Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

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.

Progress in counselling is deeply personal and varies for each client. While some may feel a shift early on, others, especially those working through grief or long-term challenges, may take more time....

Progress in counselling is deeply personal and varies for each client. While some may feel a shift early on, others, especially those working through grief or long-term challenges, may take more time. As a client-led practitioner, I believe in open, collaborative communication. I regularly check in with clients, encouraging honest conversations about how they feel the sessions are progressing. I also use feedback forms to help track their journey, ensuring sessions remain aligned with their evolving needs.

Simply by taking the first step and approaching a counsellor, a client is making amazing progress by being proactive! Sometimes though, due to high self standards (that they often only apply to...

Simply by taking the first step and approaching a counsellor, a client is making amazing progress by being proactive! Sometimes though, due to high self standards (that they often only apply to themselves and not others) it can be hard for clients to recognise their own progress. I'm there to help them appreciate their wins and achievements. In addition, some qualitative tools can be used to help clients objectively monitor their own progress.

Often from the first session, significant change can occur.

Often from the first session, significant change can occur.

Change starts early on if we are on the right track : as soon as you notice a difference, something has changed. This can often occur in the first session.

Change starts early on if we are on the right track : as soon as you notice a difference, something has changed. This can often occur in the first session.

Progress looks different for everyone. Some clients begin to find relief after the first few sessionsâ??simply from feeling heard, validated, and not alone in their struggles. For others, progress...

Progress looks different for everyone. Some clients begin to find relief after the first few sessionsâ??simply from feeling heard, validated, and not alone in their struggles. For others, progress becomes more noticeable as they begin to understand patterns, respond differently in familiar situations, or reconnect with a sense of agency and clarity. Therapy isnâ??t a quick fix, but most clients begin to notice meaningful shifts within the first 6 to 10 sessions. That said, weâ??ll regularly check in on what progress looks like for you, so we can stay attuned to your goals and needs as they evolve.

When a client has made an appointment to see a counsellor, they are more than likely committed to the process... if they are mandated by others or coerced in some way by others, then the process may...

When a client has made an appointment to see a counsellor, they are more than likely committed to the process... if they are mandated by others or coerced in some way by others, then the process may vary. The therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in the process of progress... without that connection, the outcomes will not be as satisfactory. The first phone call, the first session - the counsellor/client connection needs to be a person-centred ethos with the client feeling safe enough to open up.

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.

Some of my people suggest this process can happen immediately. For others, the journey takes a while to come together. Many people feel the therapeutic alliance connection is just right and feel...

Some of my people suggest this process can happen immediately. For others, the journey takes a while to come together. Many people feel the therapeutic alliance connection is just right and feel better quickly.

This depends on whether you are seeking to find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into why you act the way you do, or process traumatic memories from the past. A good general rule of...

This depends on whether you are seeking to find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into why you act the way you do, or process traumatic memories from the past. A good general rule of thumb is that by the end of the third session you will likely feel engaged in the therapy and be confident that the therapy is moving in the right direction. I will typically do a review with you at this time to make sure this is happening.

I believe that the client will determine when progress is being made. If it is not, then therapeutic approaches and interventions need to be re-assessed and re-evaluated. Progress is not like a magic...

I believe that the client will determine when progress is being made. If it is not, then therapeutic approaches and interventions need to be re-assessed and re-evaluated. Progress is not like a magic wand. Sometimes we may be working on a particular issue when something more pressing comes up. By working collaboratively with a client, they are in control of what we work on.

Hopefully from the first session onwards.

Hopefully from the first session onwards.

Usually clients notice positive differences from the very first session. Sharing difficulties and knowing a plan is being developed to support them to achieve their goals makes a big difference....

Usually clients notice positive differences from the very first session. Sharing difficulties and knowing a plan is being developed to support them to achieve their goals makes a big difference. Confidence and capabilities grow, session by session.

I hope that my clients will start to feel progress from the very first meeting and continue their progress throughout the duration of the therapy. I aim to help my client's deal quickly and...

I hope that my clients will start to feel progress from the very first meeting and continue their progress throughout the duration of the therapy. I aim to help my client's deal quickly and efficiently with any initial crisis, then gain personal insight and meaning into the nature of their struggles.

The timeline for progress can vary depending on each individualâ??s unique circumstances, but many clients begin to notice changes after a few sessions. Early on, you might start to feel a sense of...

The timeline for progress can vary depending on each individualâ??s unique circumstances, but many clients begin to notice changes after a few sessions. Early on, you might start to feel a sense of relief, clarity, or a reduction in emotional distress as we begin to process past experiences and implement coping strategies. Over time, as we work together to understand underlying patterns and build resilience, you may start to feel more in control of your emotions, more connected to your values, and more confident in your ability to handle lifeâ??s challenges. Healing is a gradual process, but even small shifts can lead to significant, lasting change, and Iâ??ll be there to support and celebrate each step of the way.

When they feel heard and listened to with out being judged

When they feel heard and listened to with out being judged

I think that once the client feels they are being heard and that there is hope for the future, they will start to feel that progress is being made. I believe that progress will continue by building on...

I think that once the client feels they are being heard and that there is hope for the future, they will start to feel that progress is being made. I believe that progress will continue by building on those first small steps together until the client feels they are ready and able to continue without therapy.

As a therapist, I believe that clients may begin to feel that progress is being made at various points in their therapeutic journey, depending on their unique circumstances and goals. Progress often...

As a therapist, I believe that clients may begin to feel that progress is being made at various points in their therapeutic journey, depending on their unique circumstances and goals. Progress often manifests in subtle shifts, such as increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, and a greater sense of empowerment and agency in one's life. For some clients, progress may be evident early on, as they experience a sense of relief and validation from being heard and understood in therapy. Others may notice progress gradually over time, as they work through deeper layers of emotional wounds and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. Ultimately, the client's perception of progress is subjective and deeply personal. It's important for me as a therapist to regularly check in with clients to collaboratively assess their progress and adjust our therapeutic approach as needed to ensure that they are moving towards their desired outcomes. In my experience, the journey of therapy is often nonlinear, with ups and downs along the way. However, by fostering a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship, providing practical tools and insights, and celebrating even the smallest victories, I aim to help clients recognise and appreciate the progress they are making towards their goals.

The client should reward themselves for progress immediately after the first session as they have taken the first step to achieve change in their lives. Progress is then dependent on the current state...

The client should reward themselves for progress immediately after the first session as they have taken the first step to achieve change in their lives. Progress is then dependent on the current state of mind and how they view the world. Celebrate the small stuff.

Hopefully immediately. From the first session. I want them to feel deeply heard from the get-go, because being understood by another human is so transformative. Then as we get into strategies, I ask...

Hopefully immediately. From the first session. I want them to feel deeply heard from the get-go, because being understood by another human is so transformative. Then as we get into strategies, I ask my clients to be patient, and to work hard on practicing what we have discussed, because only through consistent practice will new behaviours stick.