How Long Does Therapy Take?

What affects how long therapy lasts?

A few things shape the timeline:

• What brings you in. A recent stressor, like a move or a job change, is often more focused than a long-standing pattern in relationships or mood.
• Your goals. Some people want relief from one problem. Others want to understand themselves more deeply. Both are valid, and they tend to take different amounts of time.
• The approach. Some approaches are more structured, with skills taught over a set number of weeks. Others are more open-ended. DBT, for example, often includes a skills group that follows a set curriculum, while IFS tends to move at the pace of what comes up in session.
• Life outside of therapy. Practicing new skills between sessions, sleep, support from people around you, and other demands on your time all play a part.

How long is a session, and how often do people meet?

At Roots, sessions typically last 50 minutes. Many people start by meeting weekly, which gives enough time to build trust and momentum. As things feel steadier, some people move to every other week, then monthly check-ins.

There is no rule that you have to keep the same schedule the whole time. You and your clinician can adjust it as your needs change.

How do I know if therapy is working?

Progress does not always look like a straight line. Some weeks feel like big steps forward, and some feel harder. Signs that therapy is helping can include:

• Noticing your reactions a little sooner than you used to.
• Using a new skill in a moment that would have overwhelmed you before.
• Feeling more understood, by yourself or by people close to you.
• Having conversations that used to feel impossible.

If you are not sure therapy is helping, say so. A good clinician wants to hear it. Sometimes a change in focus, approach, or even clinician makes a real difference, and at Roots we will help you find a better fit if you need one.

When is it time to end therapy?

Ending therapy is something you plan together, not something that happens suddenly. Many people wrap up when they have reached the goals they came in with, feel confident using the skills they have learned, or simply feel ready. Some people taper off by spacing out sessions before stopping.

You can always come back. Many people return for a few sessions during a later life change, and that is a normal part of how therapy works over a lifetime.

People also ask

Can therapy be short-term? Yes. Some people come in for a few sessions to work through one specific situation. Your clinician can talk with you about whether a shorter, focused plan fits your goals.

Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better? Talking about hard things can stir up feelings, especially early on. That is common, and it is worth telling your clinician so you can adjust the pace together.

Does insurance limit how many sessions I can have? It depends on your plan. Some plans have limits or require authorization. We can confirm whether your insurance is accepted, and it is your responsibility to verify your coverage and benefits with your plan. See our insurance page.

Can I do therapy online? Yes. Roots offers telehealth therapy by secure video anywhere in Utah, with the same session length as in person.

How Roots can help

Whether you are looking for a few focused sessions or longer-term support, our clinicians will work with you on a plan that fits. Learn more about individual counseling, or read our guide to preparing for your first counseling session.

Ready to reach out?

Call (435) 233-2240, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or send a message through our contact page. New clients can usually get a first appointment within a week or two.