The double session in psychoanalytic therapy.

Abstract

Although many ideas and aspects of technique within the psychoanalytic framework have been seriously reexamined in recent years, the notion of the 50-minute hour has remained surprisingly sacrosanct. The possible advantages of expanding the time frame of individual psychotherapy sessions are discussed, as well as the necessary conditions for considering such an alteration. Some potential pitfalls and contraindications to double sessions are explored. Case examples are offered to support the notion that double sessions can often revitalize and shed new light on the therapeutic endeavor.