How Often Should You Go To Therapy?
How often should you go to therapy? It’s like asking how many scoops of ice cream you should eat – it depends on your appetite for change!
Thinking about therapy but scratching your head over the details? You’re not alone!
Lots of folks wonder about finding a therapist, what fancy letters should come after their name, and how often they should plop down on that comfy couch.
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all t-shirt.
It’s more like a custom-tailored suit, fitted just for you and your unique life story.
A couple trying to patch things up might need fortnightly sessions.
Someone battling the blues might need weekly or even twice-weekly check-ins.
But don’t sweat it!
You and your therapist will team up to create a game plan that fits you like a glove.
Curious about what goes into cooking up this plan?
Stick around, because I’m about to spill the beans on all the juicy details!
The Therapy Tango: How Often Should You Hit the Dance Floor?
Your therapy journey is as unique as your fingerprint.
But there are a few key steps in this mental health dance. Let’s break it down:
Pick Your Dance Style (AKA Therapy Type)
Some shrinks are like DJs, mixing different therapy styles.
Others stick to one groove, like a classical pianist.
Your choice of therapy sets the rhythm for how often you’ll boogie.
For example, trauma therapy is like learning a complicated salsa routine.
It takes time, sweat, and maybe even tears.
You might need to practice twice a week or extend your dance lesson to 90 minutes.
Don’t know which dance to pick? No worries!
Most therapy sessions happen weekly or every other week.
You can always chat with your therapist about what feels right for you.
How Committed Are You to Busting a Move?
Your commitment to therapy is like your dedication to learning a new dance.
The more you practice between lessons, the faster you’ll improve.
Therapy isn’t just about chatting on a couch.
It’s about taking those nuggets of wisdom and applying them in your daily life.
If you’re all in, ready to practice your new mental health moves every day, you might not need as many formal lessons.
But if you need more hand-holding (and that’s totally okay!), more frequent sessions might be your jam.
What’s in Your Wallet?
Let’s face it – therapy is an investment in your mental health piggy bank.
But like any investment, it costs money.
If your budget’s tighter than skinny jeans, you might need to space out your sessions.
But don’t let that stop you!
A good therapist is like a savvy financial advisor for your mind.
They can help you find creative ways to get the support you need without breaking the bank.
Maybe you do two sessions a month, with quick phone check-ins in between.
Or they might point you towards a support group for extra help.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Your Therapist’s Day Planner
Remember, your therapist is human too (surprise!).
They’ve got their own schedule to juggle.
When you’re therapist shopping, ask about their availability.
Some might be busier than a bee in a flower garden.
But here’s a secret – a busy therapist isn’t always a bad thing.
They might schedule their sessions with more purpose, helping you get more bang for your buck.
A good therapist is like a good host – they give you their full attention when it’s your turn.
They won’t overbook themselves and leave you feeling rushed.
What’s Your Mental Health Menu?
Different mental health issues are like different recipes – some take longer to cook than others.
Childhood trauma or anxiety might be like a slow-cooked stew, needing more time and attention.
A specific work issue might be more like a quick stir-fry.
It might be hard to hear that your issue needs more time in the oven.
But remember, good mental health is worth the wait!
Where Are You on Your Journey?
Think of therapy like learning to ride a bike.
At first, you might need training wheels and lots of practice.
But as you get better, you’ll need less support.
If you’re just starting out or going through a rough patch, you might need more frequent check-ins.
But if you’ve been at it for a while and feeling stable, you might only need monthly tune-ups.
The Final Therapy Takeaway
So there you have it – the inside scoop on how often to hit the therapy couch.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
It’s all about finding what works for you.
If you’re just dipping your toes in the therapy pool, weekly sessions are a great place to start.
But the most important thing? Finding a therapist you click with.
Once you’ve found your mental health match, you can work together to create a plan that fits you like your favorite pair of comfy slippers.
So go ahead, take that first step.
Your future, happier self will thank you!
Author: Michelle Landeros, LMFT
Michelle Landeros is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). She is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families thrive.