How to get out of session rut

Stressed woman going to therapy in front of computer

The current world of psychotherapy isn’t always working to the benefit of the client. It’s not working because the therapy field insists on doing therapy the way it’s been done for decades – using the medical model dictated by the insurance industry. 

What this means is 50 minute sessions. Not because that’s what is right for the client, but rather because that’s what the insurance will cover. 

I, myself, have fallen for the 50 minute session trap – because, hey, that’s how it’s been done for years. It’s an unspoken rule that newly minted therapists acquire out of ether. 

I’ve also at one time bought into the idea that I, the therapist, should rigidly dictate session length and frequency. Again, a rule we psychotherapists magically learn. 

But is it all working to the benefit of the client? 

That’s the question I ask myself often when I think of clients I work with – 

What’s in the best interest of the client?

From session length perspective, 50 minute session is not necessarily in the client’s best interest. 

Sometimes a 90 minute session is much better.  Another week it may be a 25 minute check in, the following month a series of 45 minute sessions may be best for where the client’s at. 

Similarly, frequency may vary by client and what’s happening in their lives.

One client may need two 45 minute sessions in one week. For another client two 75 minute sessions in a month will address their needs. What works for a 3rd client is alternating between 45 minute and 90 minute sessions.  

No two clients are alike. Why should therapy session length be identical for all?

Personalized Service

One of the reasons I don’t accept insurance is to provide my clients with personalized services.

What does that mean?

  1. When you call me, I’ll be the one talking with you. 
  2. You email or text me, I’m the one who responds. 
  3. It’s sunny out and you don’t want to be sitting in the office? Me neither. Let’s walk and talk. 
  4. Stress is just too much? Let’s do an intensive. 
  5. I understand you. I understand your challenges, struggles, and wins. 
  6. I see you.  
  7. I hear you. 
  8. I celebrate you even when you don’t yet recognize why. 
  9. I root for you. 
  10. I think of different ways to help you help yourself.

What does this have to do with session length? We’ll decide the length of sessions that will work best for you to get where you need to be.

Interested in working with me? Call me at 612-808-0953 or send me a message.