The number of sessions in psychodynamic therapy varies depending on the type of therapy, the severity of the issues being addressed, and the individual's needs.
Here are some common ranges:
- Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP): Typically involves 16 sessions.
- Time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy: Often involves 6-12 sessions.
- Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: Can last for several years, with sessions occurring multiple times per week.
In general, psychodynamic therapy is often a longer-term process than some other forms of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is because it focuses on exploring deeper, underlying issues and patterns that contribute to current problems.
The number of sessions needed is ultimately determined by the therapist and the client in consultation.