Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

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.

Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.

Only the client will know this and it varies greatly as there are a multitude of factors that influence 'progress'.

Within a few sessions.

Within a few sessions.

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

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,...

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, relationships, or new perspectives can also signal change. Progress varies, but regular reviews help clients recognise their growth and build confidence in the process. I also conduct periodic assessment using tools like K-10.

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.

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...

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 with someone who will hear them, and is actively in their corner, working on solutions with them.

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...

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 not, working for them. I can make no guarantee about when a client might feel progress will be made but if we stay in close relational contact then together we can begin to understand what will work best for each client.

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...

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 and downs and clients wonder if therapy is actually helping. Then I think there tend to be more wins and some progress, and over time realistic expectations of therapy emerge (i.e., that it is really helpful... over time... and not all at once but incrementally).

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.

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.

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...

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 benefiting from counselling, and if the work we are doing together is showing progress in the way you wanted. However, it is my role as a counsellor to facilitate this process while sitting by your side providing the safe trusting space you need to spread your wings and fly.

When they start getting to know their own mind better.

When they start getting to know their own mind better.

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...

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 sessions are best for at least 3-6 months. Easing off to fortnightly for another 3- 6 months is good. Some people will need weekly sessions for 1-2 years. It takes a while for a therapist to get a good sense of someone and their life, and it takes time for client to fully trust and speak openly and truthfully to a therapist without falling into shame and self-loathing. It’s okay that clients move tentatively to begin with. However, I consider that progress is being made when someone is willing to self-reflect without beating themselves up all the time. When banished emotions are reclaimed, people are truly moving towards healing.

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...

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 shift in their awareness, understanding, or feelings about their circumstances. This could manifest as a deeper sense of self-awareness, a new perspective on a long-standing issue, or a greater capacity to manage difficult emotions. Often, progress is felt when clients start to experience a sense of connection—both with themselves and with others—enabling them to make meaning from their experiences in new ways. Small but significant changes, like feeling more understood, having a safe space to explore difficult topics, or beginning to access self-compassion and self-acceptance, can signal the start of meaningful progress. It is about creating an environment where the client feels safe, supported, and empowered to explore their inner world and move towards healing at their own pace.

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...

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 understood, communicating more effectively, or gaining new insights about themselves. Progress can also be felt in those “lightbulb moments” where things start to click. My approach focuses on achievable steps and steady improvements, so you’ll likely feel the impact as we work through challenges together, building confidence and momentum along the way.

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.

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.

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...

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 indicators that often signal when a client begins to feel that progress is being made. Typically, clients start to notice progress when they begin to feel more self-aware and connected to their thoughts and emotions. This often occurs after they’ve engaged with the therapeutic process for a few sessions, allowing time to build a trusting relationship and explore the issues at hand. When clients start recognizing patterns in their behaviour and thought processes and feel more equipped to manage challenges using the tools and strategies we’ve discussed, they often report a sense of movement and improvement. For some, progress is felt when they begin to experience relief from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or relationship conflict. This might happen as they learn new coping strategies or when they start implementing small, manageable changes in their daily lives that lead to noticeable differences in how they feel and interact with others. Clients may also feel a sense of progress when they start to achieve the goals they set at the beginning of therapy, whether that’s improved communication in relationships, greater emotional regulation, or enhanced self-esteem. These tangible achievements can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and validation that the work they’re doing in therapy is making a real impact. It’s important to remember that progress is not always linear, and there may be ups and downs along the way. However, as clients continue to engage with the therapeutic process, they typically find that their capacity for self-compassion, resilience, and personal growth increases, leading to a deeper and more sustained sense of progress over time.

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...

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 what the client needs, what context this need has emerged from, and what I believe we can do together to address. However, I believe that even in this process of laying the ground work the client should feel that they are beginning to make progress, even if it just by clarifying their own intention and commitment to the process of change.

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 start to suffer less and move 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.

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...

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 progress is felt as self-awareness and self-compassion begins to grow.

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...

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 progress. After that, it depends on the kinds of conversations we have. It can take many sessions to fully understand some of our more entrenched beliefs while other times someone may bring something difficult but immediate and we make progress on it that same day.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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...

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 to what wants to happen now and take the next natural step. That’s all.” I think that meaningful progress happens whenever the client is able to be present moment to moment to what is arising within themselves and between us. I work hard to support this in every meeting with the client.

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...

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 themselves and in the world.

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...

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 a sense as we go of if things are getting better for you.

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 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.

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.

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.

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...

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 understood and really heard what their experience has been. Others won't feel they have made progress until they have a significant insight into how they got here, and are able to start working on the attached feelings.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

Usually within sessions 1-3.

Usually within sessions 1-3.

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,.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.