To me it feels like this whole thing is so mysterious, full of hidden agendas, dark alleys and brick walls

There have been polls on how long people have been going to see their T, but what I would really like to know is how long it takes to go through the process.

I acknowledge we are all different, different problems, different starting points working with different T's (hmm wonder whether any of us on here share the same T?) - but is there not some kind of measure - is there a start, a middle and an end and if so how do you know where you are?

I have tried doing an internet search for a definition of what long term therapy is - but there are few results and none that answer my question. Is there really no answer, or at least guidance, i.e. 1-2 years, 2-3, 3-4 etc..?