The length of therapy varies based on your situation, the type of therapy, and your goals. I'm Dr. Kelly Zanetich, a licensed psychologist in Montclair, NJ, specializing in Attachment-Focused EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and somatic therapy.
"How long will this take?" is one of the most common questions I hear during consultation calls. The honest answer? It depends, but research gives us helpful guidelines.
What Affects How Long Therapy Takes?
Your Goals: Processing a specific traumatic event differs from working through complex childhood trauma or long-standing relationship patterns.
The Type of Therapy: Different approaches work at different paces. EMDR often requires fewer sessions than traditional therapy for PTSD.
Where You're Starting From: Your current distress level, support system, and previous therapy experience all influence timeline.
Session Frequency: Research shows weekly sessions are most effective, especially during the initial treatment phase (Cuijpers et al., 2013).
Your Therapist's Experience: At this stage in my career, with 15+ years of experience and extensive training in specialized trauma modalities, I find that clients feel better and see change more quickly, often shortening the overall length of therapy.
Realistic Timelines for Different Approaches
Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR)
The VA National Center for PTSD indicates that EMDR typically involves weekly 60-90 minute sessions over approximately 3 months (VA/DoD, 2023).
For single-event trauma: Research shows many people experience significant relief in 3-8 sessions after the preparation phase. One study found 100% of single-trauma victims no longer met PTSD criteria after six 50-minute EMDR sessions (Shapiro, 2014).
For complex trauma: This typically requires several months to a year or more. We're not just processing individual memories; we're addressing patterns developed over time.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS therapy helps you develop relationships with different parts of yourself. Many people begin experiencing relief within the first few months, though deeper healing often unfolds over a year or more.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic approaches focus on nervous system regulation. For recent events, relief can come within weeks to months. For developmental trauma, building new patterns typically requires several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does EMDR therapy take for PTSD?
For single-event trauma, many people see significant improvement in 3-8 sessions. For complex PTSD, treatment typically extends to several months or a year (VA National Center for PTSD, 2023).
How many therapy sessions do I need?
Research shows approximately 50% of people improve by session 8, and 75% by session 26 (Howard et al., 1986). This varies based on what you're working on—some achieve goals in 8-12 sessions, others benefit from 20-30+ sessions.
What if I don't feel better after a few sessions?
This is normal, especially with trauma therapy. Treatment often involves an initial period of increased distress as you address avoided material. You should feel we're working toward something meaningful. If you feel stuck after 6-8 sessions, we can adjust our approach.
How often should I go to therapy?
Research strongly supports weekly sessions during the initial treatment phase. Most people start weekly, then space out to biweekly and monthly as symptoms improve.
Does online therapy take longer than in-person?
No. Research on EMDR shows both formats are equally effective (Fairbanks et al., 2025). Timeline depends on the type of therapy and your situation, not the delivery format.
Getting Started
If you're considering therapy, schedule a consultation. We can discuss what you're dealing with, which approaches might help, and what a realistic timeline looks like for your situation.
I work with adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I offer in-person therapy in Montclair, NJ and online therapy for clients throughout New Jersey and New York. My approach is trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and tailored to your needs.
Contact: (201) 335-0454 | kellyzanetichphd@gmail.com | kellyzanetichphd.com
About: Dr. Kelly Zanetich is a licensed psychologist in Montclair, NJ specializing in trauma therapy with advanced training in Attachment-Focused EMDR, IFS (Level 2), and Somatic Experiencing.
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REFERENCES
Cuijpers, P., et al. (2013). Journal of Affective Disorders, 149(1-3), 1-13.
Fairbanks, J., et al. (2025). EMDR therapy effectiveness. PTSD: National Center for PTSD.
Howard, K. I., et al. (1986). American Psychologist, 41(2), 159-164.
Shapiro, F. (2014). The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71-77.
VA/DoD. (2023). Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD.