brief therapy
During my first couple of years as a therapist I came to prefer brief therapy to long term therapy as a more effective use of time. Particularly at times of crisis when we are aroused, focused and motivated. When feelings are obvious and have our undivided attention and show what is important. Valuable moments if spent mindfully. (The emotion pages describe the importance of these opportunities to learn and reorganise.)
Brief therapy fits well with the core principles of awareness therapy. It leaves a client in the drivers seat. And leaves them to do the work.
time span
Someone incapacitated by trauma may take a couple of years to re-orientate. Someone who has worked through a problem but not quite been able to consciously pull the threads together may just need a few minutes to collect their thoughts and recognise what has almost become obvious.
I encourage clients to work out how many sessions and the intervals between them so we can meet when they can best use me and as few times as necessary. Many arrange appointments as needed.
intervals
Someone whose memory and concentration has been disrupted by trauma may forget the work unless there is a structure of regular appointments so I may book regular sessions in advance to maintain focus and continuity.
Extreme distress might need frequent time together to begin with. Weekly sessions might then be enough until there is hope for the future and secure and comfortable experiences to build on. And then perhaps monthly until someone can progress by themselves.
episodes of care
People usually finish when their distress is no longer disabling or they feel more comfortable or they have overcome an obstacle that brought them to me.
If they encounter difficulties or want to go further they can return to me or someone else from a more advanced starting point. They know how to use a therapist. Each episode of therapy is a step up the ladder as are other healing events especially becoming aware of the obstacles caused by lifestyle like those described on the top menu.
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copyright (C) John Brasted 2008
updated 7. Nov. 2011
