Clients often wonder why therapists suggest meeting regularly, at a fixed time, and in a consistent place. The answer lies in creating a distinct therapeutic environment that sets the therapeutic hour apart from any other in your life.
Therapy sessions typically last for 50 minutes, traditionally referred to as the therapeutic hour. Besides historical, traditional, and normative reasons, as well as practical considerations for the therapist such as allowing for organisation and breaks between sessions, there are important psychological reasons for this time frame too.
A consistent schedule and setting foster a focused, dedicated space for deep exploration and growth. This routine helps carve out a unique moment in your busy life, allowing unconscious thoughts and emotions to surface safely and meaningfully.
Unlike any other social relationship, the therapeutic relationship is designed to be a secure and reliable container with clear boundaries. Within these boundaries, your internal world can be seen, your internal voices can be heard and your story can unfold freely, much like within the pages of a novel, or within the frame of a painting. Here, unconscious thoughts, imagination and self-discovery can run free. Here, you can take risks.
Within the time limit, we bring in our reality and fantasies, our real emotions and real experiences, our desires and fears, but we know that within the therapeutic boundaries, we are safe. Having a clear end time helps in allowing the intense and painful emotions surface within the session, knowing that they will end, making it feel more safe and containing. Embrace this sacred hour as a time for you — a space where your inner voices can be heard and new meanings can emerge.
Here at The Quiet Tree Counselling, I am happy to offer flexibility to suit clients' individual needs. The therapeutic hour may be the industry's norm, but if you feel longer sessions are needed, please let me know. I believe it is important to support those whose lives are busy and for whom fixed schedules are not always possible. Where possible, we can work together to find times that work for you so that you can get the support you need. Online sessions are also available.
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