First, the problem size matters. If your issue is “I’m mildly afraid of public speaking,” you might be done in six sessions. If your brain is a 24/7 horror movie about spiders, social rejection, and the meaninglessness of existence—congratulations, you’re in for a longer ride.
Second, your willingness to do the homework. CBT is like having a personal trainer for your brain. If you skip the mental squats, you’ll be stuck in therapy forever, complaining about your “emotional glutes.” Therapists call this “compliance,” but I call it “not wanting to waste fifty bucks a week.”
Third, the therapist-client rapport. You and your therapist need to vibe. If they’re too formal, you’ll clam up. If they’re too casual, you’ll start making jokes about your trauma. The sweet spot is when you can both laugh at the absurdity of your catastrophic thoughts.
How Long Does CBT Take To Work? - Psychological Clarity - YouTube
