Therapy varies in the amount of time that it takes to work. The factors that play into how long it takes for therapy to be effective include, but are not limited to:
- Why you started therapy
- What type of therapy you’re receiving
- Your motivation for engaging in therapeutic work, including homework
- Your openness to the therapeutic process
- Your therapist’s style
- How often you see your therapist
- The setting of therapy
Clients who are working through complex trauma may take longer to see results than clients who want to improve communication skills. There are some therapy modalities that only take a few weeks to complete, while other therapy modalities require months and even years for the desired outcomes.
If you’re concerned about how long you’ll be in therapy, talk this through with your therapist or a prospective therapist. For those who are looking for a short term therapy experience, therapists can help you set realistic goals for that time period.