The Road to Recovery: How Soon Can You Expect Results from Therapy?
To embark on a therapeutic journey is a significant step towards understanding yourself on a deeper level, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and processing past experiences. Therapy sessions offer a space for self-exploration and creating new behavioral patterns that can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Nina Westbrook, LMFT, believes that going to therapy is a powerful indicator of one’s commitment to leading a healthier and happier life. During therapy, individuals can experience a range of emotions and feelings, from laughter to tears, and from contentment to exhaustion.
In the following section, we will be examining the time it takes for therapy to show positive results and highlighting some indications that demonstrate therapy is already making a positive impact.
When Does Therapy Start Working?
Whether you’re a therapy newbie or a seasoned attendee, it’s natural to wonder how long it takes for therapy to work. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer as everyone’s journey is unique. However, you can start reaping the benefits of therapy from the get-go, with positive effects beginning to show from the very first session.
Nina Westbrook, LMFT, suggests that the initial session of therapy can bring a sense of relief and hopefulness as it allows individuals to connect with someone who listens, sees, and understands them. This can lead to a decrease in feelings of isolation and an increase in hope from the very first session.
While some people may feel immediate benefits from therapy, for others, it may take a while to experience positive changes. The initial sessions can be daunting as you share personal experiences with a new person, which may not be easy to discuss. It’s not uncommon to feel worse after these sessions, especially if you are dealing with painful past experiences.
Merlelynn Harris, MS, MFT, suggests that it is natural for humans to resist change as it can be difficult and uncomfortable. A therapist can provide support to help you achieve your goals. Harris notes that it takes a lot of courage to recognize and normalize this resistance, and encourages patients to share these feelings with their therapist so that they can work together to put them into context.
As you become more comfortable with therapy and start working through your issues, you’ll begin to see incremental improvements in your daily life, relationships, and overall mental health. Over time, these small changes can build up to significant progress and transformation.
If you find that your therapist isn’t the right fit for you, don’t worry, it’s a common occurrence, and therapists understand that not every client is compatible with them. If you have attended three to five sessions and still feel uneasy or uncomfortable, it’s important to seek out a different mental health provider.
How Long Should I Stay in Therapy?
Paraphrase: The duration of therapy is subjective and varies from person to person. In your first session, you and your therapist will talk about your goals and decide on a timeline that works best for you. This could be a few months or even a year or longer, depending on your unique needs and circumstances.
According to Westbrook, it’s crucial to remember that therapy isn’t intended to be a lifelong commitment for most people. Its purpose is to equip you with the necessary tools, techniques, and skills to regulate yourself, handle challenges healthily, and independently manage your emotions during life’s highs and lows.
According to Westbrook, a successful therapy experience can teach you how to become proficient in managing your own well-being, allowing you to handle everyday life without depending solely on professional support. She adds that a competent therapist will recognize when their role is complete.
Signs Therapy is Working
Harris explains that the main objective of therapy is to alleviate symptoms and provide patients with a better emotional or relational toolkit. As such, there are several indications that you are making progress in therapy:
Ultimately, the goal of therapy is symptom reduction or to feel better equipped with more tools in your emotional or relational tool belt, says Harris. Here are some signs you’re seeing progress:
- Feeling more self-aware and in control of your emotions.
- Improved communication and conflict resolution skills in your relationships.
- Increased ability to manage stress and anxiety.
- Reduction in symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions.
- Improved sleep and overall physical health.
- More motivation and a sense of purpose in life.
- More positive self-talk and self-esteem.
- Increased ability to set and achieve goals.
- Improved ability to identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
- Greater ability to forgive and let go of past hurts.