Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

This is likely to be different for every client. For one client, change might look like the cultivation of more self-awareness & self-acceptance. For another client it might look like the ability to...

This is likely to be different for every client. For one client, change might look like the cultivation of more self-awareness & self-acceptance. For another client it might look like the ability to move towards more uncomfortable emotions, so that they can be processed and integrated. When clients start to listen to themselves in a new way, thatâ??s a sure sign that a change process is in motion.

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 often begins when clients feel safe enough to slow down, speak freely, and notice something shiftâ??whether thatâ??s a new insight, a sense of relief, or a moment of connection. While...

Progress often begins when clients feel safe enough to slow down, speak freely, and notice something shiftâ??whether thatâ??s a new insight, a sense of relief, or a moment of connection. While healing timelines vary, many people start to feel more clarity, self-trust, or emotional regulation within the first few sessions, especially when the pace and approach feel right for them.

This questions is a little difficult to answer. I think it depends on the client and how willing they are to commit to the process of therapy. To make good progress, consistently attending weekly...

This questions is a little difficult to answer. I think it depends on the client and how willing they are to commit to the process of therapy. To make good progress, consistently attending weekly sessions are best for at least 3-6 months. Easing off to fortnightly for another 3- 6 months is good. Some people will need weekly sessions for 1-2 years. It takes a while for a therapist to get a good sense of someone and their life, and it takes time for client to fully trust and speak openly and truthfully to a therapist without falling into shame and self-loathing. Itâ??s okay that clients move tentatively to begin with. However, I consider that progress is being made when someone is willing to self-reflect without beating themselves up all the time. When banished emotions are reclaimed, people are truly moving towards healing.

Progress is an interesting word. It may feel conditional, hopeful, stressful, and even forceful, depending on where we are at. I am inspired by Peter Merryâ??s view of progress, â??Pay attention...

Progress is an interesting word. It may feel conditional, hopeful, stressful, and even forceful, depending on where we are at. I am inspired by Peter Merryâ??s view of progress, â??Pay attention to what wants to happen now and take the next natural step. Thatâ??s all.â? I think that meaningful progress happens whenever the client is able to be present moment to moment to what is arising within themselves and between us. I work hard to support this in every meeting with the client.

Progress looks different for everyone- some people notice changes quickly in how they manage emotions, set boundaries, or approach challenges, while for others, growth unfolds more gradually as...

Progress looks different for everyone- some people notice changes quickly in how they manage emotions, set boundaries, or approach challenges, while for others, growth unfolds more gradually as insight, confidence, and practical strategies develop. I work collaboratively with each client to identify goals and celebrate small steps along the way, helping them recognise progress in ways that are meaningful to them.

While Jungian analysis can go on for years, as it is a deep process which centres around self-understanding and not just symptoms, clients should begin to feel engaged and supported towards...

While Jungian analysis can go on for years, as it is a deep process which centres around self-understanding and not just symptoms, clients should begin to feel engaged and supported towards symptom-alleviation fairly quickly. Not every client wants or needs to go deeply into analysis, and so the early work focusses on relief and ego-strengthening, as well as self-knowledge.

A sign of progress is when the client is able to recognise within themselves a sense of space, where what has been difficult and challenging may still be present but doesn't have the same grip and...

A sign of progress is when the client is able to recognise within themselves a sense of space, where what has been difficult and challenging may still be present but doesn't have the same grip and hold on their life and wellbeing. With this space, the client may have a sense of expanded perspectives and capacity where there is more room and energy for a wider range of feelings and even opportunities. These shifts can range from feeling greater energy, a sense of calm, increased self-compassion, enhanced relationships through to the capacity to mourn, forgive and make hard decisions. Often, these signs of progress emerge out of the honest and courageous efforts to name and turn towards what is painful and challenging.

Every clientâ??s journey is unique, but many begin to feel progress when we start working together on their goals. Often, this happens when they notice small, positive changesâ??like feeling more...

Every clientâ??s journey is unique, but many begin to feel progress when we start working together on their goals. Often, this happens when they notice small, positive changesâ??like feeling more understood, communicating more effectively, or gaining new insights about themselves. Progress can also be felt in those â??lightbulb momentsâ? where things start to click. My approach focuses on achievable steps and steady improvements, so youâ??ll likely feel the impact as we work through challenges together, building confidence and momentum along the way.

From the first session, you and I will use 'tracking' to identify and start mapping your progress. This is an important and intergral part of therapy as you as a client need to know if you are...

From the first session, you and I will use 'tracking' to identify and start mapping your progress. This is an important and intergral part of therapy as you as a client need to know if you are benefiting from counselling, and if the work we are doing together is showing progress in the way you wanted. However, it is my role as a counsellor to facilitate this process while sitting by your side providing the safe trusting space you need to spread your wings and fly.

Six weekly sessions are recommended to start with. At the sixth session, your progress is reviewed together. Depending on the progress made, you may wish to drop back to fortnightly, three-weekly or...

Six weekly sessions are recommended to start with. At the sixth session, your progress is reviewed together. Depending on the progress made, you may wish to drop back to fortnightly, three-weekly or monthly sessions. Or you might choose to take a break and return to counselling at a later date.

That depends on the client. It is important throughout therapy, to acknowledge and reflect on the small thoughts or changes that are occurring. If we only focus on the long term goal, it would be easy...

That depends on the client. It is important throughout therapy, to acknowledge and reflect on the small thoughts or changes that are occurring. If we only focus on the long term goal, it would be easy to say this isn't working. Some problems shared in therapy have taken a lifetime to culminate and get to a point where someone is ready to change, so it makes sense that it will take time and patience to re-align beliefs, values, or preferred futures to make these changes. It's important to remain kind to one's self.

Every personâ??s journey is unique, and progress looks different for each individual. Some clients begin to notice small shiftsâ??like feeling safer, more understood, or more hopefulâ??within the...

Every personâ??s journey is unique, and progress looks different for each individual. Some clients begin to notice small shiftsâ??like feeling safer, more understood, or more hopefulâ??within the first few sessions. For others, progress may be felt as they build new strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, or reconnect with a sense of purpose over time. I encourage clients to notice and celebrate these small but meaningful changes, as they often signal the foundation for deeper, long-term growth and recovery.

This is certainly individual but I hope from the first session a coupl or individual may notice some difference in their thinking and or behaviour.

This is certainly individual but I hope from the first session a coupl or individual may notice some difference in their thinking and or behaviour.

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.

I find that most clients feel seen, heard and cared for in the initial consultation and so progress begins quite quickly.

I find that most clients feel seen, heard and cared for in the initial consultation and so progress begins quite quickly.

It depends. Some clients may feel progress after the first couple of sessions. Others might need more time. It most definitely depends on what the client defines as 'progress'. What's your...

It depends. Some clients may feel progress after the first couple of sessions. Others might need more time. It most definitely depends on what the client defines as 'progress'. What's your definition? How do you know if you're making progress versus going backwards? Is it more internal or external or both? Is it based on your thoughts, feelings, experience or how others perceive you? What is important is the client's level of engagement and the strength of the relationship between the client and therapist..

Progress often begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and understood - when they realise theyâ??re not alone in their struggles. For many people I work with, this happens early on, often during...

Progress often begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and understood - when they realise theyâ??re not alone in their struggles. For many people I work with, this happens early on, often during our initial sessions. Building trust and creating a safe space where you can show up authentically is foundational to my practice, and many folks report feeling relief or hope simply from having someone who â??gets it.â? That said, progress looks different for everyone. Some people notice shifts quickly, like gaining clarity about their needs or feeling empowered to take small but meaningful steps toward change. Others may experience progress more gradually, as we unpack systemic barriers, explore identity, or develop tools to navigate burnout or distress. For neurodivergent people, progress might feel like finally finding strategies that actually work for their brain or beginning to unmask in spaces where theyâ??ve always felt pressured to conform. For those navigating systemic challenges, it might come from successfully advocating for themselves or feeling equipped to challenge unjust structures. Ultimately, I believe progress isnâ??t linear - itâ??s about noticing moments of growth, connection, or insight along the way. Together, weâ??ll celebrate even the smallest wins because they often lead to bigger changes over time. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support and practical tools while honouring your unique pace and journey.

The timing of progress in counseling can vary for each individual, as it is influenced by various factors such as the nature of their concerns, their readiness for change, and their level of...

The timing of progress in counseling can vary for each individual, as it is influenced by various factors such as the nature of their concerns, their readiness for change, and their level of engagement in the therapeutic process. However, clients often begin to feel that progress is being made when they experience a greater sense of self-awareness, insight, and empowerment. They may notice a shift in their perspectives, an increased ability to cope with challenges, or a greater sense of clarity and purpose. Additionally, as clients start to implement and integrate new coping strategies and insights into their daily lives, they may observe positive changes in their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. The recognition of progress is a highly individualized and subjective experience, and I work collaboratively with clients to identify and celebrate these milestones along their unique journey of healing and growth.

I like to leave my client seeing that they have made progress at every session, however big or small. The rate of progress will depend on the issue(s) the client has and where they are at within...

I like to leave my client seeing that they have made progress at every session, however big or small. The rate of progress will depend on the issue(s) the client has and where they are at within themselves. What is important is that my client is making progress and are headed in the right direction. This gives them hope and empowerment, which is very important. It is also important not to move faster than one is ready to do. That can reignite trauma and can be damaging. We all make the changes that we need when we are ready.

It is different for everyone given their personality, trauma history, coping style etc. Change can often happen in 3-12 months of weekly to fortnightly therapy.

It is different for everyone given their personality, trauma history, coping style etc. Change can often happen in 3-12 months of weekly to fortnightly therapy.

Clients begin to feel progress when they notice positive changes within themselvesâ??whether in their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, or overall outlook. These shifts often bring greater clarity,...

Clients begin to feel progress when they notice positive changes within themselvesâ??whether in their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, or overall outlook. These shifts often bring greater clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of control, marking important steps forward on their journey of growth and healing.

This differs for everyone and is dependent on where the client is at, how supportive their environment is and how engaged people are in their healing journey. Therapy is a collaborative relationship...

This differs for everyone and is dependent on where the client is at, how supportive their environment is and how engaged people are in their healing journey. Therapy is a collaborative relationship where the therapist guides the person, and they need to do the work. Saying that, most people who return to therapy are making progress, sometimes small shifts, sometimes monumental. Participating in Therapy is a commitment to change, to knowing thyself and taking action to move toward the life you dream.

Clients start to feel progress as they gain self-awareness, reduce symptoms, and adopt new coping strategies. They often experience shifts in perspective, increased confidence, and better emotional...

Clients start to feel progress as they gain self-awareness, reduce symptoms, and adopt new coping strategies. They often experience shifts in perspective, increased confidence, and better emotional regulation, with progress unfolding through small, incremental changes.

I think clients begin to feel progress when they form a collaborative and trusting relationship with the therapist in which they feel understood and accepted, and when they start to better understand...

I think clients begin to feel progress when they form a collaborative and trusting relationship with the therapist in which they feel understood and accepted, and when they start to better understand themselves in a way that feels significant. And for most people progress is also felt when they start to suffer less and move further towards the life they truly desire and value. There can be powerful wake up call moments, or deep transformative, emotion releasing moments along the way, and these really strengthen a client's ongoing commitment to the work.

Progress in therapy is dependent upon the patients willingness to get in touch with the fundamental sources of their own motivations and behaviors. The first task is to understand who we are and...

Progress in therapy is dependent upon the patients willingness to get in touch with the fundamental sources of their own motivations and behaviors. The first task is to understand who we are and what's happening in our lives. After that the task is to figure out what what has to change in order to move forward with whatever issues brought us to therapy in the first place. There are no universal formula's for how to do this. No two patients are the same. No two therapists are the same. Each process of therapy has to evolve in its own way towards it's own unique conclusion. Sometimes this can happen in a single session. Sometimes it takes much longer. The important things is for each party to keep checking in with the other to ensure that the process stays on track.

Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.

Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.

The timeline for clients to feel progress can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of their challenges, the therapeutic approach, and their level of engagement in the process....

The timeline for clients to feel progress can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of their challenges, the therapeutic approach, and their level of engagement in the process. However, here are a few general indicators that clients might notice as progress: Initial Relief: Clients may start feeling relief after just a few sessions, especially if they feel heard, understood, and supported in a safe space. This sense of validation can be the first sign that progress is being made. Increased Self-Awareness: As therapy progresses, clients often become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They may start recognizing patterns that were previously unclear, which can feel like a breakthrough moment in understanding themselves. Small Behavioral Changes: Clients may begin to notice small shifts in their behaviors or coping strategies. For example, they may handle stress better, react differently in challenging situations, or apply new tools learned in therapy. Shift in Perspective: A key sign of progress is when clients start to shift their perspective on their problems. They might begin to see challenges as opportunities for growth or feel more empowered in how they approach their life and decisions. Reduction in Symptoms: If the client is dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, they might notice a reduction in the intensity or frequency of symptoms, which can be a clear marker of progress. Increased Hope and Motivation: Over time, clients may begin to feel more hopeful about the future and motivated to make positive changes in their lives. This sense of optimism is often a sign that therapy is working.

It depends on the presentation, but most of my clients start to gain some level of clarity about their situation after the first or second session. Clarity can make a big difference, as it brings with...

It depends on the presentation, but most of my clients start to gain some level of clarity about their situation after the first or second session. Clarity can make a big difference, as it brings with it a sense of agency and hope.

This is very hard to answer. Everyone is different and seeking different things from therapy. For some relief comes from the first conversation and the ability to share what is happening to them with...

This is very hard to answer. Everyone is different and seeking different things from therapy. For some relief comes from the first conversation and the ability to share what is happening to them with a person who is non-judgemental and empathetic. For others it can be like waves, where an initial specific issue gains progress and then another issue emerges behind it that is connected and seeks relief.

While progress is gradual and different for each client signs include increased self-awareness and able to share emotions. They also talk about improvements between sessions.

While progress is gradual and different for each client signs include increased self-awareness and able to share emotions. They also talk about improvements between sessions.

When they start getting to know their own mind better.

When they start getting to know their own mind better.

Progress is very unique to each individual, so when someone starts to feel a shift, it can look very different depending on what theyâ??re experiencing. Some might notice a sense of relief or clarity...

Progress is very unique to each individual, so when someone starts to feel a shift, it can look very different depending on what theyâ??re experiencing. Some might notice a sense of relief or clarity after just a few sessions, while for others, progress might show up as a deeper awareness of patterns or emotional responses over time. Ultimately, therapy is less about a specific timeline of â??getting betterâ?? and more about expanding your awareness and deepening your understanding of yourself so you have the freedom to make different choices.

Clients often begin to feel progress when they enter a space where they feel fully seen, heard, and welcomed as their true selves. This kind of environment allows them to drop their guard and feel...

Clients often begin to feel progress when they enter a space where they feel fully seen, heard, and welcomed as their true selves. This kind of environment allows them to drop their guard and feel safe enough to explore vulnerable parts of themselves. When they experience genuine acceptance and empathy, it fosters a sense of trust and openness, which is essential for healing. Progress becomes evident as clients gradually feel more at ease with expressing their emotions, exploring deeper parts of their identity, and reconnecting with their own sense of worth and authenticity. It is this connection and validation that sets the foundation for lasting change.

This is a vary subjective question however, generally progress is made quite quickly as even the decision to start therapy can itself be a healing decision. Collaborating together to create an...

This is a vary subjective question however, generally progress is made quite quickly as even the decision to start therapy can itself be a healing decision. Collaborating together to create an individual plan is a powerful tool for long term benefits. However it is not a linear process and we utilise patience towards understanding that sometimes it has to hurt if it is to heal.

People can express a feeling of relief after their first session, from having talked about what is meaningful to them and having experienced being listened to. It can take time for the relationship to...

People can express a feeling of relief after their first session, from having talked about what is meaningful to them and having experienced being listened to. It can take time for the relationship to feel comfortable and the work to unfold, there are many factors at play.

Progress doesnâ??t always happen in a straight line, and some sessions might feel more challenging or uncertain. However, as long as thereâ??s an overall sense of movementâ??whether emotional,...

Progress doesnâ??t always happen in a straight line, and some sessions might feel more challenging or uncertain. However, as long as thereâ??s an overall sense of movementâ??whether emotional, cognitive, or behavioralâ??clients can typically start to feel like change is happening. Itâ??s also important for clients to be involved in the process of defining their own progress.

As life becomes more meaningful and a person becomes more open and self-reliant, so my work is done. When the obstacles in our psyche move and life flows again, we will naturally experience less of a...

As life becomes more meaningful and a person becomes more open and self-reliant, so my work is done. When the obstacles in our psyche move and life flows again, we will naturally experience less of a need for counselling.

It's best to forget about progress and other expectations which come from somewhere else. Things will begin to move when the person or patient really engages with their own words and thoughts

It's best to forget about progress and other expectations which come from somewhere else. Things will begin to move when the person or patient really engages with their own words and thoughts

I hope the client leaves each session with a sense of progress being made. In the initial session my intention is that you leave with hope for what is to come. From then, as we work on what you want...

I hope the client leaves each session with a sense of progress being made. In the initial session my intention is that you leave with hope for what is to come. From then, as we work on what you want to achieve from counselling, we check in regularly, to notice, small and big changes that provide the reminder that change is happening. Change can be slow and when we make changes we often forget the old version of ourselves who did things differently. It's a fascinating phenomena that when we change we become that new version and can miss that a change has occurred. We often need to actively reflect on how we are responding or behaving differently.

The experience of progress in therapy is deeply individual and can vary depending on the clientâ??s unique circumstances, goals, and commitment to the process. However, there are some common...

The experience of progress in therapy is deeply individual and can vary depending on the clientâ??s unique circumstances, goals, and commitment to the process. However, there are some common indicators that often signal when a client begins to feel that progress is being made. Typically, clients start to notice progress when they begin to feel more self-aware and connected to their thoughts and emotions. This often occurs after theyâ??ve engaged with the therapeutic process for a few sessions, allowing time to build a trusting relationship and explore the issues at hand. When clients start recognizing patterns in their behaviour and thought processes and feel more equipped to manage challenges using the tools and strategies weâ??ve discussed, they often report a sense of movement and improvement. For some, progress is felt when they begin to experience relief from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or relationship conflict. This might happen as they learn new coping strategies or when they start implementing small, manageable changes in their daily lives that lead to noticeable differences in how they feel and interact with others. Clients may also feel a sense of progress when they start to achieve the goals they set at the beginning of therapy, whether thatâ??s improved communication in relationships, greater emotional regulation, or enhanced self-esteem. These tangible achievements can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and validation that the work theyâ??re doing in therapy is making a real impact. Itâ??s important to remember that progress is not always linear, and there may be ups and downs along the way. However, as clients continue to engage with the therapeutic process, they typically find that their capacity for self-compassion, resilience, and personal growth increases, leading to a deeper and more sustained sense of progress over time.

Clients feel resourced in themselves and experience change when they sense that they are able to identify the ways in which inner/ external environment impact their capacity to be present to...

Clients feel resourced in themselves and experience change when they sense that they are able to identify the ways in which inner/ external environment impact their capacity to be present to themselves and in the world.

I think if it go well then just being heard by another can begin the healing process.

I think if it go well then just being heard by another can begin the healing process.

It can be hard to say for sure, as what each person needs from therapy is different. Sometimes people might feel a little progress has been made after the first session, if they feel that I've...

It can be hard to say for sure, as what each person needs from therapy is different. Sometimes people might feel a little progress has been made after the first session, if they feel that I've understood and really heard what their experience has been. Others won't feel they have made progress until they have a significant insight into how they got here, and are able to start working on the attached feelings.

This depends on what is meant by progress. Also people have different temperaments and experience, so it is hard to give a generic answer. It is often the case that clients can feel some relief after...

This depends on what is meant by progress. Also people have different temperaments and experience, so it is hard to give a generic answer. It is often the case that clients can feel some relief after just one or two sessions. Unhelpful patterns that have been present for many years, can start to shift in a few sessions .

Early signs of progress are when the client accepts that the journey of therapeutic discovery has to come from within themselves. This is seen in the context of a person developing an attitude of...

Early signs of progress are when the client accepts that the journey of therapeutic discovery has to come from within themselves. This is seen in the context of a person developing an attitude of responsibility. Feeling stuck or struggling with dilemmas are also signs of progress, as these are the times when we need to make a detour in our everyday ways of being and get to work with the more difficult demands of our existence. Once again this calls for resilience and a demonstration that when the going gets tough we see the tough get going! Progress is visible when a person becomes more accepting of their lived experience and ventures into those experiences more fully and stays with the process of exploration to discover how they may have arrived at this way of being. From here, they may consider new ways of being that are more authentic and satisfying. Progress could also be said to be made when distress, previously experienced in ways that were constricting and distressing, are now viewed as part of the ongoing journey of one's life that needs to be experienced and understood. Essentially, progress could be felt when a person begins to feel parts of themselves becoming more integrated and a sense of acceptance of being who they are along with the courage and faith of moving into places that feel different, new and authentic.

When the bond/therapuetic relationship is intentionally talked about in the room.

When the bond/therapuetic relationship is intentionally talked about in the room.