Long-Term Rewards of Sticking with Online Therapy
One of the most common questions prospective clients ask is, “How long will it take to see results from therapy?”. While therapy is for more than alleviating symptoms of a mental health condition, the long-term rewards of therapy equip individuals with the strategies and tools to handle future challenges and continue personal growth outside of the therapeutic context.
Therapy is a journey, not a race. The timeline for experiencing results from therapy varies widely from person to person and largely depends on several factors. To benefit from the long-term rewards of therapy, factors such as type of therapy, the nature and severity of the person’s issues, personal history, current life circumstances, and most importantly, their commitment and engagement in the therapeutic process can have a big effect on success.
In general, many people start to see some form of improvement after a few sessions, which can range from a shift in perspective to a reduction in symptoms.
Research suggests that approximately 50% of patients in psychotherapy start to see significant improvements after about 8-10 sessions. However, someone may benefit from regular therapy sessions for more complex or severe issues over several months or even years.
How long will it take to see the benefits of therapy?
The answer is individual to each person, dependent on various factors, including the nature and severity of the problems, the individual’s unique circumstances, and their commitment to the therapeutic process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that typically operates on a shorter timeline, with treatment often ranging from 5-20 sessions. CBT is goal-oriented and focused on helping patients understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful actions or feelings.
What is the goal of therapy?
It’s important to note that the goal of CBT therapy isn’t just to alleviate symptoms but to equip individuals with the strategies and tools to handle future challenges and continue personal growth outside of the therapeutic context. So, even after managing symptoms, many will continue therapy for ongoing support and development.
When adhered to consistently, CBT can produce profound changes, empowering you to become your own therapist. This isn’t to say you won’t need professional guidance – the role of a therapist is critical in providing structure, feedback, and expert navigation through the complexities of human thought and emotion.
However, CBT can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your mental health independently, making it a sustainable long-term solution.
How is CBT therapy different from other talk therapies, like counselling?
The beauty of CBT is that it fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and resilience. The skills you learn through CBT can be applied to various situations throughout your life, giving you the capability to navigate through future challenges independently.
The strategies used in CBT—such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and mindfulness—become integrated into your everyday life. With consistent practice, these skills become second nature, acting as a mental health toolkit you can access whenever needed.
Moreover, the long-term benefits of online therapy are not confined to alleviating symptoms. The process can lead to increased self-awareness, improved relationships, greater resilience, and overall personal growth. The positive changes you experience can reverberate across different areas of your life.
The benefits of online therapy
While the journey might seem long at the onset, it’s important to remember that each step in therapy, no matter how small it appears, is progress.
The skills you learn in therapy, how you grow, and the self-understanding you gain are lifelong assets that pay dividends far into the future.
Online therapy can also provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. The convenience and accessibility of online treatment can help to make the process more manageable, allowing you to engage in therapy sessions without the added stress of travel or fitting appointments into a busy schedule.
Therapy, particularly CBT, is not just about addressing immediate concerns. It’s about empowering you with the skills and insights to manage your mental health long-term, with or without a therapist. So, while it might take some time to see the results, the long-term rewards of sticking with online therapy are vast and enduring.
Remember, your journey is unique, and each step forward, no matter how small, is a significant stride towards lasting mental wellbeing and emotional resilience.
