The decision to see a therapist or psychologist is deeply personal and varies from person to person. Some people start therapy for help navigating a major life event like a divorce or to get support after experiencing a traumatic experience. Other people start seeing a therapist because there is an area of life that is becoming harder to manage (for example, a difficult work environment or an impending breakup). Mental health difficulties like anxiety, depression, or panic attacks are also a common reason people seek out therapy.

When you’ve had a negative experience with therapy it can be hard to give it another chance. You might find yourself wondering “Why would I go through all the work of meeting a new therapist and it's just as unhelpful as the last time?” We get that and we’ve even had a few of those experiences ourselves when finding our own therapists.

One of the most important elements of successful therapy is the “fit” between therapist and client. The therapist-client relationship is essential for a successful therapy experience. At P.S. Therapy, we know how important it is for you to find a therapist who gets you and with whom you can build a strong working relationship. That's why we offer a free 20-minute phone consultation so you can get to know your therapist before committing to an initial session with them.

The length of therapy is dependent on a few different factors. Specifically, the length of therapy depends on the problem, the treatment, and therapist/client preference.

Some clients start therapy with a specific problem they want to address and want to work solely on addressing that issue with a more structured approach to treatment. This type of therapy can last anywhere from a few weeks to six months.

Other clients begin therapy for help with one or more general areas of their life and once those problems are resolved, they stay in therapy to work on additional areas of their life. In this scenario, the length of therapy is up to the client and the therapist to decide. A client might decide to stay with a therapist for a year+ if they have a strong therapeutic relationship with their therapist and are experiencing personal growth. Some of us have been with our own personal therapists for many years. This isn’t because of lack of progress but because we feel deeply known and understood by our therapists and continually experience personal growth.

Whether your therapy lasts three months or three years, our goal as therapists is to equip you with the tools you need to make meaningful change in your life and grow through your relationship with us.

Selecting a therapist is an important decision. You'll want to find someone you feel comfortable with and whose approach to therapy is a good match for you. Be sure to interview more than one person and ask a lot of questions. Also, be honest about your needs and seek out a therapist who can best support you. Finally, consider location if you are doing in-person therapy instead of telehealth. Most of our clients meet with us weekly for sessions, so it's important to select a therapist whose office location is convenient for you. Check out our blog post: 4 Tips for Finding a Therapist (From a Therapist).