What happens during a session
Initially there would be one to four preliminary consultations after which an agreement may be reached on whether and how to work together. A commitment for brief therapy would be up to sixteen sessions.
It may be helpful to keep therapy open-ended, and to discuss as it evolves whether or not to continue on, with the reviewing of developments and difficulties.
Regular meetings are for 50 minutes and take place weekly or more frequently. Sometimes two or three sessions weekly may provide the level of structure and support needed to explore complex issues and difficulties at depth, and may create significant development and growth over time.
In the session, you can bring your thoughts, feelings or dreams. The therapist reflects upon what is happening and offers observations and interpretations. It is helpful to speak about what is on your mind without censoring, however unimportant it may seem. The therapist works with you to think together about your experience and responses.
The therapist does not actively try to provide advice or the answers to problems. There are a few exceptions to this, such as when there are safety issues or risks involved. However, as the process develops a person can gradually feel that they are learning how to think and respond in new ways and begin to observe changes in their external life. The accumulation of shifts and realisations over time can feel profound and may change one's outlook and approach to life.
The preliminary consultations will take 60 to 75 minutes, subsequently sessions for individuals are 50 minutes in length.
Brief psychoanalytic therapy may involve 60-75 minute sessions.
Sessions for couples will take 60 to 75 minutes.