“How Often Do I Need Therapy?”
Today, let's discuss a common question I hear from people entering therapy for the first time: How often will we meet for sessions? And the answer is . . . it depends! Typically, I start with clients on a weekly basis so that we can get to know each other and really dive deep into the work. But as we start making progress on goals and practicing skills, we may space our sessions out to every other week. Finally, once clients feel they have a good handle on applying their therapy concepts and skills in their day-to-day life and aren’t facing any immediate concerns, they often elect to see each other on a monthly basis, for a sense of accountability and maintenance of their progress. Let’s break it down a bit more.
Weekly Sessions: A Steady Presence and Support
Starting off, you and your therapist have a lot to cover! You need to establish your relationship and trust, go over your history, and possibly start learning specific skills to help you reach your therapy goals. Think of weekly therapy sessions as a consistent companion. It's a regular space where you and your therapist can delve into your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. It helps you establish better habits, get frequent help on new practices, and have a solid support as you begin to process difficult emotions and possibly make life changes. This frequency is particularly helpful for those facing immediate or intense emotional challenges, providing a steady and reliable rhythm for self-exploration.
Bi-weekly Sessions: Balancing Reflection and Action
Now, consider biweekly therapy sessions. This frequency offers a balance—enough time to reflect on discussions from the previous session and implement any strategies discussed. But now you’re getting a bit better at those practices and on self-reflection. It's like having a pause button in your therapeutic journey, allowing you to catch your breath while still maintaining a consistent connection. You keep up a steady pace in your work but don’t need quite as much support.
Monthly Sessions: Sustaining Progress Over Time
For those who prefer a more spacious schedule, monthly therapy sessions can be like a gentle, sustaining rhythm. This frequency is ideal for individuals who have already done significant therapeutic work and are now focused on maintaining their well-being. It provides a check-in to ensure they stay on track. Clients usually transition to monthly sessions after they have already had ample time in weekly and biweekly sessions.
Choosing Your Frequency: Tailoring to Your Needs
The beauty of therapy lies in its customization—it's about what suits you, aligns with your goals, and respects your pace. But there are some specific things to consider when making your selection on how often to see your therapist.
Factors to Consider:
Intensity of Challenges: Weekly sessions are beneficial for navigating intense or time-sensitive challenges. Clients who are feeling particularly down, anxious, or distressed need more frequent support.
Integration and Reflection: Biweekly sessions strike a balance, offering time for integrating insights into daily life. Can you apply the concepts you’re discussing in therapy to your everyday life? Has your level of distress lowered to a more manageable level?
Maintenance and Long-Term Growth: Monthly sessions work well for those in a maintenance phase, focusing on sustaining progress. These regular check-ins keep you on track.
Personal Preferences: Your comfort and preferences matter. Some prefer the regularity of weekly sessions, while others find a more spaced-out approach suits them, their schedule, or their finances.
Whether you're engaging weekly, biweekly, or monthly, remember that therapy is your journey. It's about finding the frequency that supports you and your goals to help you navigate life with more awareness, resilience, and joy. So, discuss your needs and preferences with your therapist, find what works best for you, and let the therapeutic journey begin!