Therapy may be brief, long-term or somewhere in between. The length of time you will be in therapy depends on the severity and nature of the problem you are experiencing and how long it has been an issue. You will get out of therapy what you put into it. Reaching your goals is a collaborative effort that takes place over time and your participation is crucial. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book, or practicing a skill. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.