Achieving what brought you to therapy is truly cause for celebration.

But how long will it take to get there?

One of the questions I ask new clients in their initial intake paperwork is how long they expect therapy to last. This gives me an idea of how invested they are in the level of change they are willing to create for their lives. 

A 2009 Dutch study suggested that a longer duration of treatment may prevent return into mental health care. And, according to Dr. Malcolm Miller, Ph.D. "Brief Therapy" lasts between 10-20 sessions with clear, focused goals and specific assignments for the client between sessions. He stated this in an article in 2004. In my experience, many clients who are new to therapy nowadays expect their treatment (whether we call it "brief" or not) to last 4-5 sessions or less.

"I want it now" is so easy to expect nowadays. And why shouldn't it be? If I can use an app. to find a date in my current vicinity, use an app. to call a car to pick me up within minutes, and within the seconds it takes for me to open said app, I can tell my friends where I am going so they can join me, why shouldn't I expect everything else to be just as quick?

However, the challenges that bring people to therapy usually didn't become challenges so suddenly.

A couple I once assisted in discernment about their relationship said their problems had been going on for 3 or 4 years. Their relationship was 5 years old. How could the intricacies of two distinct humans' behavior, thoughts and feelings be sorted out after years of trying, in just a few hours with "an unbiased third person"?

Now, I'm not definitely not suggesting that a client's duration in therapy need parallel the duration of the problems. In fact, thanks to Accelerated Resolution Therapy, many traumas can be removed from recurring triggering in less than 4 ART sessions. Each person is unique and has unique desires for what they get out of their therapy. And the things you do to continue your healing will hopefully continue after you stop seeing your therapist. If you are coming to therapy with full intentions to make changes, positive growth will happen more quickly than the unintentional fall into problems happened. 

And, attending just a few therapy sessions, so I can say, "I tried therapy!" isn't giving anyone a chance to truly reap benefits.

Tips to getting the most out of every single session:

•tell your therapist what you think is working

If you noticed something in a session that was helpful, let them know.

•tell your therapist if you don't like something about your sessions or if something they did or said rubbed you the wrong way

The whole point of that hour is for you to get what you need. This doesn't mean you'll always feel good in session or immediately afterwards. But if you don't think something is right, this is important to bring up because it will contribute to you getting the help you need. Research shows that the greatest predictor of successful outcomes in therapy is the fit between therapist and client. A good therapist will work to identify what you need and either provide it directly or connect you with someone else who will.

•communicate your expectations about therapy

If you only have the time or money for a few sessions, let your therapist know. A different approach could be used with a client who expects to attend a few sessions. The benefits of longer-term therapy may not be possible in just a few weeks, but with that information, a therapist can make sure you get the most out of the time that you are working together.

•be up front about reasons for ending your work together

Best case scenario, both client and therapist know that the last time they meet will be the last time they meet. It is clinically important for you to have an appropriate termination and for that closure to be processed together. A good therapist will modify your treatment if cost or scheduling keeps you from coming to therapy for as long as you'd like. But only if your therapist knows those limitations.