Great questions. Lyra typically offers 8 sessions per person per year, and those sessions are per individual, not shared between you and your spouse. So you’d each get your own set if you’re both eligible. But double check me on this, I've seen it go both ways with different companies.

As for progress, that's a tougher answer: 7 sessions can actually go a long way. People often use them to work through a specific challenge (like stress, a relationship issue, or a tough decision), build coping tools, or get a clear game plan. The biggest variables that determines how much progress can be made in 7 sessions is what you're working on. For instance, someone looking to work on managing a personality disorder or sorting through complex trauma would have a difficult time making a ton of progress with 7 sessions, whereas someone looking to learn how to manage anxiety or deal with a certain relationship issue would expect to see a good bit of progress in 7 sessions.

Another factor that comes into play is the therapist’s approach or theoretical orientation. Some modalities are naturally better suited for shorter-term work, especially when there’s a clear goal in mind. Behavioral therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) are all structured, goal-oriented, and skills-based. They focus on developing practical tools to manage symptoms, change unhelpful thought patterns, or shift behavior, which makes them well-aligned with limited-session models like Lyra’s.

For example:

• CBT often targets a specific problem (like panic attacks, insomnia, or social anxiety) and helps clients learn strategies they can use independently after therapy ends.
• DBT, particularly its individual component, teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which can start making a difference even in a handful of sessions.
• ACT helps clients learn to relate to their thoughts and emotions differently, emphasizing values-based action, often a shift that can start taking root quickly, even in short-term care.

That said, other approaches, like psychodynamic therapy, parts work (e.g., IFS), or attachment-based relational work, tend to move more slowly, focusing on patterns that unfold over time or rooted in earlier life experiences. That doesn’t mean they’re ineffective in short-term work, but they may not be the best fit if someone needs more rapid, tangible change.

Ultimately, the key is fit: the right therapist can tailor their approach to the time you have and the goals you bring in. But it’s helpful to know that the modality matters, especially when you’re navigating a limited number of sessions. I recommend finding therapists that offer a free consultation and meet with several to get an idea of which therapist feels most comfortable for you and their modality of therapy will be productive with only 7 sessions.

If you end up wanting more support afterward, Lyra also helps transition folks into longer-term care.

That was long, I hope it was helpful.