There is no set time for you to start feeling better or get results. As you work on yourself and your problems you will go through a few ups and downs. Changing yourself is hard work.

But you can expect to have some immediate results: the mere fact you have an objective, non-judgmental person who listens to you, with whom you can share things that weigh you down, will make you feel lighter. As soon as you start putting some of the advice into practice, things are set in motion. You are no longer stuck. You regain a bit of control over your life. This gives motivation and energy to tackle the other issues.

The first few sessions are spent on getting to know you better, on delineating the problem, and formulating some joint therapy goals. After that the real work begins. Progress is influenced by many factors. Tackling a long standing issue, with no support structure around you, or going through a massive life change, will take longer than if you have got everything going for you and just want to fine-tune a few things. Try and be patient with yourself. As patient as you would be with a treasured friend.

Engaging in therapy is a process. There are no quick fixes. If there were any easy solutions you would have found them already. But every new insight is rewarding in itself, each minute change is a step forward to getting the life you really want.