Research indicates that, on average, it can take between 15 and 20 sessions for therapy to result in some form of improvement. However, it’s important to remember that therapy isn’t ‘one size fits all.’ What may work for someone else may not work for you.
Instead, it can be beneficial to focus on identifying what you would like to achieve in therapy and finding a therapist who can help you meet those goals.
You can work with them to create a treatment plan tailored toward your needs.
The duration of your therapy treatment can vary and be affected by factors such as:
- how realistic your goals are
- how often you’re able to attend sessions
- how often you’re able to practice skills and strategies
- circumstances in your personal life, such as whether you’re experiencing any major changes or life events
Progress in therapy can look different for everyone, but may involve:
- developing or seeing an improvement in your symptom management techniques, such as being able to handle stress more effectively
- experiencing reduced or less frequent symptoms
- finding it easier to regulate your emotions
- taking small steps toward your goals or re-evaluating them when you experience change
- feeling more self-aware about your behavior or thought pattern
- feeling more hopeful about the future and your ability to achieve your goals
If you don’t feel as though you are making progress in therapy, it’s important to speak openly with your therapist about your concerns. You can work together to adjust the approach to better meet your needs and goals. However, if you still find that there is no improvement, it may be beneficial to explore a different form of therapy or find a new therapist.