How frequently will I need to attend counseling sessions?
When beginning counseling, there can be a lot of unknowns. One of the most common questions that is asked by new clients is about how often they will be attending counseling sessions. The frequency of counseling sessions directly affects cost, so this is a great question.
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. Each client's needs, concerns, and treatment goals are different. Generally, there will need to be more sessions at first, so once a week or once every other week is preferred if at all possible. If sessions are further apart than two weeks, it can be difficult to get "traction," since inevitably, sessions will have to be missed on occasion, and more time will be spent "catching up" from the last session than digging deeper into the work that needs to be done in order to accomplish the treatment goals. Particularly where cost is an issue, however, clients should communicate their frequency concerns with their therapist, and the therapist will help find a schedule of sessions that is as affordable as possible while still supporting the treatment goals.
As clients progress and situations stabilize, sessions can be spaced further apart. Some clients may only need to "check in" monthly or as the need arises once they have reached their goals. It can be helpful to maintain this "check in" relationship, since the inevitable emotional and relational challenges of life will come up. When they do, having an established relationship with someone who "knows your story" and has walked with you before can help you approach new challenges in healthier ways.
At Abundant Life Counseling Services, client care is our top priority. We are honored when clients choose to allow us into their journey, particularly over extended periods of time, and want to do our best to "take good care of our people." We recognize that part of caring for folks well is helping them to stay within what is manageable financially. If finances would prohibit you from having the frequency of sessions that is needed, please let us know, and we will explore alternatives with you.
If you still have questions, we encourage you to reach out to us. We will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Here's to healing,
The Abundant Life Counselors
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. Each client's needs, concerns, and treatment goals are different. Generally, there will need to be more sessions at first, so once a week or once every other week is preferred if at all possible. If sessions are further apart than two weeks, it can be difficult to get "traction," since inevitably, sessions will have to be missed on occasion, and more time will be spent "catching up" from the last session than digging deeper into the work that needs to be done in order to accomplish the treatment goals. Particularly where cost is an issue, however, clients should communicate their frequency concerns with their therapist, and the therapist will help find a schedule of sessions that is as affordable as possible while still supporting the treatment goals.
As clients progress and situations stabilize, sessions can be spaced further apart. Some clients may only need to "check in" monthly or as the need arises once they have reached their goals. It can be helpful to maintain this "check in" relationship, since the inevitable emotional and relational challenges of life will come up. When they do, having an established relationship with someone who "knows your story" and has walked with you before can help you approach new challenges in healthier ways.
At Abundant Life Counseling Services, client care is our top priority. We are honored when clients choose to allow us into their journey, particularly over extended periods of time, and want to do our best to "take good care of our people." We recognize that part of caring for folks well is helping them to stay within what is manageable financially. If finances would prohibit you from having the frequency of sessions that is needed, please let us know, and we will explore alternatives with you.
If you still have questions, we encourage you to reach out to us. We will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Here's to healing,
The Abundant Life Counselors