By: Kari Mika-Lude
The American Psychological Association
(APA) defines therapy as “a collaborative treatment based on the relationship
between an individual and a [therapist]”.
Therapist is a general term
used to describe professional counselors, psychologists, social workers, and
even psychiatrists who provide therapy services. Other terms, such as counseling and psychotherapy,
are often used interchangeably and, for the most part, mean the same
thing.
To put it more simply, therapy is simply
partnering with a professional to work through particular symptoms or
stressors. And I emphasize the word work because therapy can be tough! The role of the therapist is to offer
guidance, support, and encouragement through the use of evidence-based
treatment strategies. The therapist’s
responsibility is to push clients to think for themselves, make their own
choices, and work through their healing.
If the therapist does all the problem-solving, the client then becomes
dependent on the therapist for answers and advice. Not good!
That
brings me to how long therapy takes.
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that question. The duration of therapy depends on a number
of factors, including the severity of symptoms, the frequency of sessions, and
how much work the client is willing to put into the process. I often tell my clients that I, like any good
therapist, is always working my way out of a job. I say that because the most basic goal of
therapy is to no longer need therapy.
However, the therapist can only do so much. We’re not magicians or wizards (although that
would be cool), and there is no magic wand.
The bottom line is that therapy takes time and effort. The clients who get the most out of it are
those who come in ready to participate in self-exploration, put in the work,
and move toward change. If that’s you,
and you’d like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me, call or text (304)
760-9945 or email info@aspire-counseling.org!
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