Mine told me from the start that it would be a limited time, that eventually I would have the tools I need to cope. It's primarily cognitive behavioral, so it's mostly assignments then report back in how I did with it. What I like is that every session she has me fill out a questionnaire which includes how the last session went. Did I feel it was productive? Do I feel like the therapist understands me? That kind of thing. Plus, there are direct mood/behavior questions which she uses to get the ball rolling.