Cognitive therapy is designed to be short-term. In my practice, that usually means a few months of weekly therapy sessions to do the main work, followed by a number of sessions spaced at greater intervals, during which we consolidate the gains that were made and prepare for post-therapy maintenance. Of course, there is a range; some very focused problems require only a handful of sessions, while making lasting changes in core issues does take longer. Some clients work on their main issues and then decide to extend the sessions in order to tackle another area. Others finish up a piece of therapy work, and may return at a later point for a "tune-up" or to work on a new development. Given the nature of my approach, it must be obvious that I have no interest in conducting lifelong psychotherapy. I define the project and the time frame jointly with my client, staying cognizant that the client is devoting valuable resources of time, energy, and money.