Deciding to pursue therapy can feel like entering uncharted territory, and knowing what to expect can alleviate much of the uncertainty. One of the first questions many newcomers have is, “How long does a therapy session last?” This practical consideration can significantly influence your decision to start therapy and how you integrate it into your life.
Therapy sessions vary in length, typically between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on several factors, including the focus of therapy, the issues being addressed, and your personal therapeutic goals. This guide will help you understand standard session lengths and how to align them with your mental health needs, ensuring you are well prepared for your first step toward personal growth and healing in a structured and supportive environment.
Typical length of therapy sessions
While there is no hard and fast rule about the length of therapy sessions, there are some typical ranges depending on the type of therapy you are seeking. This flexibility ensures that your therapeutic journey can be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Individual therapy
On average, most individual therapy sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes. This time period is ideal because it gives a therapist enough time to guide you as you explore topics related to your goals. It also allows time to analyze the period since the last session, develop strategies and establish future therapeutic goals. The frequency of sessions may be longer or shorter depending on individual needs.
Couples counseling or family therapy.
Couples or family therapy sessions may be longer than individual sessions. This is often necessary, so there is enough time for everyone to share their concerns, thoughts, and perspectives while the therapist mediates to promote optimal results.
group therapy
On average, group therapy sessions last between 90 and 120 minutes. Because several participants participate in this type of therapeutic treatment, sessions are usually spread out so that everyone has equal opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the discussions.
“The average individual therapy session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Couples/family therapy sessions typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on how many members there are in the family. The larger the family, the longer the sessions. For group therapy, sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes.”
– Talkspace Therapist, Dr. Olga Molina, LCSW
How long do Talkspace therapy sessions last?
Talkspace offers a flexible approach with online therapy. Talkspace clients typically participate in video or text sessions with live video sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour and text-based sessions that allow you to text as much as you want.
Factors that determine session duration
Several factors help determine the appropriate and most effective length of therapy sessions. Getting to know them will help you prepare for your experience, which can reduce anxiety about therapy and allow you to get the most out of your sessions.
Therapeutic approach
Different therapy methods require different time commitments. For example:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) It generally uses structured exercises that can be done in 50-minute sessions.
- Psychodynamic therapy Delve into past experiences and unconscious patterns that you may not be aware of. Due to the nature of the work in each session, you may benefit from longer therapy sessions that allow you to fully explore complex topics.
- Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) It is a type of psychotherapy that is generally used short-term. Like CBT, REBT helps you identify and change unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors. Sessions tend to last between 45 and 60 minutes, but may depend on your needs and the therapist’s recommendation.
Goals and needs
Personal therapy goals and mental health care needs will always be a guiding factor in determining the length of sessions. Processing trauma or overcoming a complex and intense mental health condition may require longer sessions, while you may benefit from shorter but more frequent weekly sessions if you are going to therapy to learn coping skills or work toward a short-term goal. .
Session type
The type of session you are in can also affect the duration. Initial or first sessions are used for evaluation purposes and are often longer; It is not uncommon for them to last up to 90 minutes as they involve the therapist getting general information from you.
What to expect during a therapy session
Most therapy sessions, regardless of length, follow a similar structured format. This can give you a sense of security and guidance so you know what to expect from therapy.
“Each therapy session has an initial, middle and final phase. The beginning is usually a contact with the client to explore new concerns or feelings they are dealing with. The middle or core discussion focuses on the purpose of the session and discusses ways to address the problems the client faces. Finally, the final phase is used to summarize the session, discuss next steps, and, in some cases, assign tasks.”
– Talkspace Therapist, Dr. Olga Molina, LCSW
A therapy session typically includes:
- Initial registration: Your therapist will begin each session by checking in with you. They will ask you how you have been since your last meeting and discuss what progress you have made toward your goals. This is also the time when you can talk about any setbacks or new concerns that have arisen since your last meeting, such as whether you feel worse after therapy.
- Central discussion and activities.: Your therapist will guide the central discussion of your sessions, ensuring time is spent effectively while analyzing past experiences, performing therapeutic exercises, and learning coping skills.
- Conclusion and summary: At the conclusion of each session, your therapist will usually share insights from your time together, set goals for you to work on before the next session, and possibly give you some homework to reinforce the progress you hope to make.
Adjust session duration over time
Therapy needs can change over time and your therapist is there to help you navigate these changes. They will help you adjust the length of sessions based on your growth and progress, ensuring you always feel supported and understood.
- During a crisis or when an important life event occurs.: If you are in crisis, anticipating a big change, or going through a major transition in your life, you may need more frequent or longer therapy sessions to be able to fully process the complexity of your situation and cope with challenges in a healthy way.
- Maintenance phase: Once you begin to progress on your therapeutic journey, the frequency of your sessions may decrease and become shorter. Known as the maintenance phase, the focus during these sessions can be on sustaining the growth you have worked for and maintaining the healthy place you are in. You can also continue to address persistent concerns during this phase of ongoing therapy.
Transition out of therapy: As you prepare to stop needing regular therapy sessions, it is important to adjust the length of your therapy sessions or how often you go for treatment. Working closely with your therapist during this time is essential to ensure you feel supported as you continue to grow and prepare for the conclusion of your therapeutic journey.
Online therapy tailored to you
Therapy can change your life. It has been proven effective in research and can help you successfully navigate even the most difficult phases of your life. Online therapy, like that offered by Talkspace, can make the therapy process simple, accessible, and affordable. Talkspace allows you to work with an experienced, qualified, and licensed mental health professional via audio, video, or text messages, so you can choose the format and length of sessions based on your comfort level and availability.
Whether you’re looking for shorter, more frequent visits or prefer longer video sessions, Talkspace can offer effective therapy that works for you.
If you are ready to take the first step in your therapeutic journey and like the idea of convenient and affordable online therapy, contact us today to get started. Talkspace will connect you with a professional therapist trained in your area of need so you can seek help from the comfort of your home.
