Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

That varies a great deal and there is no single answer. For therapy focusing on improving skills at managing or coping with a situation, progress can be made immediately. For some people, having a...

That varies a great deal and there is no single answer. For therapy focusing on improving skills at managing or coping with a situation, progress can be made immediately. For some people, having a problem to tackle and complete every session is important. For others, therapy may be a more gradual process as deeper issues are explored and change happens slowly over time. Some people find that they need time to build trust before other goals can be approached. Each person is different and there is no right or wrong. I think the most important issue here is making sure the pace is right for you. If you are feeling unsure about the speed of progress being made, I encourage you to say so. It might be a matter of clarifying what is happening to feel more comfortable in therapy, or it may be that we need to change to a new approach. I am more than happy to talk about how things are going at any time.

In the first session! You have made a brave decision and taken action for yourself! If you feel that I have met someone who feels safe, knowledgeable, skilled and who 'gets it, you will feel a...

In the first session! You have made a brave decision and taken action for yourself! If you feel that I have met someone who feels safe, knowledgeable, skilled and who 'gets it, you will feel a little more connected to support and a sense of hope will emerge. This is progress. While I cannot predict if each individual journey will take 10 weeks, 10 months or a few years (it depends on many factors such as your starting point, frequency of sessions and your goals) ...my experience is that those clients with deep childhood trauma or neglect can spend 6 months to a year or so in therapy processing trauma and learning new relationship skills. Those who are coping well in life and have a very specific issue they wish to resolve may only use 10-12 sessions. Others may spend some time in therapy now and return again later when new issues emerge as different life events or relationships prompt a need to resolve a new issue. My client feedback tells me most people leave the process having gained insights about themselves and others, developed new skills in relating to both themselves and other people and have found freedom from the trauma or flexibility in responding to the tricky situations or people that previously bothered them. While there will be times the process may feel hard, or that you are 'unravelling' before getting 'better', these times are normal and can be managed. You will be supported through them and you will emerge a stronger wiser person, more in charge of your life, than you felt when you started in therapy.

This is 'how long is a piece of string' question. It will depend on how courageously we face our own vulnerabilities. But for most people having occasional sessions will not provide long term...

This is 'how long is a piece of string' question. It will depend on how courageously we face our own vulnerabilities. But for most people having occasional sessions will not provide long term changes. Like anything worthwhile, we need to make a commitment to uncovering our deepest needs and desires.

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.

What is considered to be progress depends on each person's desire and individual expectations. Sometimes it can be very quick, sometimes it takes more time.

What is considered to be progress depends on each person's desire and individual expectations. Sometimes it can be very quick, sometimes it takes more time.

Progress in therapy often begins in subtle but meaningful waysâ??when a client starts to feel more present, less alone with their struggles, or a little kinder toward themselves. It might show up as...

Progress in therapy often begins in subtle but meaningful waysâ??when a client starts to feel more present, less alone with their struggles, or a little kinder toward themselves. It might show up as a shift in how they respond to stress, a clearer sense of boundaries, or simply being able to name what they feel without fear or judgement. While deep change takes time, many clients begin to notice progress when they feel truly seen and understoodâ??when the therapeutic space becomes a place of safety and possibility. For some, it's the relief of naming something thatâ??s long been carried in silence. For others, itâ??s the growing sense of choice where there once was reactivity or shutdown. Each step matters, and I honour the pace that feels right for each person.

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.

Progress in therapy is a deeply personal and unique experience, and it often depends on the individualâ??s situation, life circumstances, and the challenges they are facing. For some, progress may be...

Progress in therapy is a deeply personal and unique experience, and it often depends on the individualâ??s situation, life circumstances, and the challenges they are facing. For some, progress may be felt relatively quickly, such as experiencing a sense of relief from being heard and supported in a safe space. For others, particularly those in survival mode or dealing with immediate crises, progress may feel less obvious at first, as their focus is on â??putting out firesâ? and managing day-to-day challenges. Itâ??s important to remember that progress is not always linear. There may be moments of significant insight or change, followed by periods of consolidation or even setbacks, which are a natural part of the healing process. Even when it feels like nothing is changing, important internal shifts may be taking placeâ??such as developing greater self-awareness, building resilience, or learning to approach challenges differently. I work collaboratively with clients to help them identify and celebrate small, meaningful steps forward, even if they donâ??t initially feel like â??progress.â? Over time, as we address underlying patterns and build tools for coping and growth, clients often begin to notice a greater sense of clarity, empowerment, and balance in their lives. Each personâ??s journey is different, and I honour the pace and process that feels right for them.

When they build a deeper therapeutic alliance with their therapist.

When they build a deeper therapeutic alliance with their therapist.

This is difficult to say because people can present with many different issues and expectations. Often people can feel immediate relief just from talking through their presenting problem, whereas...

This is difficult to say because people can present with many different issues and expectations. Often people can feel immediate relief just from talking through their presenting problem, whereas others may have other longer term struggles, learned patterns or trauma that don't have immediate solutions.

I would aim to give people something to take away with them from the first session. I find that 5-6 sessions are a realistic time-frame for most people to develop some good good coping skills and to...

I would aim to give people something to take away with them from the first session. I find that 5-6 sessions are a realistic time-frame for most people to develop some good good coping skills and to start to understand the underlying issues. 8-10 sessions would be needed to work more thoroughly on underlying issues and will be enough for some people. Others may want more in depth work and 15 - 20 sessions or more long term therapy can be beneficial to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and will be very rewarding in terms of practical changes to ones' life. Of course, therapy is a very individual process and the time frame depends on the individual, the resources they have already developed, and the issues they are dealing with.

After Session 1, as the new skills and knowledge kick in and they find they are managing better and changing things and no longer alone in their problem

After Session 1, as the new skills and knowledge kick in and they find they are managing better and changing things and no longer alone in their problem

This is hard to answer. I know from the research evidence that the answer is either just before or after they decide to make an appointment. Often therapy catalyses or reinforces change already...

This is hard to answer. I know from the research evidence that the answer is either just before or after they decide to make an appointment. Often therapy catalyses or reinforces change already underway. Some clients get what they need or want in one session, some in six and some in fifteen. I trust that the patient believes there is sufficient benefit going on to rebook another session, I often discuss this with the client.

Tough question!! This will vary with each and every client and is determined by such variables as contextual influences, social-cultural influences, historical and personality factors and a host of...

Tough question!! This will vary with each and every client and is determined by such variables as contextual influences, social-cultural influences, historical and personality factors and a host of other influences. I find this an extraordinary difficult question to respond to and am not sure at all that there is any clear answer possible.

After the first session there is usually a feeling of relief, however the length of therapy depends on the issue, how long the issue has been there, how the client responds and other support available...

After the first session there is usually a feeling of relief, however the length of therapy depends on the issue, how long the issue has been there, how the client responds and other support available outside therapy. I would say between the 5th and the 10th sessions there is an established sense of well-being, but there might be follow-up sessions needed.