Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

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.

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.

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....

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. Confidence and capabilities grow, session by session.

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...

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 after the first & second visit, though they return for up to 6-10 to unfold deeper layers of their pain and plant the seeds for lasting change. I also have had numerous clients embark on a year long journey with me whereby we worked together to help them shed the multiple layers of deep conditioning and limiting beliefs they were carrying, in order to reconnect with the true version of themselves - the authentic person that they came here to be.

Often after the first few sessions client will already start to feel some relief from sharing their story, clarifying what they need

Often after the first few sessions client will already start to feel some relief from sharing their story, clarifying what they need

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...

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 manifests in subtle shifts, such as increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, and a greater sense of empowerment and agency in one's life. For some clients, progress may be evident early on, as they experience a sense of relief and validation from being heard and understood in therapy. Others may notice progress gradually over time, as they work through deeper layers of emotional wounds and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. Ultimately, the client's perception of progress is subjective and deeply personal. It's important for me as a therapist to regularly check in with clients to collaboratively assess their progress and adjust our therapeutic approach as needed to ensure that they are moving towards their desired outcomes. In my experience, the journey of therapy is often nonlinear, with ups and downs along the way. However, by fostering a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship, providing practical tools and insights, and celebrating even the smallest victories, I aim to help clients recognise and appreciate the progress they are making towards their goals.

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...

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 better quickly.

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...

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 of mind and how they view the world. Celebrate the small stuff.

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...

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 wand. Sometimes we may be working on a particular issue when something more pressing comes up. By working collaboratively with a client, they are in control of what we work on.

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.

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.

It can take time to create changes and see permanent results; however, you should see some level of significant progress after the first sessions.

It can take time to create changes and see permanent results; however, you should see some level of significant progress after the first sessions.

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...

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 matter most to them.

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...

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 that you can feed this growth and be more in sync with your inner and outer world.

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...

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 anticipating the potential for change and taking positive action around this acts as a kind of catalyst for change itself. Others take longer. There are a variety of reasons for this, including motivation, the presenting issue(s), and the frequency of sessions.

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...

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 the first session, and I treat every session as though it is their last. At the same time, and complex cases, this will not always be the case. I also check in with the client to ask them how they are travelling.

Most of my clients start to feel better or begin to see their way forwards after the first 1-3 sessions.

Most of my clients start to feel better or begin to see their way forwards after the first 1-3 sessions.

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...

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 vary. The therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in the process of progress... without that connection, the outcomes will not be as satisfactory. The first phone call, the first session - the counsellor/client connection needs to be a person-centred ethos with the client feeling safe enough to open up.

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.

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.

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...

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 thumb is that by the end of the third session you will likely feel engaged in the therapy and be confident that the therapy is moving in the right direction. I will typically do a review with you at this time to make sure this is happening.

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.

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.

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...

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 in only a handful of sessions. Quite often the process of just being able to 'tell your story' without judgement can make you feel instantly better, but the key is not to look for a 'silver-bullet' to therapy, but to see this is a journey rather than a destination. My goal is to work with you to reach a more comfortable, positive space as soon as we can, but the journey to unpack your story can often open many doors which can change lives profoundly for the better.

In the first session

In the first session

When they start challenging their own thoughts and seeing that doing things differently can really make a difference.

When they start challenging their own thoughts and seeing that doing things differently can really make a difference.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When a therapeutic relationship has formed

When a therapeutic relationship has formed

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...

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 empower you to feel better able to cope with life's challenges.

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...

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 my clients to be patient, and to work hard on practicing what we have discussed, because only through consistent practice will new behaviours stick.

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...

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 start of progress. Enduring progress happens as the counselling relationship with me unfolds and my client feels supported and safe to step into safe and empowering change.

From the first session

From the first session

Often from the first session, significant change can occur.

Often from the first session, significant change can occur.

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...

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 client begins to feel empowered to work with themselves (rather than against) towards their personal values and goals.

When painful and frightening emotions can be reflected on and find representations in language, dreams and creative endeavours.

When painful and frightening emotions can be reflected on and find representations in language, dreams and creative endeavours.

Perhaps after the working phase, and they start the mastery stage, where they start implementing strategies into their everyday life and relationships.

Perhaps after the working phase, and they start the mastery stage, where they start implementing strategies into their everyday life and relationships.

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...

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 the time required. I find that six sessions usually provides the clarity required. Then it is up to the client as to whether they wish to proceed and further deepen their clarity around other aspects of themselves (or the situation). There is not limit to understanding self and self expression it is an never ending journey. I myself still deep in and out of therapy as the need arises. I like to think of it as mental health hygiene. In my private practice I have some clients that come once a fortnight for a year, whilst others come once a month after the initial six sessions depending on the support they require. Others dip in and out as they need.

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...

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 progress is starting to open up and speak to someone, learning something new about ourselves, developing more awareness or achieving a specific outcome or goal. My belief is that every moment is an opportunity to create something change.

Usually during the first session.

Usually during the first session.

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...

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 to explore any issues that they are currently experiencing. Just by having someone to talk to, in a safe non-judgmental environment, can reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety significantly. Most clients I have worked with have reflected that improvement in life outcomes begins with the initial engagement - if the practitioner is the right fit' for the client. If a client feels that a practitioner is not the right fit' for them - then it is important to talk about this in session, and the psychologist would encourage the opportunity for referral.

When understanding happens

When understanding happens

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'...

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' before we set about doing the hard work. It depends on what the issue is and who I am working with. Some clients feel they have reached their goal in 6 weeks, others will work with me for years. Generally, clients come somewhere in between and feel that they have achieved enormous change within months.

Clients may feel progress is being made from the first session. This obviously increases over time as trust in the therapeutic relationship develops.

Clients may feel progress is being made from the first session. This obviously increases over time as trust in the therapeutic relationship develops.

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...

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 that they can help manage their symptoms even when they're not with me. I always think of how if you see a therapist 1 hour a fortnight that is just 0.5% of the time you are awake (assuming you're awake for about 16 hours a day). So I like to focus on giving people self-care tips and techniques on top of the important work we do in the session. I find that by session 6 people's symptoms are dramatically reduced, but most people choose to stay on longer for personal development because they get so much out of it.