How Many Counselling Sessions Will I Need?

One of the most common questions people have before seeking therapy is, “How many will I need?” The answer is different for each person, but there are some things that can give you a sense of what to expect.

It Depends on Your Goals

The amount of sessions you’ll need in large part depends on what you’re looking to accomplish with counselling. If you wondering if you need counselling, read my article on 5 signs you might need counselling.

For example:

• If you require help with a specific issue (e.g., coping with stress or making a decision), short-term counselling could be enough—3 to 6 sessions.
• If you have more entrenched or long-term problems (e.g., anxiety, loss, or trauma), longer-term counselling might be more helpful—to the extent that you have regular sessions for months.
• If you have no idea what your goals are, your counsellor can help you discover them early on.

Everyone Works at Their Own Pace

There is no “right” number of sessions. A few work for some, and regular support along the way for others is useful.
How much you feel comfortable sharing, how long you’ve been experiencing the issue, and what’s happening in your life all play into this.

Most People Start Weekly

A good place to start is one session a week. This is long enough to have time to think between sessions, yet not so long as to make you lose energy.
At some later time, you may switch to fortnightly or monthly sessions, or complete altogether when you’re ready.

You Can Stop at Any Time

Counselling is your time and you’re in charge of how long you attend.
You’re never locked in. The majority of people will try a few sessions and then decide what works best for them.

Talk It Over With Your Counsellor

Your counsellor should be able to help you decide what is best for you. You can touch base with each other on a regular basis and adjust the plan along the way.

Final Thoughts

There isn’t one number of sessions that is perfect for everybody. It’s okay if you need more time—or less—than the next person. The most important thing is that you’re taking a step towards healing and support at your own pace. If you’re in Christchurch and would like in person counselling or would like an online session please enquire with over my website by clicking here.