Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions
Conversations with Therapists
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What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?
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Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?
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Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?
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What methods do you use?
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When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?
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How has therapy made a difference in your life?
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What do you like most about being a therapist?
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Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?
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What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?
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Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?
Donald Marmara
One size does not fit all - some clients start to experience benefits right away, whilst others may take longer. In some cases progress is regular and incremental, whilst others may feel that they are...
Tamara Pallos
Most couple therapy clients come in for communication or conflict resolution problems. Therefore, progress looks like, firstly, conflict dying down in the relationship and communication improving....
Patrick O’Brien
Usually clients notice positive differences from the very first session. Sharing difficulties and knowing a plan is being developed to support them to achieve their goals makes a big difference....
Michelle Morris
This depends on what is meant by progress. Also people have different temperaments and experience, so it is hard to give a generic answer. It is often the case that clients can feel some relief after...
Stelle Shakti
I have walked alongside some amazing individuals who reached a massive breakthrough on their first and second visit and have not needed to return. Many start to feel some sense of relief immediately...
Helen Basili
It depends on the client, their presenting issue and their expectations. For some clients, progress can occur after a session, for others it might take many months.
Jacquie Flecknoe-Brown
While Jungian analysis can go on for years, as it is a deep process which centres around self-understanding and not just symptoms, clients should begin to feel engaged and supported towards...
Michele Watson
People can express a feeling of relief after their first session, from having talked about what is meaningful to them and having experienced being listened to. It can take time for the relationship to...
Reed Everingham
Transformation can begin once a client feels heard, seen, and understood without judgment. Progress is different for everyone and may not always include catharsis. However, progress is made when a...
Adam Szmerling
I wish this could be answered in a gereralisable way but the fact is psychotherapy is not linear, some people feel better after the first session, where many feel more vulnerable at first. Depending...
Heather Cavill Greer
After the first session I would like you to feel hopeful and after the third session you can expect real results.
Nigel Bailey
This is a difficult one to answer as it obviously depends upon the circumstances. However I am a firm believer in brief therapy which encourages active engagement with the challenges from the outset...
Petroula Quinn
This varies, depending on the severity of the issues and how long a person has been struggling with their issues. Generally you can start to feel shifts after 4-6 sessions. Roughly individuals will...
Sudhir Dean
As life becomes more meaningful and a person becomes more open and self-reliant, so my work is done. When the obstacles in our psyche move and life flows again, we will naturally experience less of a...
Sarah Kane Lawson
I like to leave my client seeing that they have made progress at every session, however big or small. The rate of progress will depend on the issue(s) the client has and where they are at within...
Jim Filshie
The sooner the better of course... but everyone's different. For some people it's just making the booking. I hope that if and when you meet me you get a sense that you're heading in the right...
Laurie Brotherstone
Often after the first few sessions client will already start to feel some relief from sharing their story, clarifying what they need
Trudy Clutterbok
It's best to forget about progress and other expectations which come from somewhere else. Things will begin to move when the person or patient really engages with their own words and thoughts
Ron Dowd
With individuals it may take a few sessions for a relationship to begin to form. There are so many factors in play: each session is a safe experiment (to use the Gestalt phrase).
Many couples...
Angelina Conias
As a therapist, I believe that clients may begin to feel that progress is being made at various points in their therapeutic journey, depending on their unique circumstances and goals. Progress often...
Kathleen Goossens
When experiencing changes of mood, feeling, self perception. An increase in well being and behavioural changes.
Jamie Dimech
I think progress will only truly begin when trust has been established. Without trust in relationship, there is no safety and without safety, deep healing cannot be achieved.
Martina Palombi
Every client is different. The duration of therapy depends on the client and their needs, the nature of the problem and how much energy and time the client wants to devote to the process. If a person...
Vassilka Dimitrova-Isbell
From the first session - something shifts.
Between sessions - when something just ... clicks.
Corina Johns
That varies a great deal and there is no single answer. For therapy focusing on improving skills at managing or coping with a situation, progress can be made immediately. For some people, having a...
Uri Bookman
The fact that you're seeking support is a significant step towards progress. If you decide to work with me, the pace of your progress will depend entirely on you.
I strongly believe that trust is...
Karen Druce
Clients vary in their perception of when progress is being made. However, I approach every session as if it's the first and only session. I use this particular approach so that the essence of the...
Leigh Fraser-Gray
Some of my people suggest this process can happen immediately. For others, the journey takes a while to come together. Many people feel the therapeutic alliance connection is just right and feel...
Carolyn Zantis
With Process Oriented Psychology while it does depend on what the client is working with, a connection with the deeper processes of their disturbance is very likely to happen early in the work, often...
Kate McMaugh
This varies from client to client and depends on the severity of their situation. However I think clients should know within a few sessions if this is moving in the right direction for them.
Bridie Fitzgerald
within several sessions, quick changes can be made in 6 sessions
Tom Skotidas
I use evidence-based, brief psychotherapy models. In my experience, my clients begin to feel that they are making cognitive, emotional, and behavioural progress within 2-3 sessions.
Nicole Kinnaird
I hope the client will feel some kind of movement happening from the first session. It's important for me not to presume what progress' is but to continually check in with my client about their...
Andrew Macdonald
That really depends, sometimes after the first session clients can feel a sense of relief from having shared their stories in a trusting confidential environment. Sometimes it takes a little more time...
Suzanne Rosenberg
A client may have a little 'aha' moment as a previously confusing situation becomes a little clearer; or may notice that some unhelpful patterns of doing things have changed; or that previously...
Stephanie de Niese
It depends. Some clients may feel progress after the first couple of sessions. Others might need more time. It most definitely depends on what the client defines as 'progress'. What's your definition?...
Amanda Dounis
Immediately, although I always make it clear that feeling better is not the same as doing better. Quite often clients make the mistake of shortening suggested treatment plans because they feel...
Sirini Kularatne-Samarapathi
Each session will be used for 'tracking' using tools for client to map their progress. This is an important part of therapy for clients to know if they are benefiting from the engagement and the...
Anthony Hubeck
This is difficult to say because people can present with many different issues and expectations. Often people can feel immediate relief just from talking through their presenting problem, whereas...
Zoe Hedges
The client should reward themselves for progress immediately after the first session as they have taken the first step to achieve change in their lives. Progress is then dependent on the current state...
Rachael Carter
They will experientially feel real progress during the session with additional shifts after. Deeper patterns will continue to shift outside of the session. These are often unnoticed until clients find...
John Bacash
Ideally a client will feel a greater sense of what they can reasonably expect of themselves and others.
Ruth Edwards
I believe that the client will determine when progress is being made. If it is not, then therapeutic approaches and interventions need to be re-assessed and re-evaluated. Progress is not like a magic...
Stefanie Marris
This is a hard one to answer as it will vary from client to client. From personal experience I think that when a client feels heard and validated they will be able to open up to the possibility that...
Linda Sawrey
In every moment along the way. We focus so much on the end goal that we completely miss the journey so for me its about slowing down and noticing the tiny moments of sunlight as they glint through.
Julie Chalmers
It can take a number of sessions for a client to start to feel different but I like to encourage people to take small steps towards their goals usually from the first session.
Natalie Meijer
I seem have noticed this pattern that around 3 weeks is difficult and by the forth there seems to be a shift. Sometimes four sessions is all that is needed with some issues. For medium to long term...
Michele Stewart
I usually encourage clients to plan for 3 sessions and see where they are after that. This gives both client and therapist time to feel out the space, the relationship and get a sense of how they will...
Max Rutherford
Progress in therapy is dependent upon the patients willingness to get in touch with the fundamental sources of their own motivations and behaviors. The first task is to understand who we are and...
Christopher Seager
This can vary but for clients experiencing addiction, an obvious indicator is relief from their substance / behaviour of choice. This can either be abstinence or reduction of problem behaviours. As...
Alpha Emmanuelle Ponce
It can take time to create changes and see permanent results; however, you should see some level of significant progress after the first sessions.
Carolyn Choy
'Progress' is a difficult measure as self-learning/awareness can come quickly or take a bit more time depending on each person. I'd say that if you're not feeling positive towards your therapeutic...
Ajay Hawkes
I would aim to give people something to take away with them from the first session. I find that 5-6 sessions are a realistic time-frame for most people to develop some good good coping skills and to...
Bronwen Bailey
Having a sense of progress can be very individual. But many people go away from the first conversation feeling that at least they have made a good start and that they have talked about the things that...
Shaun McMahon
My mentor once shared with me that there is no point pulling at the grass in order to make it grow faster. In our modern world of instant messages and meals delivered to your door in 30 minutes or...
Julian O'Sullivan
It is different for everyone given their personality, trauma history, coping style etc. Change can often happen in 3-12 months of weekly to fortnightly therapy.
Karen Anderson
Tough question!! This will vary with each and every client and is determined by such variables as contextual influences, social-cultural influences, historical and personality factors and a host of...
Ernst Meyer
When they feel heard and understood, helped, empowered and more hopeful.
Michelle Lam
As human beings, we have an in-built desire to talk about ourselves and be well received by another person who is truly present and interested in who we are.
While all of a client's concerns may...
Lisa Champion
Sometimes clients feel progress has been made from the first session! It's not unusual for clients to say that they feel so much better just knowing that they have a safe and caring place to talk...
Sara Beresford Terry
Clients often begin to feel benefits from counselling in the first few sessions. During this time we focus on building the relationship and understanding the difficulties which brought them, along...
Melodina Thomas
The client will not be able to see any progress unless they invest time and thought to their own journey or process. If they invest their whole selves and genuinely want to see the change it can...
Ashley White
When clients find the courage to go to places that they fear, and 'come out the other side' of a painful topic or area of their lives still emotionally intact.
Stefan Durlach
This is very individual and depends on many factors such as personal circumstances, histories, and individual objectives. Sometimes it happens in the first session, other times it can take...
Philip Hilder
I hope that my clients will start to feel progress from the very first meeting and continue their progress throughout the duration of the therapy. I aim to help my client's deal quickly and...
Lisa Barrett
Experience has shown me that some shifts can be felt anywhere from one session onwards. But generally clients notice some kind of difference within a couple of sessions. Psychotherapy can be an...
Petra Lansdown
When my client starts to feel hopeful and feel like there is more choices in their life.
Jennifer Fox
When experiencing changes of mood, feeling, self perception. An increase in well being and behavioural changes.
Moira Joyce
If it is good 'fit' between myself and clients, then immediately.!
Nina Linder
Usually progress is made after the first session where clarity is increased - this is usually followed by the client's improved awareness of self, processing emotions and improved decision making.
Debby Heath
It varies from person to person depending on what they present with, what they are hoping to achieve and how they define 'progress'. Just making the appointment can feel like progress is being made to...
Jacinta Franich
Most of my clients start to feel progress after the first session, because they gain insight and self awareness from the first session, which helps them see new perspectives and therefore make...
Lauren Sokolski
This will vary from client to client. Some clients feel an optimism and even make shifts between the first and second sessions whereas other clients may take 4-5 sessions before they feel any progress...
Urja Refalo
This will depend on what is happening for the client. Some clients are content after just 2-3 sessions, others 6-7 sessions and others will need more deeper therapy over a longer period of time. I...
Nicol Thomas
There is no time allocated to this process; some analysands feel better after the first session when they can just talk. Keeping on talking is a journey that produces many affects; each affect needs...
Fenella Hansen
That really depends on the presenting issue. Sometimes just taking that initial step and talking to someone can be progress, other times it can take a number of sessions. It isn't a one size fits all...
Ash Rehn
This varies of course but sometimes people say they feel much better after just one appointment!
Starting to feel better is a big part of being able to make progress and take steps forward. In terms...
Mary A McIntyre
Change starts early on : as soon as you notice a difference, something has changed.
Treatment is partially about learning how to notice differences in what you are feeling, sensing and thinking so...
Lachlan Murray
It's very hard to put a date on this, as it occurs at different rates for different people. I've had patients report that they started feeling better once they made the initial appointment, as if...
Morag Paterson
This is a good question! It is very individual and it depends on what the client views as progress. For many clients it is significant progress for them reach out to a therapist and share that they...
George Turnure
Depending on the complexity of the situation (and barriers to change) it could be from session 2-3 (if 2 or 3 issues) and longer if multiple difficulties. How long is a piece of string and how do you...
Stefanie Hagger
Everyone is inherently different, and as such we all have our own ways and time frames of coping with issues. This will be discussed as we move through each session.
Natalie Anderson
That differs with each individual, but even the first few sessions of establishing rapport and building trust can help in feeling more positive and confident about the possibility of progress. Being...
Karen Thomas
Six weekly sessions are recommended to start with. At the sixth session, we will review the client's progress together. Depending on the progress made, the client may take a break and return to...
Lisa Moore
Progress in counselling is highly individualised and can vary greatly from one client to another. Each person has unique goals, challenges, and experiences, so what constitutes progress will differ...
Michael Dods
I feel that most clients should walk away from an initial session with some insight into their suffering.
However, Jonathan Shedler's research article on the Tyranny of Time in psychotherapy...
Tim Coates
This one is a little tricky to answer. And the real answer it that it depends on what the client brings into the room and each case is unique. I would like to think that client gets something out of...
Michael Booth
That's highly variable and depends on the client's life experiences. If a client's childhood needs (eg, safety, love, predictability) were met, but they experienced traumas sometime later in life,...
Rachel Troia
Progress has already been made in the moment they ask for support.
Philipa Thornton
Most likely in our first session. I think even having made the appointment offers a sense of relief, indeed clients often report this.
I want to start helping someone immediately and I use Resource...
Stephanie Thompson
Sometimes after the very first session, usually by the second, or almost always by the third - depending, of course, on the nature of the problem. Some issues are bigger and take longer, whereas...
Christina Taylor
Hopefully after the first meeting.
I would like to think that on meeting and talking to me that clients recognise I am sensitive, non-judgmental and open to exploring their concerns.
Joanne Taylor
After the first session they should have gained an understanding of how they can move forward and begin to regain a sense of self efficacy and hope in a non judgemental and safe environment. Therapy...
Rina Taub
This is very individual but usually just starting experiencing this different style of conversation in the first and subsequent few sessions helps to externalise the effects of the problem and has the...
Julie Sweet
Therapy experiences are unique and vary from person to person. Whilst it can take time for individuals to feel the benefits of talk therapy, others can feel some level of progression after a number of...
Mano Suttner
Certain beliefs are associated with feelings of wellbeing, other beliefs are associated with experiences of suffering, of contraction and heaviness. Some of the work we may do is examining the beliefs...
Nerine Strachan
I take a longer term approach as I believe long term issues take longer to effect long term change.
However, I expect that clients will be begin to feel that progress is being made within a few...
Arthur Stabolidis
When their behaviour starts to change, and when their nervous system feels less reactive.
Lidia Smirnov
Depending on the type of work the client is interested in, by that I mean, if the client is coming to gain skills and tools in order to better manage conflict then 2-3 sessions should yield result. On...
Jess Siegle
This varies from client to client and it depends on the severity of a client's situation.
In saying this, I think client's often feel that progress is made in the very first session, because they...
Hadass Segal
When they have a sense of agency and are being encouraged to listen to their own authentic voice.
Jenny Sanbrook
This is always tricky. Sometimes just starting to see a counsellor is huge progress in itself. Some clients progress through goals quickly others take time depending on how embedded the problem is and...
Jessica Ryan-Zeman
When they feel a sense of trust and safety in the room and feel that their therapy sessions are valuable.
Amber Rules
My hope is that a client will feel progress after the first session - that they have learned something about themselves, or walk away with a sense that change is possible. I also know that progress or...
Karen Rushbrook
I have the ability to build rapport quickly, having had years of experience. This means that progress can be quick and generally weekly sessions move quickly on to fortnightly and then monthly.
Deborah Rollings
I work proactively with clients and my experience is that client's start to feel change from the start of therapy
Nicole Rikos
This is very unique for everyone. However, when I hear people tell me they are coping better with everyday challenges, shifts in their relationships, managing their symptoms and triggers better and...
Victoria Redbard
Instantly. I find that when people sit with me and are invited into the level of presence and acceptance that I reside in there is an automatic shift in their awareness.
Robyn Price
This is a difficult question as it depends on the individual's readiness to change and also, what is understood as progress. In the short term, a person might be developing skills to reduce anxiety or...
Karen Potter
Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.
Lara Petrulis
When there is a shift from fear to a sense of hopefulness about the possibility of change occurring. This may occur when a client experiences a good match' with their therapist; from the moment they...
Anna Petinsky
Often clients report an immediate feeling better after a first session. Progress can then become a bit more stagnant to again leap further into the therapy work we do together. Progress is an...
Lisa Paul
That varies on how open the client feels to start to heal an how motivated they are for therapy.
Alexandra Page
When they can access a sense of vulnerability in connection without feeling overwhelmed or shutting down.
Margaret Bennett
Most of my clients start to feel better or begin to see their way forwards after the first 1-3 sessions.
Matthew Evans
I often notice that a client starts feeling better when their symptoms ease such as feeling less anxiety or their mood improves. However I also find if the client develops insight they often feel a...
Rosa Oyta
It depends on the client's unique circumstances and the nature of their concerns. Generally, progress can be observed when clients start to feel more in control of their thoughts, emotions, and...
Debbie O'Connor
Clients often report a sense of being heard and supported in a non-judgmental manner, and consequently a sense of relief after their first session. This is especially true when they have had long...
Jacqueline Nevin
From the first meeting of being in a safe space to express yourself without judgement is often progress in itself. Once we find the right tools for your empowerment then the journey continues to...
Jodie Gale
Although clients report feeling better and start to make changes within the first few sessions, psychosynthesis psychotherapy is not a quick fix, or, a come when you feel bad kind of therapy. It is a...
Maggie Morgan
Some clients have that 'light-bulb' moment in just one session and that is so gratifying to see. Others may need a few more sessions, but in each session a positive step will be taken.
Marie Mooney
It very much depends on what brings the person to counselling. Clients often report relief from the first session simply by being able to connect with someone and tell their story. Beyond that it...
Dana Mitrovic
This question can be very difficult to answer, as it always depends on what someone is coming in with, but moreso, what the expectation is of what change looks like. Most clients will experience...
Kate Mikhailouskaya
The difference is generally felt after the first session/s. After first 1-2 sessions my clients report relief of symptoms, increased feelings of joy, hope and motivation for further therapeutic...
Hope Michaelson
As I include the body as a resource, the client can usually see their progress by the change in how how they had originally interpreted and/or responded to their issue/event/emotion etc'.
In...
Jacqueline McDiarmid
When relationships feel closer and stress is reduced. I would say the majority of clients we see feel progress has been made by session three.
Jessica McMillan
It depends on the individual. Some clients see progress after the first appointment, others move more slowly and may start to notice change after 4 or 5 sessions. Everyone is different and move at...
Karin McLennan
Healing takes time, and depending on the issues you face, you may notice immediate changes, or you may notice change slowly creeping into your life. What's most important is a constant commitment to...
Geraldine McKay
I hope that my clients will start to feel that some progress is being made after an initial session as it is often an important first step towards seeking input and support and this can be helpful in...
Michael Grunwald
I would like to think that my clients feel that some form of 'progress' has been made from the very first session. As a person-centred, strengths-based practitioner I am a strong believer in the power...
Emmaline Golding
I usually find that even after the first session most of my clients go away feeling much better than when they came in. They'll walk away with a couple of tools to use, and a plan for things we can...
Sharon Gold
From the very first session if Max (my Groodle Animal Assistant) and I are doing our jobs properly!
Deb Gavan
I want clients to feel valued, connected and the beginnings of relief from the earliest possible time. During the first phone call or email, I work to build rapport, safety and connection.
Jean Gamble
Clients often experience relief after the first session as they feel understood and that they have support and holding during their exploration of their symptoms. I help clients to accept that they...
Erin Galt
The 'when' for client progress is dependent upon a range of individual factors including but not limited to client readiness for change, the client's level of insight into their difficulty, and...
Elaine Ford
Most of my clients comment that they feel a shift or change in their mood, outlook, demeanour between 6-10 sessions.
Giulia Fiore
Progress is made from increasing self-awareness and adopting more helpful behaviours and thinking patterns. Some level of progress can emerge even before the first session, when someone makes the...
Elizabeth Fairbanks
It depends on the presentation, but most of my clients start to gain some level of clarity about their situation after the first or second session. Clarity can make a big difference, as it brings with...
Miranda Fagan
This will be unique to each client is my first thought, however some other key points come to mind.
Clients experiencing progress may:
- be less critical and more accepting of themselves
- feel...
Lissette Endacott
Most clients can experience catharsis during a session through the engagement of the creative materials. Engaging in art therapy maybe a long term support in maintaining a sense of wellbeing.
Gregory Egan
This can vary from client to client depending on the current issues impacting on the individual.
Magdalena Jantac
Every individual is different but to generalise, 10 sessions is recommended for a long lasting change. However the clients start seeing the benefits from the second session onwards.
Tania Djipalo
I have often experienced my clients feeling lighter and more spacious in their lives quite quickly. Having a space dedicated to you with a supportive person creates the potential for powerful change...
Nathan Dick
Depending on what you are seeking support for meaningful and lasting change can take time. I always support my clients to build exercises and experiments into their daily lives, to enhance and...
Kerriann Dear
It will depend on what is important to the client and what their goals for therapy are. I think once a trusting connection is made the real work can commence.
Kate Deakin
Therapy is a process, a process of growing in awareness, learning and unlearning. However, clients should start to notice some progress and have a clear sense of whether it is helpful in the first few...
Conny Davis
It would be when the client feels that some of the issues that they presented with initially have started to subside and they have developed some insight and learnt new approaches to live a better...
Bronwyn Davies Glover
I believe the client will start to feel that progress is being made during the first session as we lay the groundwork and prepare for the journey together through a collaborative joining. In order to...
Amy Datyner
My goal is to ensure that the child/adolescent and their parents/caregiver feel understood and heard in the first assessment appointment, and that they have had a chance to formulate some initial...
Karen Curran
Each client is an individual. I notice that clients feel progress has been made at 'aha moments', when they get excited at showing me the insights that have occurred between session, or notice how...
Ivan Cunningham
Progress depends on the issues, severity of the problem and how open to change the client is. I work with the individual at their pace. At the end of the session, we gauge the progress they feel they...
Howard Colin-Thome
Clear progress is made when individuals present with less symptoms, better functioning and leading happier lives.
Mairead Cleary
When you start to see yourself responding differently to a situation, that's where the magic is.
Carlyn Chen
I believe client's will experience in their body when they are beginning to move forward, and progress is not a linear process. There is no timeline for healing and progress will be experienced in...
Mary Cantrill
The timeline for change in couple and family therapy can vary widely depending on the unique dynamics and challenges present in each situation. It's important to recognise that therapy is a process,...
Jan Campbell-Thompson
The patient/client is the only one who can determine that. From my perspective the work of therapy is NOT a linear process. When I agree to commence work with an individual, I am agreeing to remain in...
Kerstin Buccoliero
This is highly dependent on the client's reason for seeking counselling, very generalised 4-6 sessions can bring about a shift towards healing.
Sharon Bonello
A client usually feels some relief after sharing their story with me, it allows them to feel lighter and know that someone else is on that journey with them. Saying things out loud is very powerful...
Steve Bonanno
Most clients say that just opening up about a problem and sharing it can lighten the load a little bit... however, once you have said something out loud, you can't take it back! ...so sometimes the...
Christine Bennett
From client feedback, I believe that a positive change may be experienced in one session. For maximum opportunity for this to occur I recommend that the first session be 90 minutes.
Sandy Beech
I think most individuals will begin to feel a shift the first time they have a session. I believe that when you sit and focus on feelings and notice how the body feels with awareness, old patterns...
Christopher Basten
That can occur very early but for many it takes several weeks. As long as they feel understood and that the clinical psychologist is working hard to understand them, some progress is being made.
Vivian Baruch
In the first few sessions they should see on their Outcome Rating Scale (https://rb.gy/q5k84) that they are on track towards feeling better. If by the 6th session there is no visible improvement,...
Duda Baldwin
My clients often feel elevated and more aware of the underlying causes of their distress after their first session. As my counselling is an active process in which clients commit to do the work, they...
Heather Adams
I believe work in psychotherapy is about healing through the integration of psyche and body. When you attend for therapy, you may experience change from the beginning, or no big change for weeks or...
Janelle Wright
The client will feel that progress is made when they begin to understand themselves and others better and begin to feel kinder towards themselves. They may become aware of patterned responses they...
John Woodcock
Many feel progress is being made when they have gained some measure of control back in their personal lives. Others feel encouraged when their horizons have been broadened, i.e., when “stuck' or...
Veronik Verkest
Each client is unique and progress will depend on what the objectives are for the client.
Most clients find that six-12 sessions gives them a sense of how progress is in process.
Michael Vaccaro
It's not easy to say that progress will be made at a certain time. This depends of the definition of progress, the persons engagement, what is coming up for them and how often they have a session....
Stacey McCraw
Usually by session three. Sometimes just booking the appointment makes them feel better!
Graeme James
Often people tell me that the first thing they feel is some relief from sharing their story and being heard in a non-judgemental relationship with me. I try to bring an empathic and gentle curiosity...
Jessica Vivien
After Session 1, as the new skills and knowledge kick in and they find they are managing better and changing things and no longer alone in their problem
Michelle Lin
Honestly, I don't know. We recommend giving up 4-6 sessions before changing therapists but some people can feel progress is being made within the first session.
Personally, I've always felt some...
Mia Kennedy
In my experience every client is so different. I have found that my clients achieve progress best when we remain mindful to check-in around how the client will first measure progress. What will that...
Carol Marando
The client can feel a difference from the first session, particularly if they feel heard and understood for the first time. Therapy is not a linear process as clients are learning to feel their...
Gabriele (Gabe) Marranci
In the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model context, the client's perception of progress varies depending on their circumstances and the specific therapy goals. Progress typically begins to manifest...
Robyn Mansfield
This varies depending on the circumstances and goals of each client. For some, a meaningful shift can occur in 5 to 10 sessions. For others wishing to create a change in long-held patterns of...
David Mandrake
Depending on the nature of the client's issues, they will typically start to see some progress in three to six months. Very often a client will see significant improvement after about a year of...
Lana Lubimoff
This is totally dependent on the nature of the patient's condition(s). Progress will be monitored and discussed in each session.
Andrew Lindsay
I think most people have a subjective experience or knowing whether something is overall going well or doing them good. I also help clients identify their goals and they get a sense of progress when...
April Lewis
Progress will of course vary from client to client, depending on the client's experience, history, their level of awareness and current circumstance. It can be very slow and extremely subtle, often...
Tessa Ipp
A person is most likely to notice and experience small incremental shifts during each session. Often this is the best healing because it is natural. I have witnessed clients regaining hope in the...
Natasha Lawrence
Being able to talk about one's experiences safely and freely is progress. My aim is to create an environment for the client to be able to share what they need to with me from the first session
Kelsey Hendrickson
Sometimes just by scheduling the first appointment, clients report that a shift has occurred. For others, it may take a few sessions to really start to see some changes. I believe therapy is a life...
Martin Hemsley
It is common for people to feel some relief from their symptoms at the first session. It is of course important to keep in mind that many issues are long-term and are connected to deep mythic...
Geoff Heard
When they start to feel more satisfied with themselves, with others, and with life in general.
Sue Hawkins
Definitely they will feel relieved after the first session and without fail I see great movement after the third session and onwards.
Megan Haire
It is not realistic to expect instant results. Even though some people find one or two sessions completely resolves their issues, this is not the norm. Therapy requires a good match between the client...
Heather O'Neill
When I come up against a problem in the outside world, I think of my therapist. I imagine telling my therapist my problem and then make up different scenario outcomes, then choose the best one I think...
Cherie Dorotich
This is very dependent upon the issues, the client, the factors occurring in your life. There is no way to answer this question directly. In saying this, it is usually the case that after our initial...
Oliver Brooke
The first time they access their Self and be with a part of them in a way they have never experienced before. It is transformational.
Dian Abdurachman
Different clients feel this at different times, needless to say.
They often feel that progress is being made when:
-They could trust the therapist and feel comfortable with the therapeutic...
David Indermaur
This is hard to answer. I know from the research evidence that the answer is either just before or after they decide to make an appointment. Often therapy catalyses or reinforces change already...
Sonia Scussel
After the first session there is usually a feeling of relief, however the length of therapy depends on the issue, how long the issue has been there, how the client responds and other support available...
Carolyn Spillett
There is no one size fits all answer to this question. For some it may only take a few sessions for others they may start on one aspect and open up to others. Feedback from clients tells me that the...
Debra Sumner
Clients will feel progress is being made when they see the change in themselves
Mark Walker
From my experience, unless you come away from the first session having felt listened to, then perhaps the client-therapist match it's right. Progress in terms of achieving client goals, identifying...
Katie Beckwith
That will ultimately depend on what the client perceives as progress. Progress in terms of perceived wellbeing is not a linear process, so it can often feel like things are going forwards and...
Jon Nielsen
Many clients start to make progress even before they come to their first session! Just the act of making a booking shows courage and determination which can be a powerful force and motivation for...
Alicja Weidner
This is different from one person to another and subject to individual situations. It also depends on how much the clients are reinforcing their learning from therapy sessions in between the sessions....
Tanya Robinson
Between 3 and 6 sessions a therapeutic relationship can be established.
Therapy is a journey and an individual experience to each person's needs.
There are many factors to consider when working...
Sarah Short
When they are able to realize their full potential in understanding they are the expert in their own life.
Melis Topsahin
The progress for each client varies immensely! As each client presents with a unique background, traumatic or distressing event(s), short and long term goal(s), past experience(s) and personal...
Gabby Skelsey
If the client walks away from the first session with a modicum of hope or relief, that will inform the client as to whether they wish to continue seeing me, or to look again.
Deborah Schou
I think clients often feel progress is being made from the first contact - by their own initiation, taking that first step. Then I hope they feel we are making progress with each session. Obviously...
Penelope Lovegrove
Progress depends on what the client wants to achieve. I think the six-session model is okay for teaching the basics of behavioural change. The first two sessions are really just getting to know one...
Grace Lee
Often the moment a client has made the decision to do something for themselves and they make contact with their therapist for the first time is a turning point for them. They are taking active steps...
Denise Tsirtsakis
A lot of clients who are struggling with deep rooted issues have a sense of doom and a narrative in their mind where they feel nothing will ever change their circumstances, but as they progress...
Sophie Swart
Some of my clients start to feel progress within a few sessions, while others may take several weeks or months of consistent therapy. It is important to remember that therapy is a personal process and...
Jonathan Tandos
I think clients begin to feel progress when they form a collaborative and trusting relationship with the therapist in which they feel understood and accepted, and when they start to better understand...
Dee Kumbukage
The timing of progress in counseling can vary for each individual, as it is influenced by various factors such as the nature of their concerns, their readiness for change, and their level of...
Denise Howells
The client usually notices a change when an interaction with another is different. Their approach is different and therefore the outcome is different. Sometimes this can happen within a few...
Volker Krohn
I believe very strongly in establishing a clear therapeutic goal for my clients. Once that is determined, we look at the hindrances that obstruct the achievement of that goal. By focusing on an...
Dee Hardy
When a client has made an appointment to see a counsellor, they are more than likely committed to the process... if they are mandated by others or coerced in some way by others, then the process may...
Christina Kioulafas
It's different for everyone. As a client it is on you to do the work outside the sessions. Notice and reflect on your behaviours and interactions. If you are committed to change you will see progress...
Yael Clark
I hope a client will feel immediately understood and supported and thereby feel calmer and hopeful. If assessment (or engagement for a child) is tricky then it can take a few sessions (3-4) until...
Anugrah Bhagwat
In my experience so far, more often than not people walk away from their first session filled with hope. From my part, I generally try and finish a session by teaching my client tools that can help...
Marvel Adeyemi
I believe progress is being made when clients feel empowered and begin to make little changes in their lives. I help clients set SMART goals so that progress can be measurable. Also, I evaluate and...
Robin Wilkinson
This is different for every client. For some people, just talking to another person may be a huge victory in itself, especially if they've never shared vulnerably before.
Many clients will report...
Brian Whiter
Early signs of progress are when the client accepts that the journey of therapeutic discovery has to come from within themselves. This is seen in the context of a person developing an attitude of...
Steve White
People have often commented on how they feel they are getting somewhere within the first handful of sessions.. I seem to be able to assist most people, although there have been exceptions...
Sharn Waldron
I think if it go well then just being heard by another can begin the healing process.
Natalie Incledon
I believe clients start to feel progress is made when they gain significant insight into deeper underlying beliefs about themselves and are able to process associated emotions.
M.Rose Hoey
I would expect that the patient would have some understanding of their suffering after the first two hour session. They would then be able to track their progress themselves, as their ability to...
Nina Green
Clients of mental health practitioners often report an initial positive 'bump' when they and their counsellor first start to connect and unpack the client's experiences and goals. Learning new skills...
Marcus Dally-Law
The first step of progress occurs before I even get involved - that moment where somebody decides that they want to experience change and is willing to move out of their comfort zone and seek out a...
Jane Devilliers
When the client says that they are seeing or feeling things differently.
When they are sleeping better.
When they sense relief that a weight has been lifted.
When they feel glad and are...
Kate Culy
I hope the client will feel that progress has been made in each session. many people feel better after the first session because they have made that first important step, they have a plan and hope.
Loretta Bell
That's a big question....
Sometimes it's actually when things heat up, not when they cool down. Luckily I have bright clients who can also judge for themselves if therapy is effective. I like to...
Tracy Clark
Participant progress can happen in the first session just because they have been able to speak openly about whatever it is that has brought them to work with me or it could take weeks, months even...
Dalit Bar
I believe clients feel some relief from distress within the first 1-3 sessions.
Nicky Angelone
I hope the client leaves each session with a sense of progress being made. In the initial session my intention is that you leave with hope for what is to come. From then, as we work on what you want...
Julia McKenzie Palmer
Most of my clients feel this after the first session. It is a big step to begin & so there is often a feeling of relief as they unload the burden they have been carrying.
Darius Leo
This depends on whether you are seeking to find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into why you act the way you do, or process traumatic memories from the past.
A good general rule of...
Jane Faulkner
Every client is different, some clients feel progress after the first session. Most people have some insight's or things to work with, whether it is their first session or their 15th.
Matt Dale
This is a question I'm often asked, and unfortunately there's no one simple answer. Sometimes I can work with people over years or at the same time, sometimes people feel like they have made progress...
Romana Bowd
When they start challenging their own thoughts and seeing that doing things differently can really make a difference.
Donna Neck
The clients usually starts to feel that progress can be made once rapport is established and it usually require about 6-8 sessions to amend their situation.
Gregg Palmer
I would hope from the first session. Taking that step and really connecting with a therapist who is a good match for them, is gold.
Emily Rotta
When you have the tools to self-soothe and self-regulate your feelings, sensations and emotions, you feel more able to ground yourself when you a experiencing a confronting situation. These tools...
Michelle McClintock
Hopefully immediately. From the first session. I want them to feel deeply heard from the get-go, because being understood by another human is so transformative. Then as we get into strategies, I ask...
Alison Keane
My hope is that my client feels a positive shift in the way that he or she is feeling about a presenting problem as early as the first session. To me this easing of some of the mental stress is the...
Mark De Calmer
Often from the first session, significant change can occur.
Claire Stephensen
There are so many elements of progress - and progress will look different for every individual. However, empowerment and hope are important aspects for me. I feel that progress is being made when a...
Sigrid O'Callaghan
When painful and frightening emotions can be reflected on and find representations in language, dreams and creative endeavours.
Sarah Harwood
Perhaps after the working phase, and they start the mastery stage, where they start implementing strategies into their everyday life and relationships.
Sarah Bergman
I find that generally my clients and I have a better understanding of the issue by the end of this session which generally can bring some relief. Depending on the issue the client brings, depends on...
Natajsa Wagner
I believe that choosing to take the first step to reach out for support is progress in itself. As each individual is different I believe that progress is also specific to each person. For some people...
Niki Gelekis
Once they are feeling safer within themselves and within their relationships.
Louise Jansz
It is different for each client. It will depend on the outcomes the clients are looking for. Some will require longer term support and others only need a couple of sessions to get over a speed bump....
Steven Segal
I have had clients who have found one session enough to get them on their way. Some of my clients find they receive what they need between about 4 to 10 sessions. And then there are the longer-term...
Johanna Waugh
Once they have had a few sessions, and they have completed any tasks the therapist has set for them.
Neha Kapoor
It's challenging to pinpoint when a client will begin to sense progress, as it varies individually. Progress timelines are influenced by your unique concerns. After your initial session, we'll develop...
Brenda Rowlandson
When there has been enough safety and space created for their process to start 'percolating' , then insights arise in those spaces. Then clients begin to develop a beginning capacity for...
Dinah Buchanan
Because Gestalt therapy is not just 'talk-therapy' and because we bypass the thinking mind and engage the body and spirit in a very creative way, clients often report that they have greater awareness...
Kim Bailey
When the bond/therapuetic relationship is intentionally talked about in the room.
Steven Dromgool
My goal is that in the first session a couple will feel like they experienced each other in a different way. In the first month the couple should be competent at dialoguing deeply and safely in the...
Jeannene Eastaway
Some people move quickly but for others this may take a lot longer. Sometimes progress may feel like things have gotten worse, particularly if feelings or situations have been avoided for so long. It...
Rosie Burgess
I hope that you, the client, will start to feel that progress is being made from the moment you first reach out, because in fact just being brave enough to reach out and ask for help is the first sign...
Bhakti De Bon
Clients that leave the first session feeling acknowledged but not judged, welcomed and not criticised usually identify the first session as the start of their progress.
Acknowledging the recent...
Mark McMahon
As above - one of the most important components of therapy is the client/ practitioner relationship. Often, when clients present for therapy, it would be the first time they have had the opportunity...
Katie Watson
I feel that when the client starts noticing changes in their behaviour they will feel it is progressing.
Katharine Northall
This is almost impossible to answer. Generally, a client will report that they feel different as early as the first or second session. This is often a reaction to 'getting stuff off their chest'...
Chris Chicoteau
Clients may feel progress is being made from the first session. This obviously increases over time as trust in the therapeutic relationship develops.
Tim Clark
A neat answer is to say that if there is no sense of progress at all by the end of the third session I would begin to wonder if counselling is going to work, or if it may not be the right fit and a...
Sarah Tuckett
Whilst the initial session is mainly about getting to know you, and what it's like to be you, I always try to give the client some techniques and poses to help with their anxiety or depression, so...
Corinne Lindsell
Depending on their stages of change and area of need, they can feel immediate progress or it could take them a while to unpack some surface things before progress is noticeable.
Either way, the...
Jacqueline Baulch
Every person has a different journey through therapy. Some people notice significant changes reasonably quickly and other people find that therapy consists of a series of small changes. I check-in...
Patrick Moloney
Often the client or clients will see immediate progress but each situation is different and so I am reluctant to make any promises.
Christine Vickers
Clients often speak of their learning and sense of greater clarity as they tackle the day to day issues matters in their lives and relationships. Often Symptom relief is quick, but it can be the...
