6 Responses to “How long is the typical treatment period with a psychotherapist?”

1. 

   bobbye71 said on July 8th, 2010 at 1:46 am

   When working with a therapist, usually the length of therapy should be addressed during the first session, along with the legal and confidentiality issues.
   You say you are comfortable with the results, so far, and that you have been able to resolve your emotional issues. As a counselor, I suggest you confront him, directly explaining that you wish to stop, and set a termination firm date. Both the ACA and the APA are in agreement.
   You could leave an opening for possible follow up in a few months, IF issues arrise, but it does sound as tho he is trying to extend beyond your need.
   Good Luck

2. 

   nyskiermom said on July 10th, 2010 at 12:32 pm

   Most people feel they have resolved their issues within 3-6 months. In fact, if you don’t feel better after 3-6 months then it’s often suggested that you find a new therapist. Sounds like you found one who was a good fit and now you’re feeling better, which is great!

   What he is offering you is some fine-tuning types of therapy, sort of like life coaching. Yes, sort of salesman-like, also beneficial but only if you want it.

   If you’re feeling better, drop down to once-a-month visits for 2-3 months, sort of like a check-in to make sure that the gains you have made are sticking.

3. 

   Confused said on July 13th, 2010 at 12:03 am

   I would say a year, but it also depends on the situation. It doesn’t seem like you are going to him for very serious issues. Most of the time you see therapists once a week. I have heard of people going more than once a week but that was for disturbed people. Sounds like a salesman to me. i would seek another therapist.

4. 

   pink said on July 14th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

   If you have become a source of regular income to the therapist then perhaps he is reluctant to let go. On the other hand perhaps he/she still has concerns as to how strong you really are and to maintain a contact is desirable to them to ensure that you do not fall back into a dark place. This issue needs to be discussed and then when you know the reasons behind the suggestion make your own judgement on how you are really feeling.

5. 

   FlyfreeIzzieUCSD said on July 17th, 2010 at 8:19 am

   It depends…

   he might feel that you have more issues to address and can see hope for lots of improvement for you.. but it’s up to you?

   contrary to common believe.. most PT”s arent out to get you…

   sometimes there is a increase of sessions because they see you have emkotional concernes that are still significant but if you do feel that you’re fine, or ready to end, thats your choice…

   many people go to therapy off and on depending on whats going on in their life…

   Personaly I have had some intensive trauma therapy and I worked with a therapist for around 4 years once and another for a year weekly…. in fact the frist was paid through my being a college student so it was ‘free’ and it was still long so its not like many therapists are in their job for the money…

   anyways, therapy can last various amounts of times depending on your issues, the need for change or insight and what you want to do…

6. 

   Jade said on July 17th, 2010 at 10:35 am

   There is no ‘typical’ treatment length for psychotherapy. If three months in therapy helped you overcome some major issues, then I would say the therapy was useful. Now that you’re starting to feel better and have a clearer idea of what you want (and don’t want, which is the weekly sessions), tell your therapist. If he is an ethical and competent therapist, he will have no problems with you wanting to end treatment. If he keeps trying to sell you ‘continuing sessions’ feel free to say goodbye. This is not competent treatment delivery.

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