Wednesday, April 27, 2011

How to Determine the Length of Therapy

Many times clients want a sense of how long they will need to be in therapy. Of course they have the freedom to leave at any moment or session that they choose to never return again- thus, it depends predominately on them. However, for those that entrust the wisdom of therapists there should be a distinction made between those clients that are highly motivated to change and those that are simply appeasing others. For the latter I would suggest less than one session and for the former, an agreed upon time frame can be useful when trying to target goals. This can hold people accountable for trying to genuinely create change outside the therapy walls. However, for those that appreciate the ebb and flow of therapy and the uncertainties in life that keep structured work from always making sense, a time frame may not be a useful concept. In the age of Quick Fixes, it is good practice for therapists to suggest the possibilities that can exist in short and long term treatment. This can then be paired with a client's desire for a timetable or not. I do think their is a place for establishing a time frame- however, this can put an unnecessary pressure on both client and therapist alike. What makes more sense is to have a timetable to take stock of the process of change as oppossed to the achievement of specific goals. The nature of goal setting can be quite productive, so long as it allows for the flexibility to shift gears if the therapy calls for such.

Cheers,

Bryon Remo
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Southbury, CT

Specializing in Couples and Adolescent Issues.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Working with Hurried People

As a family therapist I am uniquely trained to track the patterns of individuals, couples or families, identify them, interrupt them and help folks develop new insights and opportunities for change. This can often be done quickly, depending on the motivation and willingness of clients. Yet therapy was not historically a quick process- it has evolved to meet the growing demands of change-oriented people in a quick fix world. This is not to suggest that change is not possible in a short period of time as it is and can be quite powerful when people are ready to make that committment. However, when individuals or couples desire change quickly, yet look for a therapist revelation or technique that will finally turn their sinking ship around, they are often in for a rude and frustrating awakening.

Although there are many things that can be done at lightning speed today and at very little hassle for people, they often expect therapy to be no different. Yet therapy by its very essence is an invitation to explore oneself and one's place in their many life contexts. This cannot be done quickly because so many of the painful patterns that exist with clients were developed over the course of several years, if not decades. There are dramatic moments at times yet this is the exception not the rule. Most people need to take a bit of inventory prior to trying on some new hats and experiencing the possibilities that await their changed lives. Those who are seeking quick fixes often find themselves frustrated and constantly searching for that therapist whose gonna give them that trendy intervention or quick fix that will provide them mere symptom relief, yet not sustain them over time.