The typical length of counseling largely depends on the nature and extent of concerns you wish to address, but generally my clients’ needs fall into three categories.  Some clients come in with a single, straightforward concern like consulting on a parenting issue, brushing up on existing coping skills for mild depression or anxiety, or wanting a second diagnostic opinion after meeting with another therapist or medical provider.  These clients may find their needs met in as few as 4-6 sessions.

Other clients may have more than one concern to address, or need to create more extensive coping strategies truly from scratch.  Research shows that developing completely new strategies or skills can take 12-16 meetings to reach lasting success.  Thus, this type of counseling could last 3 to 6 months depending on how often you want to meet. Examples in this category include mastering healthy communication in a distressed marriage or family relationship, providing sufficient relief for more chronic anxiety or depression, or parenting through a more complex situation like alcohol/drug use or chronic, defiant behavior.

Finally, some of my clients find they are still gaining a tangible benefit from counseling after a year or more.  Typically these longer-term clients are no longer coming in on a weekly basis, but they may continue to appreciate the periodic emotional support, structured time, or assistance in maintaining hard-fought gains by coming in once or twice a month.