Starting therapy is a courageous and meaningful step toward personal growth, healing, and self-understanding. One of the most important factors in setting yourself up for success, especially in the early stages, is weekly therapy. Meeting with your therapist on a weekly basis provides the structure, support, and consistency needed to build momentum and make meaningful progress.
In fact, research suggests that session frequency plays a significant role in how effective therapy can be (Erekson et al., 2021). Here’s why meeting weekly is so important in your therapy journey:
1. Consistency Builds Safety and Progress
Regular sessions create a dependable rhythm that supports steady progress. This consistency allows you to stay connected to your goals and avoid the feeling of starting over each time you meet. When therapy brings up difficult emotions or past experiences, weekly support helps you move through those moments without feeling overwhelmed or alone.
2. It Helps Your Therapist Understand You Better
The beginning of therapy is a time for assessment, goal setting, and understanding your unique story. Weekly sessions allow your therapist to get a clearer, more continuous picture of what’s going on and how best to support you. Frequent meetings help identify patterns, track your progress, and make timely adjustments to your treatment plan. This ensures therapy stays aligned with your needs every step of the way.
3. Therapeutic Rapport Takes Time . . . and Repetition
A strong, trusting relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important predictors of therapy success. Like any relationship, it takes time and consistent contact to build. Weekly sessions help foster that trust and connection early on, so you can feel safe, supported, and understood as you do this important work.
4. It Aligns with Professional Standards of Care
Therapists are ethically committed to offering care that’s responsive, supportive, and tailored to your needs. Professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) emphasize the importance of continuity in care, especially when you’re first starting out. Weekly sessions help ensure that any urgent needs are addressed promptly and that you’re receiving care that’s thoughtful and effective.
Meeting weekly at the start of therapy isn’t just about filling a calendar, it’s a powerful way to set yourself up for success. It helps you build trust, feel supported, and create momentum. And just as importantly, it respects your time, energy, and investment by making the most of every session.
We’re glad you’re here and look forward to supporting you in your journey.
About the Author
Krystel Cabieses is a clinical intern at Montgomery County Counseling Center, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She provides therapy to children, teens, and young adults, under the supervision of MCCC’s clinical director. Krystel brings a culturally affirming, person-centered approach to her work and is passionate about supporting clients as they navigate life’s challenges with self-compassion, insight, and empowerment.