WRITTEN BY: SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S You’ve made the brave decision to start therapy—now what? Beginning counseling is an incredible first step, but the next most important part is staying committed. Why regular attendance in therapy matters comes down to one key thing: following through with your therapist’s recommended frequency in order to build real, lasting change.

Just like building strength at the gym or learning a new skill, therapy works best with regular and focused effort. Here’s why showing up regularly matters, and how it helps you get the most out of your journey toward healing and growth.

Think of Therapy Like Training for the Mind

Imagine working with a personal trainer. In the beginning, they’ll likely want to see you more frequently to help you build momentum. Once you’re progressing, those visits may taper off. Therapy works the same way.

Most therapists recommend weekly sessions when you start out. This allows you to build trust, process what brought you in, and begin developing tools to support your goals.

Regular Attendance in Therapy Matters

The frequency your therapist suggests isn’t random—it’s part of a structured plan to help you move forward effectively. Whether it’s once a week, biweekly, or monthly, the cadence supports your emotional and mental health progress. Skipping sessions too often can interrupt that progress and make it harder to maintain the breakthroughs you’re working toward.

Yes, There’s Homework in Therapy—And It’s Worth It

Just like you wouldn’t only brush your teeth the day you see your dentist, therapy requires effort outside of sessions too. Counselors often encourage clients to practice skills or complete reflective exercises between appointments. These aren’t busywork—they’re small, intentional steps that help you apply what you’ve learned to your daily life.

Therapy Is for You—and You’re Worth the Commitment

We get it—life is busy. Therapy requires your time, energy, and often financial investment. But here’s the truth: change won’t just happen because you’re showing up to sessions. It happens when you decide to actively participate in your healing process.

You’re the one in the counseling chair, and only you can create the change you’re looking for. Why regular attendance in therapy matters becomes especially clear when you realize that true progress depends on what you do both during and between your sessions.

You May Be the First to Notice the Wins

Progress in therapy can be subtle at first—calmer reactions, more self-awareness, better boundaries. Like getting into shape, you’re often the first one to notice the changes before others do. That’s okay. Counseling isn’t for them—it’s for you.

Even if others doubt your ability to stick with it, remember why you started. You deserve the chance to reach your goals—and therapy, done consistently, is a powerful way to get there.

You’ve Got This

Therapy isn’t about perfection—it’s about regular attendance, doing the work, and giving yourself the gift of growth. Regular attendance, at the pace your therapist recommends, is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

Stay with it. You’re worth the time.