Number of sessions
Every client is different and even though it is difficult to predict accurately the number of sessions required for you, average of 6-10 sessions for any mild-moderate MH condition is required for you to possibly start noticing changes.
Clients with complex presentations might require more to notice changes and clients with simpler presentations might notice changes in 1-3 sessions. Clients would initially require more frequent sessions and the same could be tapered as progress happens.
However, you can choose and decide how many sessions you can commit to and accordingly the goals could be set. It is however, important that you discuss this openly with your psychologist beforehand. Even though we might not be able to address all the issues, this could be helpful for clients who are limited in their capacity to access session (either time/availability/financial restrictions). For example - you could have just one session to address one pressing concern. This might not resolve the whole issue but could help you get a framework to start working on the issue and along with homework activities and handouts this could be potentially better than not getting any help at all.
Goodness-of- fit
Goodness-of- fit is one of the most important feature which appears to have significant impact on the outcome of therapy. Therapeutic relationship has been shown to be one the strongest predictor of successful therapeutic outcome across various therapeutic approaches. It is about the therapist and their therapeutic style being a match for your concerns and goals. There is not replacement for checking on the same other than actual session but sometimes a brief phone call can give you an idea about the same. You could discuss with me while booking session any concerns or questions you have to get an idea about the same.
However, if you are looking for someone for supportive therapy alone, i might be a poor fit as i am a very pro-active therapist who works on strengthening from within thereby eventually reducing the need for support.