It can be tempting to expect immediate results when seeing a counsellor. However, counseling is a process which involves time and patience. It is a joint piece of work involving effort and commitment from both you and your counsellor.
Studies have found that the method of the counsellor (Eg CBT, Person Centred) is a less reliable indicator of a successful outcome than the right relationship between client and therapist. Professional Counsellors adhere to the ethical guidelines proposed by their professional body (such as the BACP) including keeping your best interests at the heart of the work. This means that although counselling may feel challenging, it should never feel harmful.
Many counsellors will discuss with you what your goals or aims are for therapy. This can be a useful point to refer back to on occasion, asking yourself if you feel you are moving towards reaching these aims. Many consellors will ‘review’ your original goals with you on a regular basis. Of course, these goals can change throughout the therapy and reviewing with your counsellor can be a useful check in point to make sure you are getting what you need.
There is no right or wrong amount of time to be in therapy. It may be weeks, months or years. You may come for a while than have a break. You may end and return to your counsellor (or another counsellor) at a later date. Or you may only access therapy once. It really is whatever feels right for you.
By Olu Eletu Licensed under Creative Commons 0.