Help How Long does Therapy take to Kick In?

[LonelyDude15]

I set up a whole bunch of consultations over the next two weeks to find a therapist that I'm comfortable with. Any idea how long I can expect to wait before I stop feeling absolutely terrible?

 

[Life_and_Death]

depends on the person. ive been working on myself for a few years and im finally not really feeling suicidal anymore

 

[MichaelNomad123]

It's important not to expect miracles. Recovery takes time and that can be frustrating at the onset. Remember that your therapist is human too. They are not perfect and not every therapist will mix well with you. I have been through a handful in my time and I only really related to one or two.

The best advice I can give you going into a therapy session is to be open and honest. Be kind to yourself and approach the situation productively, like you're fixing a car or a computer. I remember that in my initial few sessions I felt frustrated that it ended too soon but try to think long term and think about the weight of the baggage that you're carrying around.

It depends on the type of therapist you are seeing, but if they are legally permitted to prescribe medication, they may give you something or refer you to someone to get something to take the edge off. Whether you wish to take medication should be entirely up to you. Do not feel pressured. I have taken medication once in my life when I left school. I decided to keep an open mind and tried it, but realized that it wasn't for me. It's okay to make that choice.

Good luck, trust in time and steel yourself. Remember that what you're experiencing isn't forever. It will pass and you will feel more functional.

 

[BPD Barbie]

Depends a lot on you as well. Therapy is a 2 way street and requires a lot of effort from you to work. It isn't a miracle cure, it takes time, hard work and dedication to see results.

 

[Ghost2211]

For me it helped pretty fast. After a week or two even. We clicked well though, and I was very open to help. It really depends on the therapist and you. It's not like taking a med.

 

[Nymph]

Depends how motivated you're on changing your mindset

 

[k75]

Unfortunately, therapy isn't predictable like meds are. You can't be like, it takes 2-4 weeks to build up in your system and take effect. I wish you could! That's one reason why it's recommended to do both, and most places also work with psychiatrists/prescribers.

There are a lot of factors to consider with therapy. An important thing is what you need to get out of it. Some people really just need to talk and vent to someone, and if that's the case, it could start working after the second session. (Second because first sessions are really just paperwork and introductions.) Therapy is going to make a difference a lot sooner in that instance than it would to someone who has to work through years of trauma. A lot depends on if you're open to it and motivated or just going because you have to.

Whatever the case, I hope you feel better soon. Good luck!

 

[XYZ]

It's all very subjective and it depends on one's ability and willingness to get better. It also depends on the patient's personal chemistry with the therapist.

I don't think there's an easy answer to your question as there are too many variables.

Therapy is a process which you go through. No one can tell you how little or how long time to need to complete the process. Or if you will complete it with success.

I do wish all the best and hope you find a good therapist who can help you get well soon.

Remember that what you're experiencing isn't forever. It will pass and you will feel more functional.

Unless the op suffers from a progressive or chronic condition, in which case you can't tell them "it will pass".

 

[MichaelNomad123]

Unless the op suffers from a progressive or chronic condition, in which case you can't tell them "it will pass".

That's absolutely right. I was remiss to leave that out. I made an assumption that what they were experiencing was something garden-variety. I'll amend my post. Cheers.

*Nevermind, no I won't, because I can't edit my old posts apparently. Derp

 

[XYZ]

That's absolutely right. I was remiss to leave that out. I made an assumption that what they were experiencing was something garden-variety. I'll amend my post. Cheers.

*Nevermind, no I won't, because I can't edit my old posts apparently. Derp

I hope my post didn't seem hostile. It's not you, it's me I've suffered from GAD since I was 12 and I am now middle-aged. Guess what? It never passed. In fact, I now have a long list of other illnesses that stemmed from GAD. If I had a penny for all the times family, friends and docs told me it will pass, I'd be a millionaire.

I'm over sensitive when it comes to "it will pass". I know it does for a lot of people, but it trivialises and downplays the reality of those for whom it never does.

Thanx for your reply All the best to you.

 

[Chupacabra 44]

I'm not super experienced with the quantity of therapists. I saw one for 12 visits, and another for weekly visits for over one year.

From my experience, for myself, it was somewhat random when the therapist would state something that increased my knowledge base. Frankly, I'm unsure I went in with the proper approach as I looked at the process as an intellectual endeavor and I controlled the entire direction of the sessions - just part of my disfunction. I would worry all week what I would discuss and I completely controlled the narrative during my sessions. Doubt this was a good approach.

In my case, the most valuable insight was obtained after around nine months. But, had I been harping on this particular topic at month one, the therapist would have added value then.

 

[sufferingalways]

It's important not to expect miracles. Recovery takes time and that can be frustrating at the onset. Remember that your therapist is human too. They are not perfect and not every therapist will mix well with you. I have been through a handful in my time and I only really related to one or two.

The best advice I can give you going into a therapy session is to be open and honest. Be kind to yourself and approach the situation productively, like you're fixing a car or a computer. I remember that in my initial few sessions I felt frustrated that it ended too soon but try to think long term and think about the weight of the baggage that you're carrying around.

It depends on the type of therapist you are seeing, but if they are legally permitted to prescribe medication, they may give you something or refer you to someone to get something to take the edge off. Whether you wish to take medication should be entirely up to you. Do not feel pressured. I have taken medication once in my life when I left school. I decided to keep an open mind and tried it, but realized that it wasn't for me. It's okay to make that choice.

Good luck, trust in time and steel yourself. Remember that what you're experiencing isn't forever. It will pass and you will feel more functional.

I agree with the point about not everyone relating with you.
I had a couple who were a bad fit. interestingly they were private.

It's frustrating after this point to look again for a suitable one ..but I suggest make a list of what you want in a therapy dr.
There's a few blogs that suggest ways to search too so type in "how to find a good counsellor "

"What type of therapy do I need?"
You'd be surprised how many there are. I like person centred and holistic approach but have a look around see what's available either on face video chat or (if permitted ) in person.
Good luck! It wore me out so much I needed a three hour sleep after I got home (my Mattress in living room was put to use often) but the reduction of head mess was priceless.
Also "what type of needs?" for counsellor search, eg trauma, any mental health illness, bereavement .. etc.

 

[goodbyebunny]

Nobody can give you a timeframe for when you'll feel better. It really depends, like the others here have said. However, I'm sure there's a chance it will help you at least a bit.

 

[ihnaus419]

I set up a whole bunch of consultations over the next two weeks to find a therapist that I'm comfortable with. Any idea how long I can expect to wait before I stop feeling absolutely terrible?

It really depends on what the source of your problems are and your individual story. Some people find benefit within just a few weeks. Others take months. Others take years. And some don't find relief (but that's a very small group. don't immediately cast yourself into it).

Personally, I started seeing a therapist three or four years ago for my depression and lack of coping skills. While I have had moments where I felt like I made progress, those successes seemed to fade into irrelevancy long-term, and nothing has really helped me. I have mostly given up on therapy, except for the free counseling my uni offers.

I hope my case doesn't become yours and that you find relief. Therapy really can help a lot of people, and will probably help you. Going into it with an open mindset is the best way to start.

I hope my post didn't seem hostile. It's not you, it's me I've suffered from GAD since I was 12 and I am now middle-aged. Guess what? It never passed. In fact, I now have a long list of other illnesses that stemmed from GAD. If I had a penny for all the times family, friends and docs told me it will pass, I'd be a millionaire.

I'm over sensitive when it comes to "it will pass". I know it does for a lot of people, but it trivialises and downplays the reality of those for whom it never does.

Thanx for your reply All the best to you.

I also hate when people say "it gets better" or "it will pass". I'm autistic, so I've had to come to terms with knowing some things will never pass, but rather my ability to cope with them will get better. It's usually a very dismissive comment coming from someone who means well, but doesn't understand the depth of your situation.

 

[Gaybonez]

I set up a whole bunch of consultations over the next two weeks to find a therapist that I'm comfortable with. Any idea how long I can expect to wait before I stop feeling absolutely terrible?

Weeks, years, months, never. It depends on a lot of things, such as whether or not you put in the effort and on whether the therapist is good or not. Additionally, some sadness like in Bipolar can't exactly be solved with therapy.

 

[LonelyDude15]

Thanks, I've given up on trying to get better anyways

 

[CoalmineCanary]

Thanks, I've given up on trying to get better anyways

We're here for you anyway.

 

[Bonkers]

I set up a whole bunch of consultations over the next two weeks to find a therapist that I'm comfortable with. Any idea how long I can expect to wait before I stop feeling absolutely terrible?

I've had good, bad and indifferent experiences of therapy. The good therapy actually made me feel worse at first, like it's already been said, it was draining and exhausting so prepare for that. Then bit by bit the good stuff kicked in. Good stuff included very specialised therapists, and EMDR for PTSD. Plus VERY long-term anti-depressants have probably kept me alive so far. My theory is you've got nothing to lose. Good luck.

 

[MyStateKilledMe]

Therapists are filthy parasites who don't actually help you. They just waste your time and money, and poke at your emotional buttons under the pretext of helping you. They tell you you'll "feel better in the long run", only the long run will never come. Because if you actually feel better, you'll stop seeing them, which means they lose the income, from you or your insurance. So it serves their financial interests to keep you both alive and depressed, for as long as possible.

Every therapist I saw did one of these five things.
1. Ask "How did that make you feel?"
2. Repeat back what I said, usually in a mocking tone.
3. Make "empathetic noises", like "awwww", without telling me anything helpful.
4. Try to gaslight me into embracing their beliefs.
5. Ask me if I had thoughts of suicide; obviously, I knew better than to tell the truth.

 

[CrazyMary]

depends on the person. ive been working on myself for a few years and im finally not really feeling suicidal anymore

How many years?

 

[Life_and_Death]

How many years?

since i was about 17 and im 21 now. 4 years?
im a little high so im not sure on my math

 

[Floria]

I set up a whole bunch of consultations over the next two weeks to find a therapist that I'm comfortable with. Any idea how long I can expect to wait before I stop feeling absolutely terrible?

It depends on who is your therapist, on what meds are you taking and on your motivation. I am under therapy since 5 years and I can tell you it a very looooong travel.

 

[Bigpink]

It takes time, it's hard work as you will be coming face to face with yourself in a raw and honest way. I hope you have a therapist you feel safe and comfortable with to speak freely to your difficulties without judgement.
It's not even necessarily about feeling 'better' whatever that is but the authentic realisation the life is hard and we have to deal with the givens of existence.

 

[Sherri]

It takes time, and have a good bond with your therapist so you openly talk more about all your stuff. The therapist might ask you to do some exercises at home also. But it's very important you speak about everything that you feel inside. Like things you haven't told anyone. Good luck