Short-term vs. Long-term Therapy: What’s the difference and what’s best for me?

I get this question from clients all the time, so let’s break it down!

In general, the therapeutic process and the length of treatment usually consist of short- and long-term therapy. Clients can benefit from both as each is unique to the individual. Often, short-term therapy may transition into long-term therapy, depending on the relationship between a client and therapist, the complexity of goals in treatment, and the overall experience of therapy. Some people prefer to stay in treatment, while others meet their specific needs and move on.

Let’s talk about the main differences and purposes.

Short-Term Therapy is also known as Brief therapy which typically lasts between 8 - 12 weeks (approximately three months). This type of therapy focuses on timing to reach concrete goals. I believe that the three-month mark is a good time to pause and review your achievements, accomplished goals, and areas that may need more attention, regardless of the length of treatment you are in.

Short-term therapy provides enough time to focus on stress management, communication, relationship struggles, psychoeducation on parenting, family dynamic, self-confidence, self-esteem, work, school-related problems, etc.

The primary focus of short-term therapy is solution-focused which aims to help you identify and clarify blocks that you may experience through life, establish effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations, and identify negative thoughts along with behavioral patterns. Ultimately, how to take concrete and specific steps toward making positive changes.

However, short-term therapy may not fit everyone, and it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Clients with complex mental disorders and severe trauma may not be suitable for short-term therapy. Determining which treatment length is best depends on your needs and goals of treatment. Both, you and your therapist determine the length of treatment. Yes, both you and your therapist! This cohesive conversation will allow you to discuss and explore your reasons for therapy, set a timeframe, and determine the type of therapist you want to work with depending on the specialty and orientation that you prefer.

Ultimately, the client makes the final decision.

Long-Term therapy, also known as extended therapy, often happens as a transition from a short-term to a continuation treatment process. Some clients may start treatment from the beginning without setting any specific time frame that may last for several months, and in some cases, it takes a couple of years depending on the severity and functionality of their ability.

The focus of long-term therapy is on the process of the client. It aims for deeper-rooted issues and how they appear in your life. Long-term therapy is always recommended and beneficial when issues are deeply engrained in a form of severe trauma, abuse, complex emotional conditions, and/or chronic mental disorders.

ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WHICH MAY HELP YOU TO DETERMINE WHICH TYPE OF THERAPY IS MORE SUITABLE FOR YOU.

These questions are always asked by a therapist.

Did you have therapy experience?

If yes, what was that experience like?

Was it a pleasant and helpful experience or was it forceful and negative?

What did you learn from previous therapy and what didn’t work for you?

How long were you in therapy? Was it the course of treatment or was it a one-time visit?

It is normal to feel intimidated, unsure, and even frightened about therapy. After all, therapy is not just about chitchatting. Therapy is hard mental work that can be draining, resentful, and at times painful, but that’s just one side of the coin. Everything is about the relationship between the client and the therapist. Once you get your feet wet and connect with your therapist, the process becomes less tense and scary. We all want to feel safe and protected especially when we’re vulnerable. Therefore, regardless of what type of therapy you choose, you need to feel safe, connected, and heard, only then you will feel that it’s right.