Feeling Stuck? We’ve all felt like we’re giving 110% to our treatment but not improving. If that sounds like you, you might benefit from increasing frequency. While weekly sessions are great, consider seeing your therapist twice a week to gain momentum and focus. There’s no “right answer,” but this article breaks down how to answer the big question: how often should you see your therapist?
How many therapy sessions should I go to per week?
What works for you may not be effective for another person. Sometimes you need more therapy sessions per week than others. Most people benefit from seeing their therapist once weekly. It gives you time to process what you’re learning and implement helpful tools between sessions. However, if you find yourself in crisis or facing extremely challenging circumstances, multiple sessions per week may be beneficial (e.g., 2–3).
According to recent polls, over 40% of adults experienced anxiety/depression symptoms. If you’re searching for Albuquerque, NM, psychotherapists near you, try to find one close to your home or office. That way, you won’t have to travel too far if you decide to go more than once a week. Is therapy not working for you? Try increasing your session frequency with your current provider.
Research even suggests that more frequent sessions help you make progress faster, especially during the first three months. Patients who received mental health therapy services twice per week experienced larger decreases in depression than patients who only attended one session weekly.
Benefits of Regular Therapy Sessions
Why should you consider attending therapy sessions regularly?
Gain emotional healing faster.
“How often do people go to therapy?” We can answer that. Once a week is typical for answering that question. However, sometimes we need more frequent therapy sessions. Life happens, emotions can become raw again, and old patterns arise when you need them the least. Having more than one session a week allows you to work on these feelings when they occur. You won’t let things bottle up, which can lead to more intense emotions. You’ll also create momentum and stay on track with your goals.
Stay accountable
Staying on track with our goals is difficult, but having a couple of sessions per week allows you to hold yourself accountable. You have someone to check in with and ensure you’re giving yourself the time you deserve. More therapy sessions remind you to take action on becoming your best self. The last thing you want is to waste your therapist’s time, right? Create that feeling of failure, so you’ll never miss another therapy session.
Build a stronger relationship with your therapist.
Growing a solid connection with your therapist takes work, time, and commitment. Meeting multiple times weekly helps you connect more effectively, making it easier to share and grow.
Drawbacks of Frequent Sessions
As previously mentioned, there is no right or wrong answer to how often you should attend therapy. But, as with anything in moderation, too many therapy sessions can be just as concerning. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best frequency for your situation.
For example, if you’re going to your job multiple times a week at your employer’s expense, that could be a problem. However, if you’re taking too many sessions and neglecting other priorities, that could be disruptive. Again, find what works best for you and your therapist.
When Is It Ideal to Attend Multiple Therapy Sessions?
There are certain circumstances where a person attending more than one therapy session per week can be especially helpful. Here are some examples to consider.
Attending IOPs
You can’t always halt your life because of mental health. However, if you need more assistance than weekly counseling provides, IOPs are a great option. An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, means you will be receiving therapy services a few times a week. They are great for people who need extra help with situations such as drug addictions, depression, or anxiety.
Going to psychoanalytic or Depth therapy
Did you know it takes time to understand how our brain works? When you go to psychoanalytic sessions or “depth” therapy, you typically attend 2+ sessions weekly. This allows your therapist to dig deeper into what may be subconsciously driving your emotions. Depth therapy is ideal if you are willing to put in the time and work on your problems.
Couple’s or family counseling
Relationships take work, and sometimes they require even more attention when there is hurt involved. Whether you are trying to build trust, improve communication, or work through a divorce, couples counseling can be beneficial when done frequently. Family counseling might be ideal if you need someone to keep the kids accountable. Couples or family counseling is great because it allows time for implementation and processing.
How to Prepare Yourself to Go Multiple Times A Week
If you're considering increasing your therapy session frequency, here are a few ways to prepare for more frequent appointments.
Managing Your Time
One of the hardest parts about doing multiple activities is finding time in our busy schedules. Therapy is no different. Take a look at your schedule and find times you know you can SET APART for sessions. Maybe you could wake up 30 minutes earlier? Or take your therapist session during your lunch break? Think about how you can manage your time to benefit you and your therapist.
Preparing your budget
Like with most things in life, therapy can get pricey. If you know you will be going to sessions multiple times per week, try to budget accordingly. Do you have insurance that covers therapy? Do they offer a “sliding-scale?” Some therapists even offer discounts for you if you visit more than once a week. Assess your expenses and see where you can cut back if therapy is putting a strain on your bank account.
Researching your therapist
As with any profession, you will want to find a therapist who suits your needs. And when you’re going multiple times a week, you’ll want to feel comfortable with them. Check whether they specialize in what you need help with and feel you’ll reach your goals with them. Ask about their therapy style in your consultation. A good therapist will work with you on the frequency of therapy sessions and what you can realistically handle.
Final Thoughts: How Often Should I Go to Therapy?
How often you attend therapy depends on you. Some need it monthly, some daily. Try different frequencies and see what works. Choose what feels best with you and your therapist.
If you think you could benefit from frequent therapy, Odyssey Counseling is here to help. Feel free to contact us today to ask any questions you may have.
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