Beyond Scheduling: The Emotional and Symbolic Impact of Session Frequency Transitions in Psychotherapy
Gilad Eisenberg, Lorin Zarfati, Refael Yonatan‐LeusABSTRACT
Objective
Session frequency has long been recognised as an important factor in psychotherapy effectiveness. Yet patients' experiences of different session frequencies have been barely explored, and transitions between frequencies even less so. In light of this research gap, we examined the experience of transitioning between session frequencies in adult patients who switched from once‐weekly to twice‐weekly or fortnightly therapy, and vice versa.
Method
Twenty‐six patients who had experienced a change in session frequency participated in semi‐structured interviews. Their narratives were analysed using thematic analysis, allowing for the identification of recurring patterns and themes in their experiences.
Results
Three main themes emerged from the data: Process before the transition, Adjustment to the transition and Aftermath of the transition. Participants transitioned for a wide range of reasons. Transitions were preceded by deep contemplation. The transition often led participants into a period of self‐reflection, marked by various struggles. Once the new session frequency was cemented, participants described the widespread impact of the transition on their therapy experience, relationship with the therapist, daily life and behaviour between sessions.
Conclusions
Session frequency transitions were significant experiences for patients, greatly influencing many aspects of their self‐perception and treatment experience, underscoring the importance of therapists proactively addressing the meaning patients assign to such changes.