How Long Are My Therapy Sessions?

How long is a Therapy session?

You've probably seen all kinds of numbers out there and been left a little bewildered. Let's see if we can't clear some of the confusion about Therapy session length up here...

How long is a single Therapy Session?

50 minutes is probably the “norm”, what you might hear described as the "therapeutic hour". It's considered an hour as your Therapist will most likely use the remaining 10 minutes of that hour to jot down some notes after your session. That being said, some Therapists prefer to offer you the full hour. Perhaps they are taking notes as you go along!

Personally I like to work with you for the full hour, 60 minutes. I dunno, there’s something comfortable and neat about allowing the full hour, at 50 minutes I always found the Sessions ending too early. We can often do some amazing work in those last 10 minutes… but that’s simply how I like to work. I also don’t take notes during Sessions. Why? Because I like to give you my full attention. If I miss something vital whilst I’m writing I wouldn’t feel like you’re getting the very best out of our Sessions together. Some Therapist may beg to differ, and that’s OK. Therapist and clients, we all have our own unique groove, something that we’re comfortable with and works for us.

Alternative lengths for Therapy Sessions!

30 minute Counselling sessions are becoming more common too, particularly as online sessions are becoming more commonplace. With no travel involved, it can be easier (and sometimes more comfortable) to have shorter and more regular sessions with your Therapist. When considering affordability, it might feel better for you to have a regular contact with your Counsellor, something like every week, rather than every other week, and this is where those 30 minute sessions come into their own. For roughly the same budget as single 1 hour sessions, you’re getting a regular point of contact, more often. This may well be key to the success of your personal Therapy and is certainly an option. Something to consider if your budget becomes constrained or your needs vary.

And then there's the hour and half sessions which you've possibly seen too. Typically these are where specific approaches are being used, or therapeutic tools, and it becomes more beneficial to have a longer session, ensuring that you get the full benefit of becoming immersed in that process. I’ve worked with a number of clients on 1.5 hour Counselling sessions and often found that extra 30 minutes to be where we make a great deal of progress. For some people, an offload at the start of the session can feel incredibly therapeutic, and knowing that we have the time together to do that, a great relief. It leaves sufficient time for the client to share everything they wish to share (which often shapes the direction of our Therapy), whilst leaving enough time to focus on solutions, reflections and new ideas. We can process through what we’ve discussed whilst it’s there, fresh and still in the air, rather than having to wait to the following week, or even fortnight.

What length of Therapy Session do I offer?

What do I offer then? Quite simply, I offer you choice! I'm comfortable across the range of options and want what's best for you! Therapy can be quite intense and perhaps 30 minutes at a time works best for you! Maybe you process things quickly or just want something to go away and work with! Alternatively you might enjoy longer sessions because it takes you longer to find your groove, have more you’d like to share or you want more from each session.

Not sure? Try them all out! :)

Wondering where to start? I wrote this piece to explore whether Therapy will work for you, have a read :)

With warmth,

James