I point out why I think it may be in your interest to take charge - and how to do so . It depends on you, the problem you are dealing with, how deeply embedded the issue is, and what you want to do with it. Some people live, breathe, and sleep the principles we discuss, moving very, very quickly. Others approach therapy more casually. Each individual is unique and learns in his or her own way.
Some problems are more difficult to deal with or are more ingrained than others.
The length of therapy depends on what you want to accomplish as well. This can range from symptom reduction to an understanding of how to spot problem areas and fix them on your own, to philosophical change. My personal view is that it is totally unnecessary to be in therapy for years and years. That is, after you have gotten a handle on things, it is neither necessary nor productive to continue meeting regularly. You may find that the problem you came in to deal with is resolved to your satisfaction and you no longer need any assistance.