Taking the initiative to attend therapy is a great first step in supporting your mental health and overall well-being, but consistency is key. Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process that takes time and practice to master. 

It can be tempting to visit only with your therapist or counseling provider when troubles arise, canceling or putting off appointments when things are going well. But just because things are going well in a moment doesn’t mean therapy should be put on the back burner. Working with a counselor or therapist in times of stability, clarity, and calm can allow for more progress and less distress in the long term. 

At CW Psychological Services in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania we work with clients to set a consistent therapy schedule that works for them. We understand that everyone has their own needs and desires when it comes to therapy and we support you in the process. 

Just as exercising occasionally won’t deliver the same results as a consistent schedule, neither will therapy. Here are some reasons why maintaining a regular therapy schedule is important:

1.) It allows you to build a better therapeutic relationship.

To get the most out of therapy sessions, you and your therapist must have a relationship built on trust, rapport, and mutual understanding. These things take time to develop. The stronger the therapeutic relationship, the more effective the therapy sessions. It is important that you feel safe and supported in your therapeutic environment, so you can be comfortable sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings. 

2.) It reinforces positive changes.

The therapeutic process is just that, a process. Each session builds on the previous session and emerging issues are tackled as they arise. Positive changes and coping strategies can be put into play as clients adapt over time. Regular attendance helps clients to maintain growth, track progress, and meet personal goals. Irregular attendance can cause disruptions in the healing and growth process, causing setbacks. 

3.) It helps manage symptoms effectively. 

In therapy, you are often taught new problem-solving skills, coping strategies, and techniques to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more. These skills take practice and reinforcement to master. Consistently meeting with your therapist can help you to integrate such techniques regularly and refine them over time, with your therapist as your guide. 

Your therapist is working with you to put more tools in your emotional toolbox. It is crucial that you know how and when to use those tools. 

4.) It provides accountability.

Just like regularly going to an exercise class or attending the gym with a friend provides accountability, so do regular visits with your therapist. If you know you have an appointment coming up where your therapist is going to ask you about your progress toward mental health goals, you will be more accountable. It is also a structured time for you to work on you. It is a whole hour of your time to address personal progress. 

5.) It helps with early detection of issues. 

Life throws us curve balls all the time, and we are not always prepared. Regular therapy sessions can help you navigate potential issues before they become serious. Sessions can help set you up with a plan before you need it. It is a proactive approach that can help mitigate problems before they become crises. 

6.) It gives you a safe space.

Therapy is a unique space. It is a place where you, without judgment or fear of repercussion, can share and express true emotions, traumas, and stressors. Consistent access to a safe space can be crucial for your overall healing. 

7.) It enhances self-awareness.

Therapy is about increasing awareness of why we think, act, and behave in certain ways, and how we can make changes that make us feel and function better. It is this awareness that helps us grow and improve our lives. The more irregularly we meet with a therapist or counseling provider, the harder it is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of oneself. 

Prioritize Your Mental Health in 2025

Just like eating healthy or exercising, make your mental health a priority this year and in the years to come. Your mental health is your foundation. It is what keeps everything else on track and running smoothly. It helps you to show up as the best person you can be for yourself and others. 

Counseling and therapy appointments are sometimes the first to go when schedules get busy. We understand that life is hectic but at CW Psychological Services we encourage you to keep your mental health at the forefront. We are here to help you figure out a solution that works best.

Ready to begin counseling in Pennsylvania?

Counselors and associate-level clinicians at CW Psychological Services are professionally trained. We have openings for online or telehealth therapy appointments. Email us at [email protected] or call (610) 308-7575. We want to help.