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The double session in psychoanalytic therapy
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114,USA.
The Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research
|December 23, 1999
Summary
Extending psychotherapy sessions beyond the standard 50-minute hour, or "double sessions," may offer new therapeutic insights. This approach requires careful consideration of potential benefits and contraindications for optimal patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychotherapy research
- Psychoanalytic theory
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- The traditional 50-minute psychotherapy session length has largely remained unquestioned.
- Recent years have seen significant reevaluation of psychoanalytic techniques and theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential benefits of expanding psychotherapy session duration.
- To identify conditions, pitfalls, and contraindications for implementing extended psychotherapy sessions (double sessions).
Main Methods:
- Discussion of theoretical advantages of longer sessions.
- Exploration of necessary conditions for altering session length.
- Analysis of potential risks and contraindications.
- Inclusion of case examples illustrating the impact of double sessions.
Main Results:
- Extended psychotherapy sessions (double sessions) may revitalize the therapeutic process.
- Double sessions can offer novel perspectives within the therapeutic endeavor.
- Careful consideration of patient suitability and therapeutic goals is essential for successful implementation.
Conclusions:
- The 50-minute psychotherapy hour is not immutable and can be adapted.
- Double sessions present a viable option for enhancing psychotherapy under specific circumstances.
- Further exploration and case-based evidence support the utility of extended psychotherapy sessions.