Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Every client is different. Every challenge is different. Every set of social dynamics around an individual is different. More importantly, the self-identified goals and timeframes for each client are...

Every client is different. Every challenge is different. Every set of social dynamics around an individual is different. More importantly, the self-identified goals and timeframes for each client are unique. With so many variables, the subjective experience of a 'shift' can and will vary between clients - this is why it is critical for a counsellor & therapist to be able to explore with the client 'how will you know that something has changed?'

Many clients start to notice small shifts after two or three sessions, as the therapeutic relationship is being built. Progress often emerges as people begin to see problems as separate from...

Many clients start to notice small shifts after two or three sessions, as the therapeutic relationship is being built. Progress often emerges as people begin to see problems as separate from themselves and reconnect with their strengths, values, and preferred ways of living. Change happens at a pace that feels right for each person.

This depends on a lot of variables and there is no definite answer. Usually I would be looking at 3-4 weeks for some signs of changes in symptoms or presentation, however, this is heavily dependent on...

This depends on a lot of variables and there is no definite answer. Usually I would be looking at 3-4 weeks for some signs of changes in symptoms or presentation, however, this is heavily dependent on the effort the individual puts in and the therapeutic relationship that is created.

Hopefully - after the first session! It won't be groundbreaking and things won't be fixed.. but I would hope they are able to feel a strong sense of trust, safety and relationship right from the get...

Hopefully - after the first session! It won't be groundbreaking and things won't be fixed.. but I would hope they are able to feel a strong sense of trust, safety and relationship right from the get go. However, some people want to see tangible change.. and really that's up to the individual.. how well they apply what we discuss, how committed they are for change.

I hold hope and belief that change is possible for all. Progress will look different for each client - how long is a piece of string?! Studies have shown that therapeutic change is based firstly on...

I hold hope and belief that change is possible for all. Progress will look different for each client - how long is a piece of string?! Studies have shown that therapeutic change is based firstly on the client's ability to bring about change, followed by the quality of the relationship built with the therapist. I will do all I can to support this process, but there are no clear timelines. It is a journey not a destination.

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....

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. On average, for smoking cessation 1 -2 sessions are often enough whilst for anxiety 4 -6 sessions may be sufficient. People with Intellectual, Developmental and Psychosocial Disabilities may take longer than low-intensity Medicare subsidised clients whose presentations are not as complex. It may be unrealistic to expect the resolution of a lifelong problem within one or two sessions. Not impossible though. Nevertheless, the commitment of some clients is often admirable, and if the clients are committed then the progress is also much faster. On average the progress should be seen in the third or fourth session but no promises or guarantees can be provided.

Once they are feeling safer within themselves and within their relationships.

Once they are feeling safer within themselves and within their relationships.