I think I actually got more out of therapy than I expected. When I went into therapy originally (many, many moons ago), I honestly had no expectations whatsoever because I really didn't know what I needed and knew absolutely nothing about therapy. But I received support and safety that I needed.

This time around my expectations were low. I simply needed someone to talk to because I knew I was sliding into long-term depression. I just wanted that person provide whatever support and understanding I needed to manage through it. But I received a great deal more. I've come out of therapy very stable, much more content, with greater understanding of myself and a much more positive outlook on my life. I went in just hoping to muddle through and came out more stable and more mentally healthy than I've ever been in my life.

I don't predict I will need long-term therapy again, but life happens, so who knows? If I needed therapy again, I wouldn't hesitate to seek it.