The Reasons Why 75-Minute Therapy Sessions Could Change Your Life

Let us face it, going to therapy can occasionally feel like we are running against the clock. 

You take a seat on the couch, begin to unload a hefty object, and as you approach the center of it… *poof* Time is up.  If this sounds like you, you're not alone. The typical 50-minute session can leave many people wanting more! More time to think, reflect, and go deeper. 

75-minute sessions could help you with that more fulfilling session. 

The goal of longer sessions is to create a different kind of experience, not just a more lengthy session.  Consider it as a transition from a quick bite to a sit-down lunch, you get to enjoy the discussion, get past the pleasantries, and come away feeling genuinely nourished.  A 75-minute session can be just what your wellness journey needs for the following 5 reasons:

1. Room to explore further without feeling rushed

In shorter sessions, it is simple to spend the final five minutes winding up and the initial ten minutes catching up, leaving very little time for work. That pressure is released in a 75-minute session. Without keeping one eye on the clock, you can sit with your emotions as they unfold, explore significant topics, and ease into the talk. 

2. Keep going, build momentum

Therapy is not a linear path. Longer sessions allow you to remain in that "flow state" rather than the “stop and start” system, which is sometimes necessary to thoroughly process a topic. Consider it the difference between reading a book chapter by chapter and rushing through it. You can make connections, identify trends, and expand on ideas without having to restart every week if you have more time. Long sessions might facilitate growth since people frequently report feeling "in the zone." 

3. Address complicated problems head-on

Some problems are more complicated, such as marital dynamics, existential crises, or trauma. Attempting to break them down into manageable pieces can be hard work. In a longer session, you can safely explore these issues without rushing over specifics. To make sure you leave feeling resourced, you may, for instance, spend the first half talking about a triggering event and the second half practicing grounding skills. 

4. More time to address all the topics

Have you ever had the feeling that your treatment session is moving too quickly? (“All right, I must bring up the argument with my spouse, the stress at work, AND the strange dream—GO!”). Longer sessions calm that checklist in your head. You can ramble, stop, or even just sit quietly, which can also be constructive. This easy-going approach can help you become more self-conscious and aware of what your body and mind are truly in need of at the moment. 

5. More in-depth work with your therapist

Since therapy is a collaborative process, longer sessions allow you and your therapist to work on methods together in real time. For example, you may draw out a trauma timeline without feeling rushed, role-play a difficult conversation, or engage in a mindfulness exercise together. Additionally, it is an opportunity for your therapist to gently point out blind spots or provide insights you may not have thought of, things that take time to develop naturally.

Do You Need a 75-Minute Session?

A 75-minute session could be life-changing if you have felt “shut off” in typical sessions, are going through a crisis, or want to delve deeper into your own self-discovery.  Although it requires a greater time commitment, many people think it's worthwhile. Healing is a marathon, and it's important to have time to breathe, walk, and take in the view.