Can I see my therapist for years?
Therapy can last anywhere from one session to several months or even years. It all depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient.
Can therapy have a negative effect?
Despite the lack of sound empirical data, one can conclude that psychotherapy is not free of side effects. Negative consequences can concern not only symptoms, like an increase in anxiety, or course of illness, like enduring false memories, but also negative changes in family, occupation or general adjustment in life.
How long is therapy for anxiety?
A highly effective psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can affect our feelings and behavior. Traditional CBT treatment usually requires weekly 30- to 60-minute sessions over 12 to 20 weeks.
Is it scary to see a therapist for the first time?
Seeing a therapist for the first time can be a scary experience. I should know — I put off doing it for years. It wasn’t that I was against therapy, in fact I merrily recommended it to friends going through a rough time, but for some reason I just wasn’t ready to take the leap.
How long should you stay in therapy?
If you’re dealing with a specific issue, you may want to go for a certain amount of sessions — 10 session, six months, etc. Some people like to stay in therapy for maintenance, and that’s OK too. Remember that you can adjust the experience to find something that works for you.
Is it normal for my relationships to change during therapy?
It can be normal to have a shift in relationships over the course of therapy. Perhaps you’ve been hanging around people that have drained you or you discovered that all your relationships are generally one-way relationships. In these cases, it’s typical to have a friend or group shift. Old ones fade and new, healthier relationships enter your life.
Is long-term therapy with one therapist/counselor a good idea?
While controversial, research shows that such long-term therapy with one therapist/counselor can be a problem. In these situations, the therapist/counselor is creating a dependent relationship.