Do I need short term or long term therapy?

What’s the Difference, and What’s Right for You?

When considering therapy, one of the first questions people often ask is: “How long will this take?” It’s an important and valid question — therapy is a commitment of time, energy, and emotion. But the answer isn’t always straightforward. I offer both short-term and long-term therapy, and together, we can explore which approach may best support your needs.

What is short-term therapy?

Short-term therapy is often focused and time-limited, usually lasting between 6 to 20 sessions. It can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to:

• Navigate a specific challenge (e.g., a breakup, work stress, decision-making, communication issues, boundary setting).

• Manage anxiety or mood-related difficulties.

• Develop coping skills or build emotional regulation strategies.

• Process a recent event or gain insight into a particular pattern.

Short-term work tends to be more specific and goal-oriented. We’ll collaboratively identify what you’d like to work on and create a safe, structured space to make meaningful progress in a shorter timeframe.

What is Long-Term Therapy?

Long-term therapy is a more open-ended journey, allowing space to deepen self-awareness, explore relational dynamics, and work through trauma. This approach might feel right if you:

• Want to explore and make sense of deep rooted challenges, trauma and patterns.

• Struggle with ongoing patterns such as self-criticism, emotional numbness, or difficulties in relationships.

• Wish to explore your identity, values, and inner world at a deeper level.

• Are looking for a consistent, reflective space over time.

In long-term therapy, healing unfolds gradually and relationally. We will explore early experiences and the impact of your past on your present. We don’t rush. The work is paced and attuned to what you’re ready to explore.

How Do I Know Which One I Need?

Honest answer is that this depends on various factors including what you would like to explore, how much time and energy you might have and also finances which is an important consideration.

If it’s unclear, this is something we’ll figure out together. Sometimes, people start with short-term goals and later discover they want to continue and go deeper — and that’s completely okay. Others may seek longer-term support from the beginning, especially if they’re looking to understand patterns that have been with them for years.

Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and you are welcome to bring your questions, hesitations, and hopes into the room.

Please reach out to me to explore these options in more detail.