This is one of the hardest questions for us to answer. How long any one person is in counseling is dependent on a large number of unique variables. However, this doesn’t mean that counseling is going to necessarily be a long process. And it definitely doesn’t mean that counseling will never end. Our goal is to offer a client-centered approach and make sure you are mentally healthy first, and that this happens as soon as possible.
The online publication Inverse collected many counselors’ views on when counseling should be seen as successful and clients would be ready to take a break. These include:
When you aren’t triggered by past trauma as often
When your anxiety feels more manageable than it did before
When you feel ready to rely on other supports like friends, family, church or other groups
When you feel stronger mentally
When you are able to implement the coping skills you’ve learned from your sessions
An overall improvement in functioning that leads to satisfaction
Again, all situations are unique, but in general, here are the times expected for average treatment for different circumstances:
Mild to moderate anxiety/depression — a few months to a year
Specific issues around relationships or life transitions — a few months to a year
More complex trauma history — a couple of years
We want to help you not need us anymore. But, we also want to make sure you feel ready to leave the counseling relationship with the confidence you need. It’s a great idea to discuss the expected timing with a counselor during an initial meeting.
