What is therapy?

There are so many different kinds of therapy that it can be hard to define it clearly. At its foundation, therapy is about two people coming together to solve a problem. While therapists have their own training, education, and expertise, the client is the expert in the problem and tends to know what solutions might work. A therapist’s role is to join with the client, understand their view of the problem, and collaborate with them to find solutions and perspectives the client may not have previously considered. While particular techniques are helpful for particular disorders, research as shown that the number one predictor of treatment outcome is the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist.

Psychotherapy is one intervention amongst many that clients may find helpful in improving their mental health. Psychotherapy is a powerful tool and it can be hugely beneficial, but it is not a panacea. My clients who experience the most improvement tend to make changes in multiple areas of their lives. Other interventions which are supported by scientific evidence and my own clinical experience include getting regular exercise, spending time with friends and family, maintaining a consistent routine, getting adequate sleep, and building a community with a shared purpose. Often times, therapy can be helpful in identifying obstacles in finding satisfaction in any of these areas and also in generating solutions.

How long will this process take?

While I wish I could give a clear timeline, there is no one-size fits all solution when it comes to therapy. Some clients can feel satisfied after a a handful of sessions (research shows that just one session can often be helpful!), while others might want to spend more time to address deeper or more complex issues. I do not believe therapy should take any longer than it needs to. I work with all of my clients to define clear treatment goals and discuss progress routinely so that we can openly discuss our timeline and also come to an agreement about when our work is done. Clients are always welcome to end therapy at any time, for any reason. Clients can return to therapy at any time in the future, as they see fit.

How often will I attend therapy?

Evidence suggests that meeting weekly at first is associated with the best outcomes. Like anything else, building momentum in therapy is easier with increased frequency. As clients progress, I typically move to a reduced frequency and taper off gradually to make sure any progress is maintained. Some clients find that meeting multiple times per week initially helps them make more rapid progress. Ultimately, I will provide my recommendation and it is up to the client how often they would like to meet.