How many psychology consultations are needed to see results?

Today, many people have heard of psychologists - whether through movies, magazine articles, or friends who’ve attended sessions, or even from personal experience. When I talk to people who aren’t professionally involved in psychology, I often hear the opinion that “going to a psychologist” is, pardon the expression, a “waste of time” or a frivolous expense. Some people might admit that maybe others could benefit from seeing a psychologist, but certainly not them. After all, why can’t they solve their own problems? Wouldn’t it be better to just grab a beer with a friend? But the results of such “therapy” will be quite different.

My previous article discussed who psychologists are and why people might seek their help. Here, I want to address how many sessions are actually needed.

The goal of this article is to explain what consultative work with a psychologist entails and how much time it typically takes.

For people in our region (Ukrainians, Russians, Belarusians), short-term therapy tends to be the most suitable. If you were to send someone from this cultural background to a course of psychoanalysis[1]—which can last several years—they’d likely struggle to see the point, especially if they have an urgent issue that such long-term therapy doesn’t immediately address. So why is short-term therapy a better fit for us? First, it aligns with our mentality. Second, there are economic reasons: not everyone can afford to spend three years in therapy, delving into their subconscious.

So, what is short-term therapy? It’s a series of sessions—usually 3–5 for a single issue. Why so many? Because first, the psychologist needs to establish trust with the client. It’s not easy for someone to open up about their emotional pain to a stranger. Additionally, the psychologist must conduct a diagnostic assessment to determine the best approach for working with that particular client. And let’s be honest—people don’t seek out a psychologist when a problem first arises; they come when it’s already become deeply troubling. Just as you can’t cure a cold in a day, you can’t resolve deep-seated emotional issues in a single session. That said, some relief can often be felt after the first meeting.

A single consultation may suffice only if the issue isn’t psychological. In such cases, a competent psychologist will refer you to the appropriate specialist—a lawyer, a doctor, etc.

A psychologist can estimate the number of sessions needed after the first consultation, though this number may change depending on how the work progresses. It’s important to understand that a psychologist isn’t a magician who can instantly make you happy and carefree. A psychologist is someone who will support you, understand you, guide you, and accept you as you are. They’ll help you find a way to solve your problem, but successful work requires your own desire and effort.

[1] Psychoanalysis – a school of psychotherapy founded by Sigmund Freud. Its main focus is on exploring the unconscious mind, early childhood traumas, etc. A typical course lasts about 5 years. (Not to be confused with the broader term “psychotherapy.”)

First published in Russian, 10-11-2011

Author: Maria Kul.