Knowledge bank: How long does therapy take?
Sessions, frequency and knowing when you’re ready to finish · A plain-language guide from Core Psychology in Calgary
There’s no set number of sessions. It depends on what you’d like help with, your goals and how things change along the way. Many people notice some benefit within the first several sessions.
AT A GLANCE
- 01Sessions are usually 50 minutes, with 80-minute options
- 02Many people start weekly or every two weeks, then space sessions out
- 03You decide the pace, and can review it at any time
Therapy isn’t a fixed program. Your clinician will check in with you about progress and adjust the plan together.
01 · What affects the length
Every path looks a little different.
Some people come for a handful of sessions to work through one concern. Others prefer longer-term support. Things that can affect length include:
- What you’d like help with and your goals
- How long a concern has been present
- Whether there are several things going on at once
- Stress, support and changes in your life
- The approach you and your clinician use
- How often you’re able to attend
02 · How therapy often unfolds
A rough shape, not a timetable.
- GETTING STARTED
Talking through what brings you in, what you’d like to change and how you’d like to work together.
- BUILDING SKILLS
Learning new ways to understand and respond to thoughts, feelings and patterns.
- PRACTISING
Trying things out between sessions and noticing what helps.
- SPACING OUT
As things improve, sessions often become less frequent before finishing.
03 · Finishing therapy
Finishing therapy
Ending well is part of the work.
It’s your choice
You can pause, space out or finish therapy whenever you choose.
Plan the ending
Talking about finishing helps you leave with a plan for staying well.
Check-ins are welcome
Some people return for a few sessions during a stressful time.
If it isn’t working
Say so. Your clinician can adjust the approach or help you find a better fit.
Research suggests the relationship between client and therapist is one of the strongest predictors of how helpful therapy is (Norcross & Lambert, 2018, Psychotherapy, 55(4), 303-315).
04 · Common questions
Your questions about how long therapy takes, answered.
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How often should I come?
Many people start weekly or every two weeks. Your clinician can suggest what may suit your goals, schedule and budget.
How long is each session?
Sessions are 50 minutes, and 80-minute sessions are also available. See our fees page for details.
What if my benefits only cover a few sessions?
Let your clinician know. You can plan sessions around your coverage, space them out or focus on specific goals.
Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better?
Talking about hard things can bring up difficult feelings at first. If this happens, tell your clinician so you can adjust the pace together.
What if I need help right now?
If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 any time, or call 911.
Ready to get started?
Our client care coordinator can match you with a clinician whose experience fits what you’d like help with, in Marda Loop or online across Alberta.
Have a few questions first? A complimentary 15-minute consultation is available if you’d like one. It’s optional, and you’re welcome to book your first session directly.
Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 9am to 3pm