The first step to assessing how many sessions will be required is to have an initial assessment. It also depends on the nature of your concern and the pace of progress which differs from individual to individual. Typically, CBT requires 6 to 24 sessions. However, for most situations at least 12 sessions are needed. If the problem has been around for a number of years, it is likely that treatment will last for longer than 20 sessions. However, compared to traditional psychotherapy that takes years, CBT is relatively short term.

Typically CBT is a short term treatment that lasts 2 to 6 months as opposed to long term psychotherapeutic approaches that typically last 2 to 3 years. However, the short length is also dependant on the problem and the person. At times, an initial assessment indicates that 8 sessions over 2 month should suffice. There may be new needs that surface over the sessions, thereby extending the treatment period.

The typical frequency is 1 session a week. However at times,  we may begin with 2 sessions a week for the first 1 to 2 weeks if deemed fit. Once you and the therapist observe progress, the frequency of sessions can be brought down to once in 2 weeks. Before completely ending treatment, follow up sessions are recommended at the interval of 1, 3 or 6 months.

At times one may feel better after the first session as talking to a therapist who is warm, empathetic and non judgemental can feel good. In fact, just talking about a concern may feel good. However, therapy is a process and this process takes time. Being short term does not imply instantaneous or that CBT is a “quick fix”. The first 2 to 3 sessions are a time for assessment, creating goals and a time when the therapist is understanding you. You may not expect the main techniques to begin just yet and thereby you may not notice considerable changes.

Whom you wish to tell that you are taking therapy is your personal choice. There is no rule that you must tell your family or friends. However, we do ask for an emergency contact. It is also helpful to keep someone you trust in the loop.

It is not mandatory to involve your loved ones in your treatment. It can, however, be recommended in certain situations or you may choose to involve them. This is especially true in the case of problems in relationships. However, a lot of work can be done on relationships even without involving the other person.

Typically, no. At times your therapist may refer you to another specialist for a coexisting concern or additional treatment. An example of this can be a referral to a psychiatrist or a speech therapist. 

Confidentiality of sessions is maintained by all psychologists and counsellors. This means that all information shared will be kept only with your therapist and no identifying information will be shared. However, some of the best therapists take case consultations or supervisions from senior colleagues, mentors and other experts in the field. If your therapist is doing so, they may be consulting the other expert for your case as well. However, the other expert(s) also maintains the same standards of confidentiality. If you are concerned about this, feel free to discuss this with your therapist.

No. A CBT therapist will not prescribe medication. However, if your condition is affecting your day to day living or if it is getting difficult for you to focus on therapy, medication may be considered. This will require a psychiatric evaluation by a psychiatrist.

You can book a 15 minutes free consultation to know if you are a good fit. Typically, CBT can help with depression, anxiety, substance use, habits, addictions, relationship problems and many more concerns. CBT is not always a good fit for clients with certain types of learning disabilities or psychosis.

CBT is the standard recommended psychotherapy in many mental health concerns, especially Anxiety and Depression. It is also structured and time bound, i.e., it usually takes up to 20 sessions only.  It also teaches you strategies and provides you with tools to manage on your own in the future.

The major disadvantage of CBT is that you will also have to put in a lot of hard work, time and effort during the phase of treatment. It is a collaborative approach and your efforts will also go a long way in making the treatment effective. You can choose to slow down the pace a little in case you have limited time. You can also speed up the pace if you want to accomplish more in less sessions.