How Long Will I Really Be in Therapy? A Therapist's Honest Answer from Off the Beaten Path

If you're searching for therapy in Airdrie, Calgary, or Cochrane, this question has probably crossed your mind more than once.

Recently, I was watching the Amazon Prime show "Group Therapy" and comedian Mike Birbiglia casually mentions he's had the same therapist for 20 years. Fellow comedian Atsuko Okatsuka is shocked, saying she would go if she had something specific she wanted to work on, like being afraid of flying, and then leave once that was resolved. Both approaches are completely valid. Neither is right or wrong; they're just different ways of using therapy as a tool for growth and mental health.

What have we noticed as psychologists at OBP? It's usually about 30-45 minutes into our first session when the question comes up. Sometimes it's direct: "So, how long do you think this will take?" Other times it's more subtle, such as a nervous laugh followed by, "I've never done this before, so I'm not really sure what to expect." 

As psychologists serving families in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane, we completely understand why this question matters so much. Part of it might be that voice in your head wondering, "How messed up am I, really?" But honestly, most of the time it's simply because therapy is unfamiliar territory, and you're trying to plan your life around something you've never experienced before.

The truth? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and that's a good thing.

When You Need a Secure Home Base

Some people find that therapy provides something they may have never had: a consistent, safe, stable relationship. If you grew up in a home where emotional support was inconsistent or unavailable, having a therapist you can return to over time becomes incredibly valuable.

These aren't necessarily weekly appointments forever. Instead, it might look like monthly check-ins during stable periods, and more frequent sessions during life transitions, family stress, or unexpected challenges. You're not dependent on therapy; you're building resilience with ongoing support.

When Ongoing Support is Part of the Job

Some people need ongoing access to therapy not because they're "broken" (no one is), but because of what they do for work. When I was speaking to my mentor, Dr. Dawn McBride, about my own therapy, she gently reminded me: "You can't be a good psychologist unless you have a good psychologist." This wisdom applies far beyond my profession.

The same could apply to police officers, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, social workers, and others who regularly encounter traumatic material. It could also apply to parents of children with exceptional needs, special needs, or neurodivergence, who face unique ongoing challenges and advocacy demands. For these professionals and parents, having a therapist isn't a sign of weakness; it's personal and professional maintenance, like an oil change for your emotional well-being.

If you're in one of these helping professions or care giving roles in the Calgary area, you might find yourself in therapy intermittently for years, checking in when cases get particularly heavy or when you notice stress building up.

The Goal-Directed Approach

Then there are folks who come to therapy with a specific target in mind: "I want to stop having panic attacks," or "I need to figure out why I keep choosing the wrong partners," or "Help me manage my work anxiety so I can actually enjoy my weekends."

This type of therapy tends to be shorter-term and more focused. We might work together for 8-16 sessions, develop specific strategies, and then you're on your way. Sometimes people in this category return months or years later when a new challenge emerges, and that's perfectly normal too.

For Children and Youth: Families Having Someone in Your Corner

Parents in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane often bring their children or teens to therapy not because there's a crisis, but because they want that professional relationship established. Maybe your child is going through a difficult time, or you're navigating a family transition like divorce or a move.

Sometimes we meet just a few times, and then months later, when your teenager is struggling with friend drama or anxiety about high school, you already have someone to call (Carlin talks about this in his video). It's like having a family psychologist on retainer: someone who knows your child and can step in when needed.

What This Looks Like at Off the Beaten Path Psychology

Here in our practice, we see the full spectrum. Some clients have been with us almost since we opened our doors (hi!), not because they're stuck, but because they value having ongoing professional support as they navigate life's complexities.

Others come for intensive work around a specific trauma, relationship pattern, or life transition (hi to you too!). They do powerful work for several months, achieve their goals, and then we celebrate their success as they move forward independently.

Both groups are using therapy exactly as it's meant to be used.

The Most Important Factor: Mutual Agreement and Understanding

Regardless of whether you're looking at weeks, months, or years of therapy, the most crucial element is that we're both clear on what we're working toward. In our first few sessions, we'll establish:

• What you hope to accomplish

• How we'll know when you're making progress

• What your ideal outcome looks like

• How often we need to meet to get there

This isn't something I decide for you, and it's not something you have to figure out alone. It's a conversation we have together, and it can evolve as your needs change.

Your Next Step

If you're in Airdrie, Calgary, or Cochrane and you've been wondering whether therapy might be helpful, remember that even asking the question "How long will this take?" shows incredible self-awareness and planning skills.

Whether you're looking for short-term support around a specific challenge, or you're thinking about longer-term growth work, the most important thing is taking that first step.

Ready to find out what therapy might look like for your unique situation? Contact Off the Beaten Path Psychology to schedule your initial consultation. We'll talk about your goals, your concerns, and yes, we'll give you our honest assessment of what time frame might make sense for your particular needs.

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At Off the Beaten Path Psychology, we provide counselling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane, Alberta. Our team supports anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, and trauma recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health journey.