Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions
Conversations with Therapists
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What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?
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Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?
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Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?
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What methods do you use?
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When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?
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How has therapy made a difference in your life?
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What do you like most about being a therapist?
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Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?
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What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?
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Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?
Gidon Weinstein
Progress is happening constantly, even if it’s just showing up to therapy. That act alone is transformative. When clients feel progress, it can happen at any time—a sudden realisation or a gradual...
Ash Rehn
This varies of course but sometimes people say they feel much better after just one appointment!
Starting to feel better is a big part of being able to make progress and take steps forward. In terms...
Denise Tsirtsakis
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...
Karen Potter
Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.
Trudy Clutterbok
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
Jisha Syriac
Clients often feel progress when they gain clarity about their challenges, experience small wins, or feel relief after sharing their thoughts in a safe space. Noticing improved emotions,...
Donald Marmara
One size does not fit all - some clients start to experience benefits right away, whilst others may take longer. In some cases progress is regular and incremental, whilst others may feel that they are...
Stephanie de Niese
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?...
Darius Leo
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...
Reed Everingham
Transformation can begin once a client feels heard, seen, and understood without judgment. Progress is different for everyone and may not always include catharsis. However, progress is made when a...
Jessica Ryan-Zeman
When they feel a sense of trust and safety in the room and feel that their therapy sessions are valuable.
Sarah Bergman
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...
Kathleen Montaigue
Whilst progress is an entirely subjective experience and different for everyone, my hope is that all my clients experience a sense of relief within the first three sessions, by simply knowing they are...
Lukas Wooller
My focus is on the client's experience and a key part of the way I work is to regularly check in with my client in every session to ask how they are tracking and to ascertain what, and also what is...
Helen Basili
It depends on the client, their presenting issue and their expectations. For some clients, progress can occur after a session, for others it might take many months.
Mary A McIntyre
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...
Abbie Couchman
I think there is often a sense of progress in sessions 1 and 2 as problems are shared and there is optimism about the work going forward. Then there can be a stalling in sessions 4-6, as there are ups...
Nathan Dick
Depending on what you are seeking support for meaningful and lasting change can take time. I always support my clients to build exercises and experiments into their daily lives, to enhance and...
Sarah Lawson
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...
Laura Bruce
Progress depends on so many different factors and looks different for each individual but if I can support the client through validation and unconditional positive regard just a few sessions will...
Nicky Angelone
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...
Vassilka Dimitrova
From the first session - something shifts.
Between sessions - when something just ... clicks.
Megan Drummond
The timeline for progress varies for each client, as it depends on their unique circumstances, goals, and the challenges they are addressing. However, clients often begin to notice progress when they...
Sirini Kularatne-Samarapathi
From the first session, you and I will use 'tracking' to identify and start mapping your progress. This is an important and intergral part of therapy as you as a client need to know if you are...
Michelle Tadros
With individuals, you should experience some benefit after six sessions, therapy typically goes for three to four months and is not usually longer than 12 months.
For couples the assessment...
Mark De Calmer
Often from the first session, significant change can occur.
Eleni Kidis
This questions is a little difficult to answer. I think it depends on the client and how willing they are to commit to the process of therapy. To make good progress, consistently attending weekly...
Morag Paterson
This is a good question! It is very individual and it depends on what the client views as progress. For many clients it is significant progress for them reach out to a therapist and share that they...
Mei Tani Wang
Progress in therapy is a highly individual experience and can vary greatly from one person to another. In my practice, I believe that clients may start to feel progress when they begin to notice a...
Laura Simpson
Every client’s journey is unique, but many begin to feel progress when we start working together on their goals. Often, this happens when they notice small, positive changes—like feeling more...
Marvel Adeyemi
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...
Shaun McMahon
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...
Jessica Vivien
After Session 1, as the new skills and knowledge kick in and they find they are managing better and changing things and no longer alone in their problem
Geoff Heard
When they start to feel more satisfied with themselves, with others, and with life in general.
Karen Curran
Each client is an individual. I notice that clients feel progress has been made at 'aha moments', when they get excited at showing me the insights that have occurred between session, or notice how...
George Turnure
Depending on the complexity of the situation (and barriers to change) it could be from session 2-3 (if 2 or 3 issues) and longer if multiple difficulties. How long is a piece of string and how do you...
Nina Linder
Usually progress is made after the first session where clarity is increased - this is usually followed by the client's improved awareness of self, processing emotions and improved decision making.
Tessa Ipp
A person is most likely to notice and experience small incremental shifts during each session. Often this is the best healing because it is natural. I have witnessed clients regaining hope in the...
Robyn Mansfield
This varies depending on the circumstances and goals of each client. For some, a meaningful shift can occur in 5 to 10 sessions. For others wishing to create a change in long-held patterns of...
Dee Hardy
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...
Carolyn Choy
'Progress' is a difficult measure as self-learning/awareness can come quickly or take a bit more time depending on each person. I'd say that if you're not feeling positive towards your therapeutic...
Leah Wilson
The experience of progress in therapy is deeply individual and can vary depending on the client’s unique circumstances, goals, and commitment to the process. However, there are some common...
Kellie Nichol-Smith
Most of my clients report a improved sense of well-being and behaviour after 1-3 sessions.
Sally Hainey
Most clients tell me they feel better after just one session. They describe feeling lighter' and less burdened by their thoughts. Many clients learn strategies and skills to manage their anxiety,...
Gregory Egan
This can vary from client to client depending on the current issues impacting on the individual.
Karen Rose
This is an important question for me to ask the client - what does 'better' look like for you?
Sheela Paul
When they build a deeper therapeutic alliance with their therapist.
Kerriann Dear
It will depend on what is important to the client and what their goals for therapy are. I think once a trusting connection is made the real work can commence.
Tim Fraser
From the beginning. I think that when the therapeutic relationship is likely to be valuable both client and therapist feel it early on. I prefer to take things slow at the start, to clearly establish...
Stelle Shakti
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...
Elaine Ford
Most of my clients comment that they feel a shift or change in their mood, outlook, demeanour between 6-10 sessions.
David Anthony
There is a therapy model called Single-Session Therapy, which suggests that there should be opportunities for change in each session. I aim to give the client a fresh and positive understanding of...
Jonathan Tandos
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...
Maddy Kretschmer
I think that to even make it to a first session could be accompanied by a sense that progress has been made - it can be daunting to decide to go to therapy and make it there. In therapy, I think that...
Felix Perigrie
Progress isn't linear, unfortunately! My clients often find that the first or second session has a moment of yes, this feels right and that feeling of finding the right therapist is its own kind of...
Naomi Rubinstein
It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and you are an active participant. The work done between sessions is as important as the sessions themselves.
Therapy is like...
Natasha Lawrence
Being able to talk about one's experiences safely and freely is progress. My aim is to create an environment for the client to be able to share what they need to with me from the first session
Nicola Kickbusch
We will set goals together and regularly check in on these and the progress that has been made. The more effort we put in, the better the results.
Stefanie Marris
This is a hard one to answer as it will vary from client to client. From personal experience I think that when a client feels heard and validated they will be able to open up to the possibility that...
Steven Segal
I have had clients who have found one session enough to get them on their way. Some of my clients find they receive what they need between about 4 to 10 sessions. And then there are the longer-term...
Veronik Verkest
Each client is unique and progress will depend on what the objectives are for the client.
Most clients find that six-12 sessions gives them a sense of how progress is in process.
Corina Johns
That varies a great deal and there is no single answer. For therapy focusing on improving skills at managing or coping with a situation, progress can be made immediately. For some people, having a...
Tanya Robinson
Between 3 and 6 sessions a therapeutic relationship can be established.
Therapy is a journey and an individual experience to each person's needs.
There are many factors to consider when working...
Julie Chalmers
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.
Martina Palombi
Every client is different. The duration of therapy depends on the client and their needs, the nature of the problem and how much energy and time the client wants to devote to the process. If a person...
Steve Bonanno
Most clients say that just opening up about a problem and sharing it can lighten the load a little bit... however, once you have said something out loud, you can't take it back! ...so sometimes the...
Michael Dods
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...
Nina Green
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...
Dee Kumbukage
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...
Michele Watson
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...
David Mandrake
Depending on the nature of the client's issues, they will typically start to see some progress in three to six months. Very often a client will see significant improvement after about a year of...
Kelsey Hendrickson
Sometimes just by scheduling the first appointment, clients report that a shift has occurred. For others, it may take a few sessions to really start to see some changes. I believe therapy is a life...
Kathleen Goossens
When experiencing changes of mood, feeling, self perception. An increase in well being and behavioural changes.
Dalit Bar
I believe clients feel some relief from distress within the first 1-3 sessions.
Weiyu Guan
Progress is an interesting word. It may feel conditional, hopeful, stressful, and even forceful, depending on where we are at.
I am inspired by Peter Merry’s view of progress, “Pay attention...
Jaya Narayan
Clients feel resourced in themselves and experience change when they sense that they are able to identify the ways in which inner/ external environment impact their capacity to be present to...
Ren Slade
How long is a piece of string? This is often hard to predict or tell. What I always do is check in with you to see if therapy, and the way we are doing it is working for you. I hope that you would get...
Philipa Thornton
Most likely in our first session. I think even having made the appointment offers a sense of relief, indeed clients often report this.
I want to start helping someone immediately and I use Resource...
Stefan Durlach
This is very individual and depends on many factors such as personal circumstances, histories, and individual objectives. Sometimes it happens in the first session, other times it can take...
Marie Mooney
It very much depends on what brings the person to counselling. Clients often report relief from the first session simply by being able to connect with someone and tell their story. Beyond that it...
Gabby Skelsey
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.
Vivian Baruch
In the first few sessions they should see on their Outcome Rating Scale (https://rb.gy/q5k84) that they are on track towards feeling better. If by the 6th session there is no visible improvement,...
Christopher Basten
That can occur very early but for many it takes several weeks. As long as they feel understood and that the clinical psychologist is working hard to understand them, some progress is being made.
Sharn Waldron
I think if it go well then just being heard by another can begin the healing process.
Ashley White
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.
Philip Hilder
I hope that my clients will start to feel progress from the very first meeting and continue their progress throughout the duration of the therapy. I aim to help my client's deal quickly and...
David Indermaur
This is hard to answer. I know from the research evidence that the answer is either just before or after they decide to make an appointment. Often therapy catalyses or reinforces change already...
Max Rutherford
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...
Katie Beckwith
That will ultimately depend on what the client perceives as progress. Progress in terms of perceived wellbeing is not a linear process, so it can often feel like things are going forwards and...
Robyn Price
This is a difficult question as it depends on the individual's readiness to change and also, what is understood as progress. In the short term, a person might be developing skills to reduce anxiety or...
Carol Marando
The client can feel a difference from the first session, particularly if they feel heard and understood for the first time. Therapy is not a linear process as clients are learning to feel their...
Rosa Oyta
It depends on the client's unique circumstances and the nature of their concerns. Generally, progress can be observed when clients start to feel more in control of their thoughts, emotions, and...
Jim Filshie
The sooner the better of course... but everyone's different. For some people it's just making the booking. I hope that if and when you meet me you get a sense that you're heading in the right...
Lisa Paul
That varies on how open the client feels to start to heal an how motivated they are for therapy.
Meg Bonnell
It can be hard to say for sure, as what each person needs from therapy is different. Sometimes people might feel a little progress has been made after the first session, if they feel that I've...
Uri Bookman
The fact that you're seeking support is a significant step towards progress. If you decide to work with me, the pace of your progress will depend entirely on you.
I strongly believe that trust is...
Nicol Thomas
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...
Suzanne Rosenberg
A client may have a little 'aha' moment as a previously confusing situation becomes a little clearer; or may notice that some unhelpful patterns of doing things have changed; or that previously...
Rina Taub
This is very individual but usually just starting experiencing this different style of conversation in the first and subsequent few sessions helps to externalise the effects of the problem and has the...
Teresa Wilkinson
We work as a team to address your therapeutic goals. We will regularly review how we are working, what is helpful and what requires adjustment. We will discuss what progress you want to make and...
Lisa Moore
Progress in counselling is highly individualised and can vary greatly from one client to another. Each person has unique goals, challenges and experiences, so what constitutes progress will differ...
Jacquie Flecknoe-Brown
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...
Carlyn Chen
I believe client's will experience in their body when they are beginning to move forward, and progress is not a linear process. There is no timeline for healing and progress will be experienced in...
Linda Sawrey
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.
Tania Djipalo
I have often experienced my clients feeling lighter and more spacious in their lives quite quickly. Having a space dedicated to you with a supportive person creates the potential for powerful change...
Tamara Pallos
Most couple therapy clients come in for communication or conflict resolution problems. Therefore, progress looks like, firstly, conflict dying down in the relationship and communication improving....
Michele Stewart
I usually encourage clients to plan for 3 sessions and see where they are after that. This gives both client and therapist time to feel out the space, the relationship and get a sense of how they will...
Patrick O’Brien
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....
Michelle Morris
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...
Nigel Bailey
This is a difficult one to answer as it obviously depends upon the circumstances. However I am a firm believer in brief therapy which encourages active engagement with the challenges from the outset...
Sudhir Dean
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...
Ron Dowd
With individuals it may take a few sessions for a relationship to begin to form. There are so many factors in play: each session is a safe experiment (to use the Gestalt phrase).
Many couples...
Angelina Conias
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...
Jamie Dimech
I think progress will only truly begin when trust has been established. Without trust in relationship, there is no safety and without safety, deep healing cannot be achieved.
Karen Druce
Clients vary in their perception of when progress is being made. However, I approach every session as if it's the first and only session. I use this particular approach so that the essence of the...
Leigh Fraser-Gray
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...
Carolyn Zantis
With Process Oriented Psychology while it does depend on what the client is working with, a connection with the deeper processes of their disturbance is very likely to happen early in the work, often...
Kate McMaugh
This varies from client to client and depends on the severity of their situation. However I think clients should know within a few sessions if this is moving in the right direction for them.
Tom Skotidas
I use evidence-based, brief psychotherapy models. In my experience, my clients begin to feel that they are making cognitive, emotional, and behavioural progress within 2-3 sessions.
Nicole Kinnaird
I hope the client will feel some kind of movement happening from the first session. It's important for me not to presume what progress' is but to continually check in with my client about their...
Andrew Macdonald
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...
Amanda Dounis
Immediately, although I always make it clear that feeling better is not the same as doing better. Quite often clients make the mistake of shortening suggested treatment plans because they feel...
Anthony Hubeck
This is difficult to say because people can present with many different issues and expectations. Often people can feel immediate relief just from talking through their presenting problem, whereas...
Zoe Hedges
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...
John Bacash
Ideally a client will feel a greater sense of what they can reasonably expect of themselves and others.
Ruth Edwards
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...
Natalie Meijer
I seem have noticed this pattern that around 3 weeks is difficult and by the forth there seems to be a shift. Sometimes four sessions is all that is needed with some issues. For medium to long term...
Ajay Hawkes
I would aim to give people something to take away with them from the first session. I find that 5-6 sessions are a realistic time-frame for most people to develop some good good coping skills and to...
Bronwen Bailey
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...
Julian O'Sullivan
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.
Karen Anderson
Tough question!! This will vary with each and every client and is determined by such variables as contextual influences, social-cultural influences, historical and personality factors and a host of...
Ernst Meyer
When they feel heard and understood, helped, empowered and more hopeful.
Michelle Lam
As human beings, we have an in-built desire to talk about ourselves and be well received by another person who is truly present and interested in who we are.
While all of a client's concerns may...
Melodina Thomas
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...
Lisa Barrett
Experience has shown me that some shifts can be felt anywhere from one session onwards. But generally clients notice some kind of difference within a couple of sessions. Psychotherapy can be an...
Petra Lansdown
When my client starts to feel hopeful and feel like there is more choices in their life.
Jennifer Fox
When experiencing changes of mood, feeling, self perception. An increase in well being and behavioural changes.
Moira Joyce
If it is good 'fit' between myself and clients, then immediately.!
Debby Heath
It varies from person to person depending on what they present with, what they are hoping to achieve and how they define 'progress'. Just making the appointment can feel like progress is being made to...
Urja Refalo
This will depend on what is happening for the client. Some clients are content after just 2-3 sessions, others 6-7 sessions and others will need more deeper therapy over a longer period of time. I...
Stefanie Hagger
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.
Natalie Anderson
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...
Karen Thomas
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...
Tim Coates
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...
Michael Booth
That's highly variable and depends on the client's life experiences. If a client's childhood needs (eg, safety, love, predictability) were met, but they experienced traumas sometime later in life,...
Joanne Taylor
After the first session they should have gained an understanding of how they can move forward and begin to regain a sense of self efficacy and hope in a non judgemental and safe environment. Therapy...
Julie Sweet
Therapy experiences are unique and vary from person to person. Whilst it can take time for individuals to feel the benefits of talk therapy, others can feel some level of progression after a number of...
Arthur Stabolidis
When their behaviour starts to change, and when their nervous system feels less reactive.
Jess Siegle
This varies from client to client and it depends on the severity of a client's situation.
In saying this, I think client's often feel that progress is made in the very first session, because they...
Hadass Segal
When they have a sense of agency and are being encouraged to listen to their own authentic voice.
Jenny Sanbrook
This is always tricky. Sometimes just starting to see a counsellor is huge progress in itself. Some clients progress through goals quickly others take time depending on how embedded the problem is and...
Amber Rules
My hope is that a client will feel progress after the first session - that they have learned something about themselves, or walk away with a sense that change is possible. I also know that progress or...
Deborah Rollings
I work proactively with clients and my experience is that client's start to feel change from the start of therapy
Nicole Rikos
This is very unique for everyone. However, when I hear people tell me they are coping better with everyday challenges, shifts in their relationships, managing their symptoms and triggers better and...
Victoria Redbard
Instantly. I find that when people sit with me and are invited into the level of presence and acceptance that I reside in there is an automatic shift in their awareness.
Anna Petinsky
Often clients report an immediate feeling better after a first session. Progress can then become a bit more stagnant to again leap further into the therapy work we do together. Progress is an...
Alexandra Page
When they can access a sense of vulnerability in connection without feeling overwhelmed or shutting down.
Margaret Bennett
Most of my clients start to feel better or begin to see their way forwards after the first 1-3 sessions.
Debbie O'Connor
Clients often report a sense of being heard and supported in a non-judgmental manner, and consequently a sense of relief after their first session. This is especially true when they have had long...
Jacqueline Nevin
From the first meeting of being in a safe space to express yourself without judgement is often progress in itself. Once we find the right tools for your empowerment then the journey continues to...
Jacqueline McDiarmid
When relationships feel closer and stress is reduced. I would say the majority of clients we see feel progress has been made by session three.
Jessica McMillan
It depends on the individual. Some clients see progress after the first appointment, others move more slowly and may start to notice change after 4 or 5 sessions. Everyone is different and move at...
Karin McLennan
Healing takes time, and depending on the issues you face, you may notice immediate changes, or you may notice change slowly creeping into your life. What's most important is a constant commitment to...
Geraldine McKay
I hope that my clients will start to feel that some progress is being made after an initial session as it is often an important first step towards seeking input and support and this can be helpful in...
Michael Grunwald
I would like to think that my clients feel that some form of 'progress' has been made from the very first session. As a person-centred, strengths-based practitioner I am a strong believer in the power...
Deb Gavan
I want clients to feel valued, connected and the beginnings of relief from the earliest possible time. During the first phone call or email, I work to build rapport, safety and connection.
Jean Gamble
Clients often experience relief after the first session as they feel understood and that they have support and holding during their exploration of their symptoms. I help clients to accept that they...
Erin Galt
The 'when' for client progress is dependent upon a range of individual factors including but not limited to client readiness for change, the client's level of insight into their difficulty, and...
Giulia Fiore
Progress is made from increasing self-awareness and adopting more helpful behaviours and thinking patterns. Some level of progress can emerge even before the first session, when someone makes the...
Elizabeth Fairbanks
It depends on the presentation, but most of my clients start to gain some level of clarity about their situation after the first or second session. Clarity can make a big difference, as it brings with...
Miranda Fagan
This will be unique to each client is my first thought, however some other key points come to mind.
Clients experiencing progress may:
- be less critical and more accepting of themselves
- feel...
Lissette Endacott
Most clients can experience catharsis during a session through the engagement of the creative materials. Engaging in art therapy maybe a long term support in maintaining a sense of wellbeing.
Magdalena Jantac
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.
Conny Davis
It would be when the client feels that some of the issues that they presented with initially have started to subside and they have developed some insight and learnt new approaches to live a better...
Bronwyn Davies Glover
I believe the client will start to feel that progress is being made during the first session as we lay the groundwork and prepare for the journey together through a collaborative joining. In order to...
Amy Datyner
My goal is to ensure that the child/adolescent and their parents/caregiver feel understood and heard in the first assessment appointment, and that they have had a chance to formulate some initial...
Ivan Cunningham
Progress depends on the issues, severity of the problem and how open to change the client is. I work with the individual at their pace. At the end of the session, we gauge the progress they feel they...
Howard Colin-Thome
Clear progress is made when individuals present with less symptoms, better functioning and leading happier lives.
Mairead Cleary
When you start to see yourself responding differently to a situation, that's where the magic is.
Mary Cantrill
The timeline for change in couple and family therapy can vary widely depending on the unique dynamics and challenges present in each situation. It's important to recognise that therapy is a process,...
Kerstin Buccoliero
This is highly dependent on the client's reason for seeking counselling, very generalised 4-6 sessions can bring about a shift towards healing.
Sharon Bonello
A client usually feels some relief after sharing their story with me, it allows them to feel lighter and know that someone else is on that journey with them. Saying things out loud is very powerful...
Christine Bennett
From client feedback, I believe that a positive change may be experienced in one session. For maximum opportunity for this to occur I recommend that the first session be 90 minutes.
Sandy Beech
I think most individuals will begin to feel a shift the first time they have a session. I believe that when you sit and focus on feelings and notice how the body feels with awareness, old patterns...
Duda Baldwin
My clients often feel elevated and more aware of the underlying causes of their distress after their first session. As my counselling is an active process in which clients commit to do the work, they...
Heather Adams
I believe work in psychotherapy is about healing through the integration of psyche and body. When you attend for therapy, you may experience change from the beginning, or no big change for weeks or...
Janelle Wright
The client will feel that progress is made when they begin to understand themselves and others better and begin to feel kinder towards themselves. They may become aware of patterned responses they...
John Woodcock
Many feel progress is being made when they have gained some measure of control back in their personal lives. Others feel encouraged when their horizons have been broadened, i.e., when “stuck' or...
Michael Vaccaro
It's not easy to say that progress will be made at a certain time. This depends of the definition of progress, the persons engagement, what is coming up for them and how often they have a session....
Graeme James
Often people tell me that the first thing they feel is some relief from sharing their story and being heard in a non-judgemental relationship with me. I try to bring an empathic and gentle curiosity...
Michelle Lin
Honestly, I don't know. We recommend giving up 4-6 sessions before changing therapists but some people can feel progress is being made within the first session.
Personally, I've always felt some...
Mia Kennedy
In my experience every client is so different. I have found that my clients achieve progress best when we remain mindful to check-in around how the client will first measure progress. What will that...
Gabriele (Gabe) Marranci
In the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model context, the client's perception of progress varies depending on their circumstances and the specific therapy goals. Progress typically begins to manifest...
Andrew Lindsay
I think most people have a subjective experience or knowing whether something is overall going well or doing them good. I also help clients identify their goals and they get a sense of progress when...
April Lewis
Progress will of course vary from client to client, depending on the client's experience, history, their level of awareness and current circumstance. It can be very slow and extremely subtle, often...
Martin Hemsley
It is common for people to feel some relief from their symptoms at the first session. It is of course important to keep in mind that many issues are long-term and are connected to deep mythic...
Megan Haire
It is not realistic to expect instant results. Even though some people find one or two sessions completely resolves their issues, this is not the norm. Therapy requires a good match between the client...
Heather O'Neill
When I come up against a problem in the outside world, I think of my therapist. I imagine telling my therapist my problem and then make up different scenario outcomes, then choose the best one I think...
Oliver Brooke
The first time they access their Self and be with a part of them in a way they have never experienced before. It is transformational.
Dian Abdurachman
Different clients feel this at different times, needless to say.
They often feel that progress is being made when:
-They could trust the therapist and feel comfortable with the therapeutic...
Sonia Scussel
After the first session there is usually a feeling of relief, however the length of therapy depends on the issue, how long the issue has been there, how the client responds and other support available...
Carolyn Spillett
There is no one size fits all answer to this question. For some it may only take a few sessions for others they may start on one aspect and open up to others. Feedback from clients tells me that the...
Debra Sumner
Clients will feel progress is being made when they see the change in themselves
Mark Walker
From my experience, unless you come away from the first session having felt listened to, then perhaps the client-therapist match it's right. Progress in terms of achieving client goals, identifying...
Jon Nielsen
Many clients start to make progress even before they come to their first session! Just the act of making a booking shows courage and determination which can be a powerful force and motivation for...
Alicja Weidner
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....
Melis Topsahin
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...
Penelope Lovegrove
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...
Sophie Swart
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...
Denise Howells
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...
Volker Krohn
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...
Christina Kioulafas
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...
Robin Wilkinson
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...
Brian Whiter
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...
Steve White
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...
Natalie Incledon
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.
M.Rose Hoey
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...
Marcus Dally-Law
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...
Jane Devilliers
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...
Kate Culy
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.
Loretta Bell
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...
Tracy Clark
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...
Matt Dale
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...
Donna Neck
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.
Gregg Palmer
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.
Michelle McClintock
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...
Sigrid O'Callaghan
When painful and frightening emotions can be reflected on and find representations in language, dreams and creative endeavours.
Sarah Harwood
Perhaps after the working phase, and they start the mastery stage, where they start implementing strategies into their everyday life and relationships.
Natajsa Wagner
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...
Niki Gelekis
Once they are feeling safer within themselves and within their relationships.
Louise Jansz
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....
Neha Kapoor
It's challenging to pinpoint when a client will begin to sense progress, as it varies individually. Progress timelines are influenced by your unique concerns. After your initial session, we'll develop...
Brenda Rowlandson
When there has been enough safety and space created for their process to start 'percolating' , then insights arise in those spaces. Then clients begin to develop a beginning capacity for...
Kim Bailey
When the bond/therapuetic relationship is intentionally talked about in the room.
Rosie Burgess
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...
Mark McMahon
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...
Katie Watson
I feel that when the client starts noticing changes in their behaviour they will feel it is progressing.
Chris Chicoteau
Clients may feel progress is being made from the first session. This obviously increases over time as trust in the therapeutic relationship develops.
Tim Clark
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...
