Two or Three Sessions? A Discussion of Some Ideas about the Frequency of Sessions in Psychotherapy
Ruth Barnett
British Journal of PsychoTherapy 8(4): 430-441
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0265-9883 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-0118.1992.tb01205.xDocument Number: 371221
In this paper I explore some issues involved in attempting to assess whether there are definable differences, beneficial or otherwise, between psychotherapy at two times and three times a week. I question the common assumption that more is better and I explore whether there is good reason to formulate such an hypothesis and how far it might be tested and evaluated. Firstly, I consider the number of sessions we have ourselves experienced in our training therapies. Secondly, I look at some assumptions we make about the work we do with our patients with regard to number of sessions per week and I illustrate this with material from some of my own patients. Thirdly, I attempt to draw this discussion together around the question of the optimum number of sessions per week. I conclude that there are some discernable differences between the work in two or three sessions a week. Assessment of their benefits and/or disadvantages is more difficult and open to the influence of ideological assumptions and prejudices. My material shows that the frequency of sessions may have rather different meanings for different patients. Nor will therapists necessarily agree on how the different use made of two or three sessions is to be regarded.