How long is counseling session

There are also psychological reasons why these session times remain the norm. First of all, the length of time feels more contained, so it lessens the risk of over-exposure to painful emotions. The therapeutic hour also sets psychological boundaries for the therapist and client. This creates a unique dynamic that is not meant to go on for long periods of time. It would not be sustainable to have this type of conversation for many hours at a time.

Keeping therapy sessions under an hour may also motivate both parties to make the best of the time allotted. Longer sessions may also lead to a sense of fatigue or burnout for both the therapist and the client.

Saniyyah Mayo , a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles, compared therapy sessions to high school classes. Each class presents a set amount of time that students spend learning about a specific section of the curriculum. Afterward, they can process the information and even explore it in a different setting through homework. Giving people increments of information and allowing them to process it in sections is good for the best possible outcome for treatment. This is why therapists often suggest meeting more frequently, rather than extending sessions, when clients express a desire for more time.

This also leaves time between sessions for the client to reflect on their therapeutic insights and hopefully adjust their perspective or relationships.

Our brains and bodies need time and space to incorporate lessons learned in therapy. Insurance companies also feed into the or minute session standard, as they base reimbursement on the type and length of therapy. A common billing code is , which denotes 45 minutes of individual psychotherapy but can be used for sessions ranging from 38 to 52 minutes.

Many companies require preauthorizations and have very strict criteria of when and for whom the minute therapy hour is appropriate. If the insurance provider decides that the criteria were not met, they will not pay the clinician. Of course, therapists can and do offer different session lengths based on individual client needs and make it work with providers. For couples or families, therapists offer longer sessions, usually 90 minutes. In these cases, session timing may shift.

Many therapists also offer longer sessions for intake appointments with new clients to ensure that they have enough time to gather information and ask questions for diagnostic clarification. Being able to have information helps to remove some of the stigma from therapy.

News U. You might also have the option to complete this paperwork at home prior to your first visit. Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits.

The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed.

Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For example, in your second session, you may explore a specific symptom, problem, or past trauma you mentioned in the first session. Keep in mind that psychotherapy usually requires multiple visits, so don't expect any instant solutions to your problems the first day.

Therapy is about equipping you with life-long solutions and not a quick fix. During the first session, your therapist may ask you:. You and your therapist should also come to an agreement about the length of your treatment, methods to be employed, and ins and outs of patient confidentiality. Depending on your issue and therapy goals, therapy can last a few sessions or several weeks or years.

While you likely want to know how long it's going to take to "feel better," there's no simple answer. It's very individualized. Therapists have training in a variety of techniques that can help you better cope with mental illness, resolve personal issues, and create personal changes in your life. Finding out what technique or combination of techniques your therapist will use can give you a better idea of what will happen during your sessions.

Some common types of therapy include:. In most cases, a therapist is required to keep information discussed during therapy private. However, according to the American Psychological Association's "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct," confidential information can be disclosed with the permission of the individual or as permitted by the law. While the specifics of a legal duty to warn vary by state, in most cases, a therapist is required to breach confidentiality if a client poses an imminent threat to themselves, the therapist, or a third party.

The information must be divulged to a person capable of taking action to reduce the threat, for example, a police officer. When the therapist finishes, they should ask you if you have any questions. You can use this opportunity to get to know your therapist a little better by asking more about their training, experience, approaches, and goals for therapy. A big part of successful therapy is feeling comfortable with your therapist, which may come over time.

If your answer to any of these questions is "No," then it's likely time to consider changing therapists. At the end of your session, just tell your therapist that you will not be returning. Don't be surprised if your therapist asks why. You can answer honestly you just feel like you're not clicking or just say that you prefer not to say.

In most cases, your therapist will be professional and can recommend another therapist who will be a better fit. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. American Psychological Association. Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Greenstein L. National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Choosing a Therapist. First Session. Treatment Length.

Questions to Ask. Finding the Right Fit.