How Long Does It Take for Therapy to Work?

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Going totherapyis one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself. Your sessions allow you to explore who you are, better understand your habits andcoping techniques, unpack past events and traumas, and create new pathways of behavior.“Attending therapy is a clear sign that you’re committed to leading your life with a healthier and happier mindset,” saysNina Westbrook, LMFT. “The process can bring out so many different emotions and feelings; sometimes you’ll laugh, sometimes you might cry, other times you’ll feel content or even exhausted.”Ahead, we’re discussing what you can expect in terms of how long it takes therapy to start working and outlining some signs that you’re already seeing the benefits.Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.Types of Therapy: An A to Z List of Your OptionsWhen Does Therapy Start Working?Whether you’re considering therapy or have already attended several sessions or months, you may wonder how long it takes for therapy to start working. The answer isn’t straightforward since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline. However, it’s possible to begin seeing the positive effects of therapy from your very first session.“You might feel a huge sense of relief because you’ve connected with someone who hears, sees, and understands you," notes Westbrook. “You may immediately begin to feel more hopeful and less alone.” This is the best-case scenario, and might indicate that you’ve found the right therapist for you.For others, though, it can take more time to experience the positive impacts of therapy. The first few sessions can be overwhelming since you’re opening up to someone new and talking about things that may not be easy. You may even feel slightly worse afterward, particularly if you’re uncoveringpainful experiences.“It’s human nature to resist change because it’s hard and profoundly uncomfortable, but a therapist can help guide you through to accomplish your goals,” saysMerlelynn Harris, MS, MFT. “It takes incredible courage to normalize the resistance, so if you are feeling this way, lean into it and share with your therapist so they can put it into context.”Once you’re able to work past that discomfort and settle into your therapy session, you should begin seeing small benefits and eventually bigger changes in your day-to-day life, relationships, and mental well-being.There may be scenarios when your therapist isn’t an ideal fit. This is completely normal, and therapists also understand that they are not going to be the right provider for every patient. If you’ve attended three to five sessions and still feel that way,seek a different mental health provider.The Pros and Cons of Online TherapyHow Long Should I Stay in Therapy?There’s no straightforward answer regarding how long you should stay in therapy. Generally, you and your therapist will discuss goals during the first session and you can work together to establish a timeline for how long it might make sense to see each other, which might be as little as a few months or sometimes a year or longer.“It’s important to keep in mind that, in most cases, therapy is not meant to be forever,” says Westbrook. “It should be used to help you develop the tools, skills, and techniques you need to regulate yourself effectively, cope in healthy manners, and independently manage your feelings around life’s ups and downs.”She adds that a successful therapeutic experience teaches you how to become an expert in your own wellbeing. This allows you to navigate daily life on your own versus relying solely on professional support. A good therapist knows when their job is done.What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session7 Signs Therapy is WorkingUltimately, the goal of therapy is symptom reduction or to feel better equipped with more tools in your emotional or relational tool belt, says Harris. Here are some signs you’re seeing progress:You feel lighterYou’re happierYou’re less reactionary and more thoughtfulYou can recognize problematic behavior in yourselfYou can more quickly self-correct in a spiralOthers say they’ve seen a change in youYou’ve met goals outlined at the beginning of your therapyHow Do I Know If Therapy Is Working?A Word From VerywellYou can begin seeing subtle signs of therapy working as quickly as your first session. Often, though, it can take at least a few sessions to reap the rewards. Some find that they only need a few months of therapy while others prefer to make therapy an ongoing practice. Whatever the case, remain proud of the fact that you made a deliberate commitment to your personal growth.What to Do If Therapy Isn’t Working

Going totherapyis one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself. Your sessions allow you to explore who you are, better understand your habits andcoping techniques, unpack past events and traumas, and create new pathways of behavior.

“Attending therapy is a clear sign that you’re committed to leading your life with a healthier and happier mindset,” saysNina Westbrook, LMFT. “The process can bring out so many different emotions and feelings; sometimes you’ll laugh, sometimes you might cry, other times you’ll feel content or even exhausted.”

Ahead, we’re discussing what you can expect in terms of how long it takes therapy to start working and outlining some signs that you’re already seeing the benefits.

Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Types of Therapy: An A to Z List of Your Options

When Does Therapy Start Working?

Whether you’re considering therapy or have already attended several sessions or months, you may wonder how long it takes for therapy to start working. The answer isn’t straightforward since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline. However, it’s possible to begin seeing the positive effects of therapy from your very first session.

“You might feel a huge sense of relief because you’ve connected with someone who hears, sees, and understands you," notes Westbrook. “You may immediately begin to feel more hopeful and less alone.” This is the best-case scenario, and might indicate that you’ve found the right therapist for you.

For others, though, it can take more time to experience the positive impacts of therapy. The first few sessions can be overwhelming since you’re opening up to someone new and talking about things that may not be easy. You may even feel slightly worse afterward, particularly if you’re uncoveringpainful experiences.

“It’s human nature to resist change because it’s hard and profoundly uncomfortable, but a therapist can help guide you through to accomplish your goals,” saysMerlelynn Harris, MS, MFT. “It takes incredible courage to normalize the resistance, so if you are feeling this way, lean into it and share with your therapist so they can put it into context.”

Once you’re able to work past that discomfort and settle into your therapy session, you should begin seeing small benefits and eventually bigger changes in your day-to-day life, relationships, and mental well-being.

There may be scenarios when your therapist isn’t an ideal fit. This is completely normal, and therapists also understand that they are not going to be the right provider for every patient. If you’ve attended three to five sessions and still feel that way,seek a different mental health provider.

The Pros and Cons of Online Therapy

How Long Should I Stay in Therapy?

There’s no straightforward answer regarding how long you should stay in therapy. Generally, you and your therapist will discuss goals during the first session and you can work together to establish a timeline for how long it might make sense to see each other, which might be as little as a few months or sometimes a year or longer.

“It’s important to keep in mind that, in most cases, therapy is not meant to be forever,” says Westbrook. “It should be used to help you develop the tools, skills, and techniques you need to regulate yourself effectively, cope in healthy manners, and independently manage your feelings around life’s ups and downs.”

She adds that a successful therapeutic experience teaches you how to become an expert in your own wellbeing. This allows you to navigate daily life on your own versus relying solely on professional support. A good therapist knows when their job is done.

What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session

7 Signs Therapy is Working

Ultimately, the goal of therapy is symptom reduction or to feel better equipped with more tools in your emotional or relational tool belt, says Harris. Here are some signs you’re seeing progress:

How Do I Know If Therapy Is Working?

A Word From Verywell

You can begin seeing subtle signs of therapy working as quickly as your first session. Often, though, it can take at least a few sessions to reap the rewards. Some find that they only need a few months of therapy while others prefer to make therapy an ongoing practice. Whatever the case, remain proud of the fact that you made a deliberate commitment to your personal growth.

What to Do If Therapy Isn’t Working

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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