Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

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...

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 symptom-alleviation fairly quickly. Not every client wants or needs to go deeply into analysis, and so the early work focusses on relief and ego-strengthening, as well as self-knowledge.

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

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

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...

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 just one or two sessions. Unhelpful patterns that have been present for many years, can start to shift in a few sessions .

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...

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 feel comfortable and the work to unfold, there are many factors at play.

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...

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 on the transference, the person's history, how realistic are their expectations, and their commitment, deep progress can take quite some time...that said feeling better isn't tantamount to getting better and just talking can sometimes provide relief quickly. But for deeper changes to be realised it may take months or years.

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...

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 need for counselling.

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...

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 themselves. What is important is that my client is making progress and are headed in the right direction. This gives them hope and empowerment, which is very important. It is also important not to move faster than one is ready to do. That can reignite trauma and can be damaging. We all make the changes that we need when we are ready.

Usually within sessions 1-3.

Usually within sessions 1-3.

When they start getting to know their own mind better.

When they start getting to know their own mind better.

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...

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 to explore deeper issues,.

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?...

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? How do you know if you're making progress versus going backwards? Is it more internal or external or both? Is it based on your thoughts, feelings, experience or how others perceive you? What is important is the client's level of engagement and the strength of the relationship between the client and therapist, which is of utmost importance.

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...

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 therapeutic interventions. This is what would motivate and keep the client focused and engaged in therapy. However, it is my role as a counsellor to facilitate that process while sitting by their side to acknowledge growth, but also blocks that might prevent growth. It is importnat to know that blocks uncovered in therapy can be the most important to work that gets done. Providing a trusted safe space to move through those blocks, can at times be the turning point a person needed to rise and soar to heights that they didn't belive they could. It is also important to be aware that as clients move through therapy, they could tread into new unknown territory where for the first time they are trusted and safe, which could be quite daunting and overwhelming to acknowledge. Hence it is important that the client and counsellor walk each step of the way together side by side.

Ideally a client will feel a greater sense of what they can reasonably expect of themselves and others.

Ideally a client will feel a greater sense of what they can reasonably expect of themselves and others.

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...

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 what's happening in our lives. After that the task is to figure out what what has to change in order to move forward with whatever issues brought us to therapy in the first place. There are no universal formula's for how to do this. No two patients are the same. No two therapists are the same. Each process of therapy has to evolve in its own way towards it's own unique conclusion. Sometimes this can happen in a single session. Sometimes it takes much longer. The important things is for each party to keep checking in with the other to ensure that the process stays on track.

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...

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 less, I can understand why people expect therapy to have an immediate impact. Sometimes, it does - I've have clients comment to me that they feel a shift even after our first session. However, I have a great deal of respect for the journey of therapy, and the commitment individuals demonstrate by sticking in it for the long haul and doing the work. While it's not a convenient truth when you're going through a hard time, I try to keep in mind that good things often take time.

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.

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.

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...

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 happen right from the first session. I believe coming to counselling itself has ignited some unknown change in the client.

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.

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.

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...

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 is being made.

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...

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 to be explored. Sometimes when the analysand feels 'worse' it means that their unconscious is producing the correct expressions for them, and this needs to be worked on in the clinic with me. But towards the end of an analysis, what constitutes 'progress' is a different position to jouissance.

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...

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 process.

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.

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.

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...

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 listened to with full attention and receiving understanding, acceptance and unconditional positive regard can make an enormous difference to our perception of our experience.

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...

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 counselling at a later date, or they may wish to decrease the frequency and drop back to fortnightly, three-weekly or monthly sessions.

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...

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 indicates that meaningful psychological change takes regular sessions over a sixth month period.

When their behaviour starts to change, and when their nervous system feels less reactive.

When their behaviour starts to change, and when their nervous system feels less reactive.

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.

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.

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...

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 characteristics. As the client and myself work through the issues and towards goals during therapy, the progress undoubtedly will begin to occur. This happens a lot sooner for some and a lot later for others, as it also realise heavily on how much the client would prefer to unpack and work towards. Furthermore, as a therapist, building a strong and healthy rapport with the client will play in the time spent towards progress.

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.

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.

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...

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 this varies, and clients have different goals.

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...

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 another and build a therapeutic alliance. However, for more deep-rooted change or for processing of trauma (for example) it may take a while before you feel like you are making progress. I also think that people can use different therapists to get them through different parts of their journey, each therapist building upon the progress of the last. I have also seen great gains being made from just a single session and I must recognise that this isn't just my doing but the culmination of lots of different learnings that client has obtained that happened to come together with me in that moment. It's different for everyone. We are all works in progress, constantly changing and growing. I do know however, that progress is going to be difficult if the rapport isn't there so if you're not clicking with your therapist - move on and find a different one!

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...

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 to improve themselves or deal with a big issue.

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...

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 through talk-therapy, they come to realise that this isn't the case. The exploration/working phase of therapy is when clients start seeing progress. Clients start to look inward, rather than only focusing on external challenges. They begin to regain a healthy sense of power and control over their lives. This is when clients start to reframe painful experiences. They also start rethinking their beliefs and other people's motives. Hidden thoughts and feelings usually arise into consciousness during this stage of therapy. This is also when clients start to heal, the most exciting part of therapy. They are finally on the other side of their trauma and conditioned beliefs.

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...

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 progress will look different for each client. My job is to make myself redundant, and I am to get you feeling better and needing me less and less.

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...

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 themselves in a way that feels significant. And for most people progress is also felt when they realise they are starting to suffer less and moving further towards the life they truly desire and value. There can be powerful wake up call moments, or deep transformative, emotion releasing moments along the way with certain methods I use, and these really strengthen a client's ongoing commitment to the work.

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...

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 engagement in the therapeutic process. However, clients often begin to feel that progress is being made when they experience a greater sense of self-awareness, insight, and empowerment. They may notice a shift in their perspectives, an increased ability to cope with challenges, or a greater sense of clarity and purpose. Additionally, as clients start to implement and integrate new coping strategies and insights into their daily lives, they may observe positive changes in their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. The recognition of progress is a highly individualized and subjective experience, and I work collaboratively with clients to identify and celebrate these milestones along their unique journey of healing and growth.

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...

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 sessions, other times it can take longer. Every client's experience is unique. There is no one way to experience therapy or the changes that occur.

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...

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 individuals patterns and the trigger points that ignite issues, I can accompany them in making self directed choices and forging change. I also frequently check in with my clients to see whether the work is beneficial and what has changed in their experience of themselves and the world around them. Clients that also commit to participating in the Hoffman Process (an 8 day intensive deep, short- term therapy) usually feel an immediate reduction of their symptoms after the completion of the course. The integration of the experience can vary and is dependent on the client's commitment to heal and to honour themselves and others.

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...

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 quite quickly, perhaps after 3-4 sessions. It really depends on the issues. Children tend to move through emotional issues quickly as they are less ingrained. Remember, for adults some patterns and traumas are carried around for decades. It can take some time to make progress, and even then its normal to regress. Therapy can be a lifetime of changes, 10 steps forward and 5 steps back. Even when you think you are past something, it can catch you by surprise and trigger you again, it's about how you manage it.

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...

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 change starts to happen.

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...

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 them during the week. By the end of three sessions my clients already have a number of tools and resources to draw upon and use in challenging situations. This makes people see and experience change after two or three sessions.

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...

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 assess regularly to ensure positive treatment outcomes. Together with my client, necessary adjustments are made based on client situations and feedback.

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...

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 that they feel calmer and more in control, less affected by their emotions or circumstances in their lives. Many will also experience greater self-awareness and a deeper connection to themselves and with family or other people who they may have been estranged from.

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...

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 responsibility. Feeling stuck or struggling with dilemmas are also signs of progress, as these are the times when we need to make a detour in our everyday ways of being and get to work with the more difficult demands of our existence. Once again this calls for resilience and a demonstration that when the going gets tough we see the tough get going! Progress is visible when a person becomes more accepting of their lived experience and ventures into those experiences more fully and stays with the process of exploration to discover how they may have arrived at this way of being. From here, they may consider new ways of being that are more authentic and satisfying. Progress could also be said to be made when distress, previously experienced in ways that were constricting and distressing, are now viewed as part of the ongoing journey of one's life that needs to be experienced and understood. Essentially, progress could be felt when a person begins to feel parts of themselves becoming more integrated and a sense of acceptance of being who they are along with the courage and faith of moving into places that feel different, new and authentic.

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...

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...

I think if it go well then just being heard by another can begin the healing process.

I think if it go well then just being heard by another can begin the healing process.

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.

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.

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...

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 tolerate the situations that previously caused their anxiety and suffering decreased.

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...

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 and putting your experience in context can provide a powerful sense of progress in the first few sessions, but it's worth noting that for complex concerns and situations, positive change is best approached with patience. Counselling is much more like a hiking trail than a highway - kind of muddy and bendy and the journey can sometimes feel like stalling or gong downhill again. Patience and perseverance often deliver big returns, however, and consistent small changes can be much more impactful than expecting a big, sweeping 'fix'. My sense is that progress often reveals itself when a client starts to behave in ways that are increasingly 'flexible' and open to new experience outside therapy - trying new things, feeling that more options are available to them, and allowing themselves to persevere with things they value *even though* they still feel some worry or stress. The writer Andrew Solomon famously said that the opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality and this is a foundational part of my own practice. If my client is experiencing a sense of being more alive, more engaged and better able to accept a wide range of feeling and experience, then I know we're on the right path.

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...

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 counsellor to speak with. The second step of progress usually happens after 1 or 2 sessions, when the client decides that they will share what it is that is concerning them. Make no mistake - this is a huge and awesome moment and I always feel honoured by the trust that somebody show me by sharing their personal story. Following that, clients often will continue working with me for 8-12 sessions before they feel like they have reached their goals or feel confident enough to continue seeking answers on their own - though I do have some clients who will have a regular 'check-in' session even years after they initially began.

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...

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 optimistic. When they start to worry less and enjoy the present rather than feel guilt about the past or fear about the future.

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.

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.

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...

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 have an ongoing dialogue about this whether what I am doing works for the person that I'm working with.

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...

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 years. The client will know when progress has been made when they feel a shift or change in themselves and their circumstances.

I believe clients feel some relief from distress within the first 1-3 sessions.

I believe clients feel some relief from distress within the first 1-3 sessions.

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...

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 to achieve from counselling, we check in regularly, to notice, small and big changes that provide the reminder that change is happening. Change can be slow and when we make changes we often forget the old version of ourselves who did things differently. It's a fascinating phenomena that when we change we become that new version and can miss that a change has occurred. We often need to actively reflect on how we are responding or behaving differently.

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....

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. Clients will start to know which category they fall in after 1-3 sessions.

When the bond/therapuetic relationship is intentionally talked about in the room.

When the bond/therapuetic relationship is intentionally talked about in the room.

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...

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 is weird but the 'worse ' is actually a kind of progress. Most people move slowly and this is good because slow is conscious, careful and will consolidate change.

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...

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 that you're making progress. With each interaction we have you will make a little progress. Some moments will feel bigger than others. Sometimes light bulbs will go off during counselling, sometimes they'll go off afterwards. We'll track your journey together and make sure that we check in with each other as we go to ensure that you feel you're making progress.

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...

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 COVID 19 effects, I have reduced my fees and offer the first 30min session for free - it's an opportunity for the clients to screen the process.

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...

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 referral might be appropriate. A more accurate, messier answer is to say that it is incredibly variable. Feeling aimless or stuck is a common part of the process, but also a valuable one because it's our areas of 'stuckness' or 'blind spots' that are so important to bring out. We do all sorts of things to keep from seeing what's painful, and our coping mechanisms are often entrenched and inflexible. It takes patience and faith to 'hang in there' and develop new ways of being in the world.

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...

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 with clients regularly to see whether they are happy with how therapy is progressing. If clients feel that progress isn't being made, this presents an opportunity to adapt the approach we are using or revisit goals so that my client can feel satisfied that they are moving in the direction they want to.

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...

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 longer term working through - whether in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy or longer term psychotherapy that real change can occur.