One question we often get asked during consultation call with perspective clients is: How long does therapy take for anxiety? Let’s first talk about some of the basics. Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s occasional feelings of nervousness or persistent, overwhelming worry, anxiety can impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, therapy can be an effective tool in managing and reducing anxiety symptoms.
The answer to the question about how long therapy takes to treat anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all, as the duration of therapy depends on several factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore six key factors that influence how long therapy might take for anxiety and what you can expect during treatment.
1. The Type of Therapy You Choose
The type of therapy plays a significant role in determining the answer for How long does therapy take for anxiety? There are several different therapeutic approaches used to treat anxiety, and each comes with its own typical timeline. All of these types of therapy have a strong focus on skill building and often times, the therapists in our practice will blend in insight-oriented therapeutic approach. This blend is important so that you as a whole person get the help and support you need, often lengthening the time in therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most commonly used and effective therapies for anxiety. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. CBT for anxiety typically lasts between 3-6 months. The goal is to equip you with tools and coping strategies that you can use long after therapy has ended.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an effective therapy that targets aligning logic and emotion to make informed decisions. It focuses on challenging unhelpful thought pattern, coping with big emotions, and changing disruptive or destructive behaviors. DBT typically lasts between 6 months to a year. Similar to CBT, the goal in DBT is to equip you with tools need to make balanced decisions in order to meet your goals.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is often used to treat specific anxiety disorders, such as phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy involves gradually exposing the person to the source of their anxiety in a controlled way to desensitize them over time. Depending on the severity of the anxiety, exposure therapy might take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In our practice, we offer EMDR and exposure therapy for those wanting to recover from an eating disorder.
2. The Severity of Your Anxiety
The severity of your anxiety symptoms can significantly impact how long therapy takes. Therapy will probably be shorter if anxiety is only impacting you occasionally. For those with severe anxiety or co-occurring mental health conditions, therapy will likely take longer.
In some cases, it may take time to determine which therapeutic approach works best for you. This trial-and-error period can extend the treatment timeline. Additionally, if you who have been experiencing chronic anxiety for many years may require more sessions, more frequently to address deeper underlying issues.
3. Personal Commitment and Engagement
Your commitment and active participation in therapy can influence how long treatment will take. For therapy to be effective, you need to be open to exploring your feelings, practicing the coping techniques you learn, and being consistent with attending therapy.
When working with us, you will often be asked to work on skills outside of therapy. This “homework” gives you the much needed practice to determine what works for you in which situations. It also allows for troubleshooting in the next session if something didn’t work as planned. Practice makes progress!
4. Frequency of Sessions
How often you attend therapy also plays a role in answering the question of How long does therapy take for anxiety? We strongly recommend at least once weekly sessions for the first few months. It’s important that we have these regular, frequent meetings to establish a solid rapport and get a good jump start on finding you relief from anxiety. As progress is made, the frequency may reduce to bi-weekly or monthly sessions. More frequent sessions might speed up the process, while longer intervals could stretch the treatment timeline.
5. Your Goals for Therapy
Your personal goals for therapy can also affect how long treatment lasts. Some people seek therapy to develop basic coping strategies and may feel better within a few months. Others may want to address deeper emotional issues, trauma, or long-standing patterns of anxiety, which may take longer.
We spend the first few sessions taking time to get to know you and to get a clear picture of what you would like to work on in therapy. During this time, we create a treatment plan that acts as a roadmap for how your time in therapy will be spent. Setting clear and realistic goals with your therapist will help you track progress and determine when treatment has been successful. Remember, therapy is a journey, and the timeline can vary based on your unique needs.
6. Other Considerations for the question: How long does therapy take for anxiety?
Several other factors can affect how long therapy takes for anxiety, including:
- Support System: Having a strong social support network can help you achieve your goals faster.
- External Stressors: Stressful life events can really impact quality of life. It is sometimes necessary to shift to the most pressing stressor in therapy at times, which may lengthen time in therapy.
- Medical Concerns: It is always important to remember that your treatment for anxiety needs to focus on you as a whole person. Addressing any medical concerns can be an important part of finding success in therapy.
- Medications: Using medications as prescribed can aid you in your journey to find relief from anxiety.
Conclusion: Finding the right pace
You are unique and thus your time in therapy will be unique. For some, relief may come after just a few months of therapy, while for others, it may take longer. We work closely with you and are believe transparency is key in the therapeutic relationship. Remember that therapy is about learning to manage anxiety in a sustainable way, not just eliminating it entirely.
It’s important to remember that therapy is a powerful tool that can help you build resilience and coping mechanisms that will serve you well in the long term. While the journey may take time, with the right support, you can lead a life where anxiety no longer controls you.
We are here to help if you would like to find relief from anxiety. A life free from the burden of worry is possible!
We’re psychotherapists in Weschester, NY.
Visit our homepage at: www.couragepsych.com
