How long does therapy take?

It can be helpful have some idea of how long therapy can take before committing. Setting clear expectations can help you feel more comfortable and informed about the journey ahead.

On average, in my experience, meaningful progress can be achieved within about 12 sessions. Each case is different, and therapy is not always linear. Level of severity, level of engagement and motivation, frequency of sessions, personal history and current life circumstances all can significantly influence the length of therapy. Some may see enough progress in just a few sessions to address their concerns or achieve the clarity needed. Others, especially those including more complex childhood trauma, may take upwards of 20 sessions.

Typically, the initial one to three sessions are focused on building a thorough understanding of your experiences, identifying barriers to change, and developing a clear, personalized plan for moving forward. Whenever possible, meeting weekly at the outset helps establish momentum, maintain continuity, and is a great way to keep the ball rolling. As clarity and meaningful improvements emerge, some choose to gradually decrease session frequency, transitioning from weekly meetings to bi-weekly, and eventually monthly check-ins toward the end.

Change is possible! Therapy offers a supportive, structured path toward meaningful growth.