HOW TREATMENT/THERAPY WORKS

Psychological treatment (talk therapy) involves talking about yourself and your experiences in ways that encourage you to gain understanding, explore different perspectives, process difficult emotions, develop new skills, and commit to meaningful changes. Many people find that treatment leads to valuable positive changes in their lives as they learn, heal, and grow.

Treatment is most successful and effective when you and your psychologist work together collaboratively toward clear treatment goals. Your psychologist will rely on your input about your treatment needs, goals, and progress, in order to offer their expertise in suggesting strategies to promote and protect your mental health. It is important that you participate in each session, and prepare and practice between sessions. The more effort and perseverance that you invest in your treatment, the more you are likely to benefit from your treatment. 

Psychological treatment strategies are intended to create changes in your thinking, behaviour, and feelings - and at times you might find these experiences challenging or uncomfortable. It is important that you discuss any negative effects, problems, or concerns with your psychologist. 

Individual treatment sessions are typically 50 minutes long, and couple or family sessions are typically 80 minutes long. Your psychologist will consider this as a ‘clinical hour’ in their schedule, with 10 minutes reserved after your appointment to write session notes, conceptualize treatment strategies, prepare resources, and complete other professional tasks related to your care.

Every person will have their own unique experience in therapy, but many clients begin to notice positive changes and benefits after 3 – 5 sessions. The frequency and duration of therapy depend on the treatment goals and plan that you create with your psychologist, and on your practices between sessions. You might only need a few targeted sessions to resolve a specific issue – or you might choose to address a problem that is somewhat more complex, severe, or long-standing, with 10 or 20 treatment sessions – or you might develop a longer-term therapy relationship, with some sessions every year to maintain and improve your lifelong mental health. 

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