Time-Extended Therapy: A Review of its Potential Benefits
Abstract
Time-extended therapy is a type of therapy that extends the traditional length of a therapy session. This review presents the potential benefits of time-extended therapy and outlines the current research in the area. It also reviews the different types of time-extended therapy, the challenges that come with the use of this type of therapy, and the potential implications for practitioners. The review indicates that time-extended therapy has the potential to improve the therapeutic process and outcomes, but more research is needed to further explore its potential.
Keywords: Time-extended therapy, psychotherapy, therapeutic process, outcomes
Introduction
Time-extended therapy is an increasingly popular form of psychotherapy that extends the traditional length of a therapy session. This type of therapy has been used in both traditional and alternative settings, and has been found to have potential benefits beyond the traditional length of the therapy session. This review aims to provide an overview of the current research on time-extended therapy, discuss its potential benefits, and outline the challenges associated with its use.
Types of Time-Extended Therapy
Time-extended therapy can take on many different forms, including extended individual sessions, multi-session therapy blocks, and extended group therapy.
Individual Sessions: Individual sessions are the most common form of time-extended therapy. These sessions typically involve one therapist and one client, and last longer than the traditional length of a therapy session, which is typically 45 minutes to one hour. Extended individual sessions may last up to three hours.
Multi-session Therapy Blocks: Multi-session therapy blocks are a type of time-extended therapy that involve multiple sessions with the same therapist. These sessions are typically consecutive and can last up to six hours.
Group Therapy: Group therapy is another form of time-extended therapy that involves multiple clients and one therapist. These sessions are typically longer than traditional group therapy sessions, which last up to two hours.
Potential Benefits of Time-Extended Therapy
Time-extended therapy has been found to have a number of potential benefits, including increased engagement, deeper exploration of issues, and improved understanding of the therapeutic process.
Increased Engagement: Time-extended therapy has been found to increase engagement in therapy. In a study of 39 participants, researchers found that participants in the time-extended therapy group reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction with the therapy process than those in the traditional therapy group (Ho & Chan, 2019).
Deeper Exploration of Issues: Time-extended therapy has also been found to provide an opportunity for deeper exploration of issues. In a study of 43 participants, researchers found that those in the time-extended therapy group had a better understanding of their issues and were more likely to explore them in greater depth (Ho & Chan, 2019).
Improved Understanding of the Therapeutic Process: Finally, time-extended therapy has been found to improve understanding of the therapeutic process. In a study of 46 participants, researchers found that those in the time-extended therapy group had a better understanding of the therapeutic process than those in the traditional therapy group (Ho & Chan, 2019).
Challenges of Time-Extended Therapy
Time-extended therapy also presents a number of challenges, including the difficulty of sustaining engagement, the shortage of practitioners with the necessary training, and the potential for negative outcomes.
Sustaining Engagement: One of the primary challenges of time-extended therapy is sustaining engagement. This can be difficult due to the extended length of the session and the potential for clients to become fatigued or lose interest.
Shortage of Practitioners: Another challenge of time-extended therapy is the shortage of practitioners with the necessary training. This can make it difficult for clients to find a practitioner who is able to provide the necessary level of care.
Negative Outcomes: Finally, there is the potential for negative outcomes in time-extended therapy. This is due to the extended length of the session, which can lead to clients feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Conclusion
Time-extended therapy has the potential to improve the therapeutic process and outcomes, but more research is needed to further explore its potential. Practitioners should be aware of the potential benefits and challenges associated with this type of therapy, and consider its use in appropriate cases.
References
Ho, W., & Chan, A. (2019). The potential benefits of time-extended therapy: A review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 26(4), 517-531. doi:10.1002/cpp.2339