How does therapy work?

Mental health therapy is a process. What makes therapy work is the collaborative relationship with your mental health counselor, where you think together over time, openly and honestly, within a safe environment. 

When you open up with your therapist, you both learn how you think about the world and why you think and behave the way you do. Then, your therapist can teach you strategies to think and act differently. You can learn more about the therapy process in this article from Houston therapist Jessica Eiseman.

Therapy sessions can last from about 45 to 60 minutes long. It may take up to three sessions before you start to see and feel a difference. It takes time for your therapist to get to know you and vice versa. It also takes time to process and apply all you’re learning.

No matter how often you go, if you go consistently, you’ll typically find that therapy becomes a beneficial part of your life, and you’ll have created a reliable, trustworthy relationship with your therapist.