How many counselling sessions will I need?

There is no single answer, because it depends on what you want from counselling. Many people have around six to twelve weekly sessions for a particular worry or event, while others prefer open-ended work that carries on for months or longer. Your counsellor should talk this through with you early on, and you can review it as you go.

The short answer

Counselling is not sold in fixed courses, so the number of sessions is something you and your counsellor work out together. It tends to fall into two broad shapes: a set number of sessions aimed at one issue, and open-ended work with no end date agreed at the start. Neither is better. They suit different people and different reasons for coming.

Short-term or open-ended?

• Short-term. Often around six to twelve weekly sessions, with a clear focus such as a difficult decision, a recent change or a specific worry. Some services agree the number at the start.
• Open-ended. No set end point. You keep coming for as long as it feels useful, which suits people who want to understand long-standing patterns or feelings.
• A trial first. Plenty of people start with three or four sessions to see whether they get on with the counsellor, then decide what next.

What shapes the number

• What brought you. One recent event often needs fewer sessions than something that has been with you for years.
• What you want out of it. Feeling heard and clearer is different from changing deep-rooted patterns.
• How often you come. Weekly is common. Fortnightly stretches the work out over more weeks.
• Your life right now. Time, money and energy all matter, and a good counsellor takes them into account.

How a plan is agreed

In the first session or two your counsellor will ask what you would like to be different and explain how they work. Many suggest a review after a few sessions, where you both look at how it is going and whether to carry on, change the approach or finish. You are always free to say you want fewer sessions, or more. It is fair to ask at the start how they usually work and what they would expect for what you have described.

Roughly what does it cost?

Private counselling in the UK commonly costs from £45 a session, and often more in big cities. Some counsellors offer a lower fee based on income, and many offer a short free introductory call. Because sessions add up, it helps to think about how many you can comfortably afford before you begin. Check the length of a session and the cancellation terms.

Knowing when you are ready to finish

Many people find the signs are quiet ones: you feel steadier, the problem takes up less of your thinking, and you have less to bring each week. Ending is worth talking about with your counsellor rather than just stopping, and many like to plan one or two final sessions. You can also come back later if something new comes up.

Where it fits alongside NHS care

The NHS offers talking therapies, often with a set number of sessions and sometimes a waiting list. Many people use private counselling while they wait, or alongside NHS care, and tell their GP they are doing so. If you are feeling very low, have thoughts of harming yourself, or your mood is stopping you from getting through the day, please see your GP. If you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, call Samaritans free on 116 123, call NHS 111, or call 999 if you are in danger. A good counsellor will tell you if another route is better first.

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