to re-frame their life experiences and take the shame away.

Recovery looks different for everyone and can be measured in different ways: Through progress and change: We can track improvements in symptoms and daily functioning using tools that help measure...

Recovery looks different for everyone and can be measured in different ways: Through progress and change: We can track improvements in symptoms and daily functioning using tools that help measure progress over time. Through personal growth and fulfilment: True recovery also means living a meaningful life that aligns with a personâ??s values. Thatâ??s why itâ??s important to regularly check in on how therapy is helping clients move toward the life they want My perspective is that a formal diagnosis isnâ??t necessary to start counselling. What truly matters is having personal goals to work toward (e.g. achieving growth in a particular area of life). Progress happens when clients feel they are moving closer to those goals and creating positive change in their lives.

As soon as they have booked their first appointment. Such a huge step forward.

As soon as they have booked their first appointment. Such a huge step forward.

I believe it usually take up to 5-6 sessions until you can start to see a progress. But it can depend on the person and how used to therapy they are.

I believe it usually take up to 5-6 sessions until you can start to see a progress. But it can depend on the person and how used to therapy they are.

It depends on the individual client, their specific goals, and what they need to experience to recognise their own progress.

It depends on the individual client, their specific goals, and what they need to experience to recognise their own progress.

It depends on the client, their presenting issue and their expectations. For some clients, progress can occur after a session, for others it might take many months.

It depends on the client, their presenting issue and their expectations. For some clients, progress can occur after a session, for others it might take many months.

The experience of progress is different for every client, depending on their goals, readiness, and the challenges theyâ??re working through. In my practice, I find that clients often begin to feel a...

The experience of progress is different for every client, depending on their goals, readiness, and the challenges theyâ??re working through. In my practice, I find that clients often begin to feel a sense of progress when they: Feel heard, understood, and safe in the therapeutic space especially children, who may start engaging more freely in play or begin expressing emotions more openly. Begin to notice small changes in how they respond to situations such as using a calming strategy, naming a feeling, or asking for help instead of withdrawing or acting out. Experience validation and relief from having their experiences and behaviours understood through a non-judgmental, neurodiversity-affirming lens. See improvements in relationships â?? like reduced tension at home, improved communication with caregivers, or stronger emotional connection. Build emotional language and regulation skills often noticed in both children and parents as they begin to co-regulate more successfully or shift away from reactive patterns. For some clients, these shifts can happen within a few sessions; for others, especially those with trauma histories or developmental challenges, it may take longer. But even small changes like feeling more hopeful, being less overwhelmed, or finding language for feelings are meaningful markers of progress. In my sessions, I make sure to highlight and reflect back these moments of growth, no matter how small. Recognising progress helps build confidence, motivation, and trust in the therapeutic process.

Progress can look different for each person. Sometimes clients notice a shift quite early â?? feeling more understood, lighter after sharing, or clearer about their situation. For others, change...

Progress can look different for each person. Sometimes clients notice a shift quite early â?? feeling more understood, lighter after sharing, or clearer about their situation. For others, change emerges more gradually as trust builds and deeper patterns are explored. I see progress less as reaching a fixed point and more as beginning to sense movement, relief, or new possibilities in areas that previously felt stuck.

Taking the step to begin therapy is itself meaningful progress. Many clients report initial shiftsâ??like relief, new clarity, or emotional easeâ??within just a few sessions. As we build trust...

Taking the step to begin therapy is itself meaningful progress. Many clients report initial shiftsâ??like relief, new clarity, or emotional easeâ??within just a few sessions. As we build trust and agreement on goals, noticeable improvements often emerge within 6 to 12 weekly sessionsâ??especially when supported by dedicated effort both in and between sessions. For deeper or complex issues, benefits may unfold over several months. Throughout, my commitment is to create a consistent, safe, and nurturing space where trust can growâ??because trust itself often unlocks the most meaningful change.

When they feel differently about things in their life, and are able to act on their own behalf more consistently and affectively.

When they feel differently about things in their life, and are able to act on their own behalf more consistently and affectively.

Transformation can begin once a client feels heard, seen, and understood without judgment. Progress is different for everyone and may not always include catharsis. However, progress is made when a...

Transformation can begin once a client feels heard, seen, and understood without judgment. Progress is different for everyone and may not always include catharsis. However, progress is made when a client feels safe to explore their feelings and distress. Reaching out for help is often the first step in the change process and can already signify progress.

Even after just one or two sessions, many people notice small but meaningful changes simply by being supported and accepted. Progress can look different for everyone. Sometimes itâ??s a subtle shift,...

Even after just one or two sessions, many people notice small but meaningful changes simply by being supported and accepted. Progress can look different for everyone. Sometimes itâ??s a subtle shift, like feeling a bit more spacious or a little less alone with what youâ??re carrying. Other times, it might be noticing a clearer sense of your needs, or responding differently in situations that once felt overwhelming. Rather than aiming for quick fixes, I support clients to build self-awareness, self-trust, and clarity over time. Often, people begin to notice progress when they find themselves responding with more choice instead of simply reacting, or when they feel more connected to who they are and what matters to them.

Clients may have vastly different experiences around when they feel progress is being made. For one, taking the step of booking an appointment may feel like progress - a step towards change. For...

Clients may have vastly different experiences around when they feel progress is being made. For one, taking the step of booking an appointment may feel like progress - a step towards change. For another, it may feel like no progress is made with one therapist, but perhaps later, they might find aspects of the first journey suddenly making sense in combination with their work with a new therapist. So much depends on what each client brings, whether it's deep old trauma or recent struggles with a work colleague. I am here for the part of your journey you choose to share with me, and will do my best for you to feel supported until our paths diverge.

The sooner the better of course... but everyone's different. For some people it's just making the booking. I hope that if and when you meet me you get a sense that you're heading in the right...

The sooner the better of course... but everyone's different. For some people it's just making the booking. I hope that if and when you meet me you get a sense that you're heading in the right direction.

From the first session - something shifts. Between sessions - when something just ... clicks.

From the first session - something shifts. Between sessions - when something just ... clicks.

I like to notice and recognise the changes people are making, even small changes like greater understanding of their behaviour and it's impacts.

I like to notice and recognise the changes people are making, even small changes like greater understanding of their behaviour and it's impacts.

It varies from person to person depending on what they present with, what they are hoping to achieve and how they define 'progress'. Just making the appointment can feel like progress is being made to...

It varies from person to person depending on what they present with, what they are hoping to achieve and how they define 'progress'. Just making the appointment can feel like progress is being made to many people who have thought about going to counselling or psychotherapy for a long time. Most clients express some relief after the first session and tell me that it was 'good to get it off their chests' and that they feel 'lighter' having done so. I let all my clients know that they may feel worse before they feel better, especially when working through trauma, as the painful material is processed sometimes for the first time in many years or at all. I work with people for as long as it takes to reach their personal therapeutic goal and we reflect together on their progress throughout the therapy.

Part of what I do is to support the client to build awareness of their own signals. This helps determine when things are on track, or not, and assists a client to notice, and experience, progress. The...

Part of what I do is to support the client to build awareness of their own signals. This helps determine when things are on track, or not, and assists a client to notice, and experience, progress. The clientâ??s own signals are the ultimate guide, so that is different for each person.

Sometimes just by scheduling the first appointment, clients report that a shift has occurred. For others, it may take a few sessions to really start to see some changes. I believe therapy is a life...

Sometimes just by scheduling the first appointment, clients report that a shift has occurred. For others, it may take a few sessions to really start to see some changes. I believe therapy is a life long journey and relationship with yourself. That we as humans are continually learning, growing and changing.

The first time they access their Self and be with a part of them in a way they have never experienced before. It is transformational.

The first time they access their Self and be with a part of them in a way they have never experienced before. It is transformational.

In a solution-focused approach, progress can often be felt early on, even in small ways. Sometimes itâ??s a new insight, a shift in perspective, or simply the relief of feeling heard and not alone. I...

In a solution-focused approach, progress can often be felt early on, even in small ways. Sometimes itâ??s a new insight, a shift in perspective, or simply the relief of feeling heard and not alone. I help clients identify whatâ??s already working, and build on their existing strengths. Together we set clear, meaningful goals and track change over time. Progress isnâ??t always linear, but noticing those small wins along the way, feeling calmer, more in control, or responding differently in tough moments is a powerful sign that somethingâ??s shifting.

After the first session they should have gained an understanding of how they can move forward and begin to regain a sense of self efficacy and hope in a non judgemental and safe environment. Therapy...

After the first session they should have gained an understanding of how they can move forward and begin to regain a sense of self efficacy and hope in a non judgemental and safe environment. Therapy definitely requires the psychologist and the client to feel comfortable and be the right fit. You need to find a therapist who makes you feel validated and heard. My aim is to help the client realise what they can do to help take control of the situation they are in and help them understand through psycheducatioin that they are not alone, and that they can begin to take charge of their own life again and make some positive changes which will eventually enable them to live a more fulfillling and meaningful life. It may take one session or it make take many sessions to achieve this goal depending upon their individual situation. Ultimately it is the client who decides.

This is a good question! It is very individual and it depends on what the client views as progress. For many clients it is significant progress for them reach out to a therapist and share that they...

This is a good question! It is very individual and it depends on what the client views as progress. For many clients it is significant progress for them reach out to a therapist and share that they have a problem. The initial sessions of schema therapy involves education about schemas and how they operate, so within a few sessions I would expect progress in terms of a client understanding their difficulties, where they came from and what keeps them going. We work towards goals so clients may identify that progress is being made when things start to change in their thinking, feelings or behaviours. For some, progress is slower and gradual and for others it can be much quicker and feel very transformative. It is important to note that the therapy journey can be an incremental healing experience.

In the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model context, the client's perception of progress varies depending on their circumstances and the specific therapy goals. Progress typically begins to manifest...

In the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model context, the client's perception of progress varies depending on their circumstances and the specific therapy goals. Progress typically begins to manifest when the client experiences a few critical developments within the IFS framework: 1. **Awareness and Understanding:** Initially, progress often starts with the client gaining a deeper awareness and understanding of their internal system, which includes the roles and dynamics of their various parts. They can unravel the complexity of their inner world as they learn to differentiate between different parts and recognize certain parts' protective functions. 2. **Self-Leadership:** Progress is often evident when clients strengthen their relationship with their core Self-energy. This involves enhancing their ability to lead their internal system with compassion, wisdom, and self-empowerment. Clients may exhibit more self-leadership by making decisions that align with their values and intentions. 3. **Part Harmony:** As clients continue to work with the IFS model, they may notice a shift towards greater harmony and cooperation among their internal parts. This harmony signifies progress, indicating that previously conflicting or protective parts are beginning to communicate and collaborate more effectively. Such cooperation can result in reduced internal conflicts and increased self-acceptance. 4. **Symptom Reduction:** One of the most tangible indicators of progress is the reduction of symptoms related to the client's challenges, whether trauma, mood disorders, or other issues. As clients work through their parts and address the underlying emotional wounds, they may observe fewer symptoms, such as decreased anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced emotional regulation. 5. **Improved Relationships:** Progress may also become evident when clients report improved relationships with others. The insights gained through IFS can lead to healthier interactions as clients better understand their triggers and responses and learn how to communicate their needs more effectively. 6. **Enhanced Self-Compassion:** Another sign of progress is when clients demonstrate greater self-compassion. They may become more accepting of themselves, their flaws, and their past experiences. This self-compassion is fundamental to healing and growth within the IFS framework. Of course, these progress indicators can vary significantly among clients. Factors such as the severity of their challenges, their commitment to the therapeutic process, and the client(s) willingness to engage with their internal system are all factors that will impact the progress. Progress is a dynamic journey, and each individual's pace of change is unique.

With individuals it may take a few sessions for a relationship to begin to form. There are so many factors in play: each session is a safe experiment (to use the Gestalt phrase). Many couples...

With individuals it may take a few sessions for a relationship to begin to form. There are so many factors in play: each session is a safe experiment (to use the Gestalt phrase). Many couples feel progress by the end of the first session, and report back positively on this.

I believe client's will experience in their body when they are beginning to move forward, and progress is not a linear process. There is no timeline for healing and progress will be experienced in...

I believe client's will experience in their body when they are beginning to move forward, and progress is not a linear process. There is no timeline for healing and progress will be experienced in different ways by each person. I will make ongoing assessments with clients about the progress of their therapy and adjust my approach as needed.

My clients experience change and progress when they take full responsibility for their experiences. New choices emerge through awareness, but action must then be taken. Supporting my clients and...

My clients experience change and progress when they take full responsibility for their experiences. New choices emerge through awareness, but action must then be taken. Supporting my clients and helping them to build strong resources, I encourage them to take responsibility for their actions. Only when they feel ready and well supported...internally and externally.

With Process Oriented Psychology while it does depend on what the client is working with, a connection with the deeper processes of their disturbance is very likely to happen early in the work, often...

With Process Oriented Psychology while it does depend on what the client is working with, a connection with the deeper processes of their disturbance is very likely to happen early in the work, often in the first session. The therapists close observation of the client's signals leads them to these deeper processes fairly quickly so that these can then be addressed with different approaches. Typically the clients I work with using Process Oriented Psychology achieve some level of significant shift and expanded awareness by the 6th session. With TRTP significant change can be achieved in 3 to 4 sessions. This is one of the key values of this method - that profound shifts in the trauma experience can be made by following this comprehensive, step-by-step process which resolves extreme trauma and trauma-related issues - anxiety, depression, fears and phobias. It achieves results quickly, effectively and safely.

I think progress begins to be possible when we feel a sense of confusion, or fear over losing control of our selves, or our carefully-structured lives. In some ways, when we come to therapy we are...

I think progress begins to be possible when we feel a sense of confusion, or fear over losing control of our selves, or our carefully-structured lives. In some ways, when we come to therapy we are already there - on precipice of change. We begin to feel like progress is being made, or perhaps we begin to trust that progress is being made, when we can sense or imagine a way forward, through the confusion, out of the fog, towards something that feels doable and right. It is not a pleasant process, but it is an inevitable one for a meaningful life.

Depending on what you are seeking support for meaningful and lasting change can take time. I always support my clients to build exercises and experiments into their daily lives, to enhance and...

Depending on what you are seeking support for meaningful and lasting change can take time. I always support my clients to build exercises and experiments into their daily lives, to enhance and accelerate the work we are doing together in therapy and to reduce the amount of time needed to meet their goals. Most of my clients notice shifts and changes in the first session, often that is related to the feeling of a new possibility or hope, previously missing. Many of my clients inform me in the first session that that have never told anyone else some of the things they're telling me.

This varies of course but sometimes people say they feel much better after just one appointment! Starting to feel better is a big part of being able to make progress and take steps forward. In terms...

This varies of course but sometimes people say they feel much better after just one appointment! Starting to feel better is a big part of being able to make progress and take steps forward. In terms of resolving particular concerns, often it depends how long something has been a 'problem' or difficulty in that person's life. Long standing concerns can take some time and might require regular contact over some months. But more recent issues can often be resolved in 6-10 appointments. Some of the people who meet with me are quite happy about having had a few sessions over a few weeks. Others remain in contact for a year or more, often spacing out their appointments as we progress to the point that they might end up meeting with me just once a month or every few months as a kind of 'maintenance' visit.

When they have a sense of agency and are being encouraged to listen to their own authentic voice.

When they have a sense of agency and are being encouraged to listen to their own authentic voice.

When there has been enough safety and space created for their process to start 'percolating' , then insights arise in those spaces. Then clients begin to develop a beginning capacity for...

When there has been enough safety and space created for their process to start 'percolating' , then insights arise in those spaces. Then clients begin to develop a beginning capacity for self-observation and self-reflection and responsiveness, rather than habitually reacting to uncomfortable experiences. This is very individual, depending on the depth of the issue(s), their commitment to therapy and the strength of (and reason for) their defensive patterns.

When they can access a sense of vulnerability in connection without feeling overwhelmed or shutting down.

When they can access a sense of vulnerability in connection without feeling overwhelmed or shutting down.

Every clientâ??s experience is different, but many begin to feel a sense of progress when they start to notice more space between their thoughts and reactionsâ??when they can reflect rather than...

Every clientâ??s experience is different, but many begin to feel a sense of progress when they start to notice more space between their thoughts and reactionsâ??when they can reflect rather than react, name their feelings, or relate to themselves with greater compassion. For some, itâ??s the relief of finally feeling heard; for others, itâ??s the slow unfolding of insight and clarity over time. Progress isnâ??t always linear, but it often becomes apparent as emotional patterns start to shift and relationshipsâ??both with others and with oneselfâ??begin to feel different. I see therapy as a process that builds over time through trust, reflection, and emotional connection.

Most clients say that just opening up about a problem and sharing it can lighten the load a little bit... however, once you have said something out loud, you can't take it back! ...so sometimes the...

Most clients say that just opening up about a problem and sharing it can lighten the load a little bit... however, once you have said something out loud, you can't take it back! ...so sometimes the first few sessions of therapy are a real emotional rollercoaster. Between the first few sessions, often a decision will be made that will cause the situation to settle almost immediately; but other times, it can take a while longer to unpack the layers of struggle and heartache, and defenses... so I won't make promises that I can't keep by saying that you'll feel fine in no time. I think it's safe to say that the first step in change is often the hardest - the important thing is to remind yourself that deciding to care for yourself is the most fundamental step towards making progress.

Progress looks different for everyone, and it really depends on where youâ??re at and what you want to work on. Some people start to feel a bit of relief or new understanding within the first few...

Progress looks different for everyone, and it really depends on where youâ??re at and what you want to work on. Some people start to feel a bit of relief or new understanding within the first few sessions, while for others, it might take a little more time as we build trust and dig a bit deeper. I like to check in regularly to see how youâ??re feeling about the process, so we can celebrate the small wins and adjust things if needed. The goal is to create a space where you feel supported and notice positive changes, even if they come in small steps.

When they feel heard and understood, helped, empowered and more hopeful.

When they feel heard and understood, helped, empowered and more hopeful.

Everyoneâ??s journey is unique, but many clients start to notice progress when they begin to feel heard, understood, and a little more hopeful. Sometimes small changes, like new insights, coping...

Everyoneâ??s journey is unique, but many clients start to notice progress when they begin to feel heard, understood, and a little more hopeful. Sometimes small changes, like new insights, coping skills, or simply feeling less alone, happen within the first few sessions. Real, lasting change can take time, but often itâ??s the little shifts that signal things are moving in the right direction. I encourage clients to notice and celebrate even the smallest steps forward.

As this style of therapy (strategic psychotherapy) is considered to be brief therapy, clients will see change within 6-10 weeks.

As this style of therapy (strategic psychotherapy) is considered to be brief therapy, clients will see change within 6-10 weeks.

From the very first session if Max (my Groodle Animal Assistant) and I are doing our jobs properly!

From the very first session if Max (my Groodle Animal Assistant) and I are doing our jobs properly!

This is an individual and unique experience. Coming to therapy and being open to making changes is the main step. From there progresss often comes in leaps and bounds.

This is an individual and unique experience. Coming to therapy and being open to making changes is the main step. From there progresss often comes in leaps and bounds.

A client may have a little 'aha' moment as a previously confusing situation becomes a little clearer; or may notice that some unhelpful patterns of doing things have changed; or that previously...

A client may have a little 'aha' moment as a previously confusing situation becomes a little clearer; or may notice that some unhelpful patterns of doing things have changed; or that previously impossible relationships are a little less daunting.

Clients vary in their perception of when progress is being made. However, I approach every session as if it's the first and only session. I use this particular approach so that the essence of the...

Clients vary in their perception of when progress is being made. However, I approach every session as if it's the first and only session. I use this particular approach so that the essence of the session is always as therapeutic as possible and that the client will have the opportunity to make optimal gains from each and every session. Generally speaking, most clients feel relief in the first session and continue to experience positive gains. I see progress - not as a one-off event - but as a process, which continues to build and grow cumulatively. That is not to say that individuals do not feel stuck sometimes in therapy. However, feeling stuck with a supportive, non-judgmental, patient and highly attuned fellow co-participant/therapist is often the very thing that makes all the difference. It helps the client feel seen and heard - sometimes for the first time. Often this results in newfound clarity, insight, resolve, hope, compassion, self-forgiveness, or forgiveness of others. Put simply, things shift in the right sort of therapeutic environment, with the right sort of therapeutic conversation. That is why establishing a good therapeutic relationship is so important. It is important to note that change continues after therapy has been completed.

Ideally from the first session, the client will feel safe, supported and understood. Subsequent sessions will gradually enable the client to make deep insights into the causes of their current...

Ideally from the first session, the client will feel safe, supported and understood. Subsequent sessions will gradually enable the client to make deep insights into the causes of their current behaviour and circumstances, and how they could modify their emotional default settings in order to behave more skilfully, effectively and with greater confidence. By providing loving presence at all times, the client will feel they are safely held within a container of unconditional positive regard (as Rogers termed it) which has massive therapeutic value. By building rapport and trust with the client, sometimes for people who've never felt truly safe or have never felt trust in or from others, progress is almost inevitable.

I have often experienced my clients feeling lighter and more spacious in their lives quite quickly. Having a space dedicated to you with a supportive person creates the potential for powerful change...

I have often experienced my clients feeling lighter and more spacious in their lives quite quickly. Having a space dedicated to you with a supportive person creates the potential for powerful change and transformation. Developing emotional agility is a natural outcome of therapy that provides agency for change.

When they start to feel more satisfied with themselves, with others, and with life in general.

When they start to feel more satisfied with themselves, with others, and with life in general.

Depending on the complexity of the situation (and barriers to change) it could be from session 2-3 (if 2 or 3 issues) and longer if multiple difficulties. How long is a piece of string and how do you...

Depending on the complexity of the situation (and barriers to change) it could be from session 2-3 (if 2 or 3 issues) and longer if multiple difficulties. How long is a piece of string and how do you define progress? Barriers to progress are many and may include chronic self-criticism, low self-worth, mistrust, substance use and/or increased functioning (return to work, more social, more gym).

A person is most likely to notice and experience small incremental shifts during each session. Often this is the best healing because it is natural. I have witnessed clients regaining hope in the...

A person is most likely to notice and experience small incremental shifts during each session. Often this is the best healing because it is natural. I have witnessed clients regaining hope in the first session as they feel heard and understood for the first time in quite a while. With each session the client comes to understand who they are in relation to how they do what they do and how this influences their existence. This work can be liberating as people shift out of out dated behaviours that are no longer useful. In turn a new more satisfying experience evolves with their partner, parent, child, friend or employer.

This varies depending on the circumstances and goals of each client. For some, a meaningful shift can occur in 5 to 10 sessions. For others wishing to create a change in long-held patterns of...

This varies depending on the circumstances and goals of each client. For some, a meaningful shift can occur in 5 to 10 sessions. For others wishing to create a change in long-held patterns of behaviour, it can be beneficial to attend sessions for a longer time.

Most of my clients report a improved sense of well-being and behaviour after 1-3 sessions.

Most of my clients report a improved sense of well-being and behaviour after 1-3 sessions.

This is an important question for me to ask the client - what does 'better' look like for you?

This is an important question for me to ask the client - what does 'better' look like for you?

There is a therapy model called Single-Session Therapy, which suggests that there should be opportunities for change in each session. I aim to give the client a fresh and positive understanding of...

There is a therapy model called Single-Session Therapy, which suggests that there should be opportunities for change in each session. I aim to give the client a fresh and positive understanding of themselves from our first meeting. Each session will build on this, and our deepening therapeutic alliance (rapport) will hopefully allow the client to feel safe enough to explore their experiences and responses with growing openness and vulnerability.

I have had clients who have found one session enough to get them on their way. Some of my clients find they receive what they need between about 4 to 10 sessions. And then there are the longer-term...

I have had clients who have found one session enough to get them on their way. Some of my clients find they receive what they need between about 4 to 10 sessions. And then there are the longer-term clients that engage in therapy over a much longer period of time. So much depends on the relation of trust between client and therapist. The sooner we can build trust, the sooner the sense of progress.

Every client is different. The duration of therapy depends on the client and their needs, the nature of the problem and how much energy and time the client wants to devote to the process. If a person...

Every client is different. The duration of therapy depends on the client and their needs, the nature of the problem and how much energy and time the client wants to devote to the process. If a person has a relatively straight forward concern 6-12 weeks may be enough time for them. If, on the other hand, a person wants to understand and change long term patterns and the broader context which effect their functioning and underpin their symptoms, a longer therapy would be more helpful. A person may not have a major problem but may want to make use of therapy to understand and explore themselves, to grow in their relationships and to steer themselves more effectively in their life-path. Usually therapy starts with weekly or fortnightly sessions with greater spacing as things improve.

Most likely in our first session. I think even having made the appointment offers a sense of relief, indeed clients often report this. I want to start helping someone immediately and I use Resource...

Most likely in our first session. I think even having made the appointment offers a sense of relief, indeed clients often report this. I want to start helping someone immediately and I use Resource Therapy's powerful question to get my clients goals out in front for them to feel progress and direction in our time together. What are you ready to change today?

This is very individual and depends on many factors such as personal circumstances, histories, and individual objectives. Sometimes it happens in the first session, other times it can take...

This is very individual and depends on many factors such as personal circumstances, histories, and individual objectives. Sometimes it happens in the first session, other times it can take considerably longer for change to occur, particularly with long-standing, entrenched issues. In my experience, as with most things in life, what people tend to get out of this process is usually proportional to what they're able and willing to put into it. Unlike some other modalities that address people's health, psychotherapy and counselling require a certain degree of motivation and active participation. A good match between client and therapist usually helps the process.

It very much depends on what brings the person to counselling. Clients often report relief from the first session simply by being able to connect with someone and tell their story. Beyond that it...

It very much depends on what brings the person to counselling. Clients often report relief from the first session simply by being able to connect with someone and tell their story. Beyond that it depends on the person and what we are working on.

This is very individual but usually just starting experiencing this different style of conversation in the first and subsequent few sessions helps to externalise the effects of the problem and has the...

This is very individual but usually just starting experiencing this different style of conversation in the first and subsequent few sessions helps to externalise the effects of the problem and has the person experiencing less stuckness and connecting more with hope. By defining the realms of influence of the issue and what it is robbing a person of and realising what this implies about what they really value, people can often have a sense of being moved. We are all very used to talking about problems in great detail. Finding out about the healthy tissue and asking about what people would most like to be known for, can help shine light on areas they may not have had a chance to talk about or connect with.

We work as a team to address your therapeutic goals. We will regularly review how we are working, what is helpful and what requires adjustment. We will discuss what progress you want to make and...

We work as a team to address your therapeutic goals. We will regularly review how we are working, what is helpful and what requires adjustment. We will discuss what progress you want to make and explore how you will know when we are achieving that.

I hope the client will feel some kind of movement happening from the first session. It's important for me not to presume what progress' is but to continually check in with my client about their...

I hope the client will feel some kind of movement happening from the first session. It's important for me not to presume what progress' is but to continually check in with my client about their experience and what they are hoping to get out of each session.

Immediately, although I always make it clear that feeling better is not the same as doing better. Quite often clients make the mistake of shortening suggested treatment plans because they feel...

Immediately, although I always make it clear that feeling better is not the same as doing better. Quite often clients make the mistake of shortening suggested treatment plans because they feel better. Its important to attend, do extra tasking, and listen to audios if this is part of the plan.

As human beings, we have an in-built desire to talk about ourselves and be well received by another person who is truly present and interested in who we are. While all of a client's concerns may...

As human beings, we have an in-built desire to talk about ourselves and be well received by another person who is truly present and interested in who we are. While all of a client's concerns may take a while to talk about, understand and manage, I believe clients feel some relief from distress within the first 1-3 sessions.

When experiencing changes of mood, feeling, self perception. An increase in well being and behavioural changes.

When experiencing changes of mood, feeling, self perception. An increase in well being and behavioural changes.

I want clients to feel valued, connected and the beginnings of relief from the earliest possible time. During the first phone call or email, I work to build rapport, safety and connection.

I want clients to feel valued, connected and the beginnings of relief from the earliest possible time. During the first phone call or email, I work to build rapport, safety and connection.

Clients often experience relief after the first session as they feel understood and that they have support and holding during their exploration of their symptoms. I help clients to accept that they...

Clients often experience relief after the first session as they feel understood and that they have support and holding during their exploration of their symptoms. I help clients to accept that they are not their symptom or label - they are capable of connecting deeply to the truth of who they are when they can let go of the adaptive patterns they adopted to survive in childhood. The discarding of the old unhelpful beliefs and patterns takes place at the same time as building reconnection to the true foundation within the body, heart and soul so psychotherapy is a complex process. Changing entrenched patterns of reacting and relating can take time and it differs for each client.

The 'when' for client progress is dependent upon a range of individual factors including but not limited to client readiness for change, the client's level of insight into their difficulty, and...

The 'when' for client progress is dependent upon a range of individual factors including but not limited to client readiness for change, the client's level of insight into their difficulty, and management of extraneous variables that are negatively impacting the client, as well as client self-care strategies and the most important aspect, the therapeutic relationship that develops from a good fit between client and therapist; a therapeutic relationship founded on trust and openness.

When life feels a little different

When life feels a little different

Clear progress is made when individuals present with less symptoms, better functioning and leading happier lives.

Clear progress is made when individuals present with less symptoms, better functioning and leading happier lives.

This is highly dependent on the client's reason for seeking counselling, very generalised 4-6 sessions can bring about a shift towards healing.

This is highly dependent on the client's reason for seeking counselling, very generalised 4-6 sessions can bring about a shift towards healing.

In my experience every client is so different. I have found that my clients achieve progress best when we remain mindful to check-in around how the client will first measure progress. What will that...

In my experience every client is so different. I have found that my clients achieve progress best when we remain mindful to check-in around how the client will first measure progress. What will that look/feel like. I am very solutions focused, thus it is important to me that my client is feeling progression throughout our sessions both short and long term.

It is common for people to feel some relief from their symptoms at the first session. It is of course important to keep in mind that many issues are long-term and are connected to deep mythic...

It is common for people to feel some relief from their symptoms at the first session. It is of course important to keep in mind that many issues are long-term and are connected to deep mythic processes, so sometimes a number of sessions are needed, depending of the goals of the person seeking therapy.