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From: Charlie Healey
Date: 03 Oct 2007
Time: 14:46:10 -0500
Remote Name: 129.93.99.57
Hi Ricky! Thanks for your comment and question. It's very hard to give an answer to a client or family about how long therapy will take. I usually say that this is going to be a long, gradual process of change that will take a concerted effort on the part of the client and clinician. It could go quickly but be prepared for this therapy to take awhile to make a difference, which is not the same as making you totally fluent! I think that is the key to this type of question. Related to this question are other questions I ask the client like, What are your expectations of therapy? What are your short-term and long-term goals? How time and energy are you willing to devote to making changes outside of therapy? Answers to these questions will give me a better framework for how long therapy might last. But, the bottom line is that I don't think we should say this will be a "quick fix" or that this will take forever to change. Either one of those statements gives the wrong impression of what therapy is all about. Usually, I find that clients are pretty good at judging how long this process is taking and whether they need to continue or gradually reduce the time in therapy. I also add that therapy is a journey and we'll see how long this journey lasts once we start working together. On a final note, it's hard to predict how long it will take and I never try to make that prediction. There have been times that suggested that we cut back on therapy and the client and/or family recommends we keep on going. Or, the client wants to stop well before I think we have had time to cover all that needs to addressed. So, it all depends.