Perhaps you’re still unsure about counselling, or wondering how long it will take to see results. I’m often asked by my clients “How long does counselling take to work?”
It’s important to find a counsellor open to discussing this topic. As your sessions progress, both you and your counsellor should periodically check in with each other. To assess your goals, measure progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
The time it takes for counselling to become effective can vary depending on several factors. These include your specific issue, the counsellor’s approach, and the frequency of sessions.
What does the research say?
Let’s look at what scientific research has to say about this topic.
The American Psychological Association published some statistics that help us to understand ” How long does it take for counselling to work? “
Here’s what they found;
- There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that psychological treatments with a moderate duration, typically consisting of 12 to 16 weekly sessions, can lead to significant clinical improvements.
- Recent research indicates that, on average, it takes around 15 to 20 sessions for approximately 50% of clients to experience recovery based on self-reported symptom measures.
- Clinical studies also indicate that people with co-occurring conditions or specific personality difficulties may require extended treatment, often spanning from 12 to 18 months, to achieve therapeutic effectiveness.
- However, it’s important to note that only a minority of people seeking treatment fall into the category of needing extensive, long-term therapy and support for chronic issues.
- Clients and therapists sometimes opt for longer treatment periods, typically ranging from 20 to 30 sessions over six months. This extended approach aims to attain more comprehensive symptom remission and build the necessary skills for maintaining treatment gains.
So, how long does counselling take to work?
The duration of therapy can vary depending on the issue and your personal goals for counselling.
For people dealing with complex issues, long-term counselling that spans several years may be necessary. Deep-seated wounds require extended periods of exploration, consistency, and commitment to facilitate healing.
On the other hand, some clients come into therapy with more specific, short-term goals. For example, they may seek counselling to manage episodes of moderate anxiety. After several weeks working with a counsellor they may find they can manage their symptoms without ongoing support.
To determine how long counselling will take, it’s essential to consider your objectives and the nature of your concerns. Are your issues deeply rooted, or have they arisen more recently? Asking yourself these questions can provide insight into the anticipated duration of your therapeutic journey.
Additionally, tracking your progress with your counsellor can help you to make informed decisions about the length of your therapy.
How do you track progress?
Tracking your progress in therapy is an essential aspect of understanding its effectiveness. Your counsellor may recommend various methods for tracking your progress, such as keeping a diary or journal.
For instance, if you’re dealing with social anxiety, maintaining a diary can help you identify triggers and monitor changes in your anxiety levels over time. By tracking your progress, you can gain insights into what strategies work best for you.
This approach isn’t limited to social anxiety; it can be applied to various issues, including depression, grief, stress management, phobias, and relationship challenges. The key is to collaborate with your counsellor to establish clear goals and regularly check in on your progress during therapy sessions.
This ongoing evaluation ensures that your therapeutic work remains focused and effective in addressing your unique needs and concerns.
When is it time to end counselling?
Ending therapy is a significant decision that should ideally be made collaboratively between you and your counsellor. While there isn’t a strict rule about when to end counselling, several factors can help you determine if it’s the right time:
- Achievement of Goals: If you entered counselling with specific goals in mind, such as coping with a recent bereavement, and you have achieved those goals with the support of your counsellor, it may be an appropriate time to end therapy.
- Plateau in Progress: During counselling, clients often experience personal growth, insights, and positive changes. However, if you feel like you’ve reached a plateau and are no longer making meaningful progress, it could be a sign that it’s time to either find a different counsellor or consider ending therapy.
- Changing Needs: Sometimes, your needs or concerns may evolve, and you may want to address new issues that require a specialised approach. In such cases, discussing these changes with your current counsellor is essential. If they can’t meet your evolving needs, it may be time to explore other options.
- Repetitive Sessions: If your sessions seem to be consistently covering the same ground without any new insights or progress, this may indicate that it’s time to consider ending therapy.
Remember your counsellor should be receptive to your concerns and open to discussing the best course of action. Ending therapy isn’t necessarily a negative. It can indicate that you’ve made positive strides and are ready to continue your journey independently.
I hope this article helped shine some light on how long it may take for counselling to work.
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It’s as simple as that. One of our team will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.
