How long does therapy take?

-


 

How long does therapy take to work?

Understandably, those seeking therapy want to understand the cost in terms of time, energy, and money!  Therapy usually takes place for 1 hour (although usually, 50 minutes of this is spent working with your therapist, while the last ten-minutes of each session is used for your therapist to make any notes or reflect on the session, and plan for your next session.) However, just as there isn’t just one type of therapy, and how therapy will work differently for each unique individual (see my last blog post, how does therapy work) there isn’t one clear answer for how long therapy takes to work.

I’m Jennifer Rose, a UK counsellor, psychotherapist and Mental Health Recovery worker.  My blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition.

Although I don’t typically recommend only one session, there have been some research developments about "single session" therapy (Bertuzzi et al., 2021). However, this works best when it is by design and with a therapist who has been trained in solution-based single-session therapy. The London Centre for Applied Psychology has an interesting article on the subject: Can you really help anyone in a single session of therapy?

However, the time it takes to achieve ‘successful outcomes’ is not set in a clinical manual and can vary, depending on the person, the therapist, the type of therapy and the issue. For some people, short-term treatment is enough; for others with more extensive treatment goals, choosing a longer action plan is preferable. 

But what are ‘successful outcomes’?

For a start, I feel therapy isn’t just about “fixing” one-off issues. I think of therapy as regularly prioritising your mental health so that you can show up as your best self no matter where life takes you.

However, having an outcome in mind is useful when considering how many sessions you may need. In some instances, this may be obvious – for example: 

  • People who suffer from anxiety disorders and have panic attacks may notice they don’t have them as frequently or intensely as before their first session. 
  • People with depression may notice they have regained interest and pleasure in activities and have a better mood overall.


One of my favourite questions to ask at the start of therapy is:

How would you like to feel about this issue at our last session?


The trick to knowing when therapy has been ‘successful’ is to regularly review your progress against this benchmark (which may change or need challenging or updating as we go!)

But what does the research say?


The American Psychological Association published statistics regarding how long it may take for treatment to work. Their data states:

  • Research indicates that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50 percent of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.

  • There are a growing number of specific psychological treatments of moderate duration (e.g., 12 to 16 weekly sessions) that have been scientifically shown to result in clinically significant improvements.

  • In practice, patients and therapists sometimes prefer to continue treatment over longer periods (e.g., 20 to 30 sessions over six months), to achieve more complete symptom remission and to feel confident in the skills needed to maintain treatment gains.

  • Clinical research evidence suggests that people with co-occurring conditions or certain personality difficulties may require longer treatment (e.g., 12 to 18 months) for therapy to be effective.

  • There are a few individuals with chronic problems who may require extensive treatment support (e.g., maintenance therapy to reduce risk of psychiatric re-hospitalization).

Does that answer the question ‘How long will therapy take’ for you?  Let me know if you have any questions or any information it would be helpful to share about this topic in the comments. 

Jennifer Rose
P.S: Why not follow me on my socials?
Click here to go to the Socials page of my website, where you can find the links to all my social media.



Sources

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/length-treatment
Bertuzzi Vanessa, Fratini Giulia, Tarquinio Claudia, Cannistrà Flavio, Granese Valentina, Giusti Emanuele Maria, Castelnuovo Gianluca, Pietrabissa Giada (2021), Single-Session Therapy by Appointment for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Youth and Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.721382

https://www.lcap.co.uk/articles/can-you-really-help-anyone-in-a-single-session-of-therapy    

Life doesn't always follow the path we expected. Grief, loss, anxiety, change, and life's unexpected challenges can leave us feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or wondering where to turn next. I created the Therapy Roadmap as a gentle way of making sense of these experiences. Rather than seeing therapy as simply solving problems, the Roadmap uses familiar landscapes—such as rivers, bridges, forests, and quiet places to rest—to explore the emotional journeys we all encounter at different times in our lives. Wherever you find yourself, each place offers an opportunity for understanding, reflection, and growth. Through these articles, I share compassionate insights, practical guidance, and reflections inspired by the Therapy Roadmap, with the hope of helping you feel a little less alone and a little more confident about the next step on your own journey. Whether you're simply curious, seeking support, or considering counselling, you're warmly welcome here. Take your time to explore the path ahead, and if you feel ready to take the next step, I'd be honoured to walk alongside you.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding Hoarding with Compassion, Not Judgement

-
Image
Hoarding Awareness Week: Understanding Hoarding with Compassion, Not Judgement Looking Beyond the Clutter to the Emotional Story Beneath Hoarding isn’t about mess, it’s about meaning, safety, and being understood. Hoarding is one of the most misunderstood mental health difficulties. During Hoarding Awareness Week in May, there’s an opportunity to move beyond stereotypes and take a more compassionate, informed look at what hoarding really is, and why it matters. For many people, hoarding is not simply about holding onto “too much stuff.” It’s a deeply rooted emotional experience that can affect identity, safety, and a person’s sense of control in the world. As a counsellor, I often see how quickly shame and misunderstanding can surround hoarding behaviours. This can prevent people from seeking support, leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In this post, we’ll explore hoarding in a way that centres understanding rather than judgement, and look at how gentle, therapeutic support...
Read more

Why Grief Feels So Physically Exhausting: Understanding the Stress Response

-
Image
Why Grief Feels So Physically Exhausting: Understanding the Stress Response How grief affects your body and mind, and why recognising stress matters  Grief is not just emotional, it can leave your body utterly drained April is Stress Awareness Month, a timely reminder that stress doesn’t just live in our minds, it travels through our bodies. When we experience grief, our natural stress response is activated, often leaving us physically exhausted, mentally foggy, and emotionally raw. Understanding why grief feels so draining can help you approach yourself with compassion, notice your needs, and seek support when necessary. At a Glance: Grief triggers the body’s stress response Physical symptoms are common and normal Recognising stress can help you manage exhaustion Gentle self-care and counselling support can restore balance Understanding the Stress Response in Grief: Grief is a form of stress. When someone we love dies or when a life transition disrupts our sense of stabi...
Read more

The Holiday Hangover Effect

-
Image
Why January Can Feel Harder Than Expected When the decorations come down, the feelings don’t The contrast between festive gatherings and the quiet of January can be stark. After a period of celebration, loss feels louder. Memories of absent loved ones or unfulfilled expectations can resurface, making the first month of the year feel surprisingly heavy, flat, or emotionally bruising - like a hangover - but without the prosecco. While the world rushes toward “fresh starts” and “new year, new you,” many people are privately wondering why they feel tearful, disconnected, or oddly exhausted instead. At a Glance This blog will explore: • What the Holiday Hangover Effect actually is • Why January often amplifies grief, sadness, and emotional fatigue • How counselling can support you through this quieter, tender season • A gentle self-care idea that doesn’t involve resolutions or reinvention Understanding the Holiday Hangover Effect What’s happening emotionally and psychologically During the f...
Read more