How to End Therapy Sessions on Time

[@carloromanopsicologo1323]

Once a professor suggested us to not ask questions in the last 15 minutes in order to finish the session on time! ;)

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

That's a good tip! I'm completely guilty of that! 😅

[@anitaknight3915]

I wish I would've been told this years ago lol!!! Me and my damn questions😟🤦‍♀️

[@allisonmcclain9978]

spoke to my supervisor about this today. Why is it that we can't directly say, "our time has run out for today, we have to end our session. we can continue in our next appointment." - this may be unpopular belief but we spend a lot of time indirectly/non-verbally communicating than directly/verbally communicating.

[@alimis426]

If you said this to me as a client - I would welcome the clear and direct communication. I think it is a good way to model boundaries.

[@robsvideos1140]

I found that asking what their plans are for the weekend in the last 5 minutes helps.

[@brettkuykendall2485]

I find it helpful to set an agenda at the beginning of the session. It provides a structure, reminds them of what we previously agreed on that we are going to talk about for that session, and I always ask if there's anything they'd like to add to the agenda.

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

Love that tip! I use the agenda with some of my clients who do best with more structure. It does really help keep things on track and make it easier to end on time!

[@shaAM0RE]

Hey Brett, Can you provide an example for an agenda that you might structure for your clients? I’m currently a practicum student & struggling with having some type of structure in sessions! Thanks!

[@synchronicity67]

I don't feel that helps in most cases, because its YOUR agenda to have an agenda besides might prevent touching something more meaningful or insightful had d client been allowed to go with wats coming up for them in d moment. However yes, with clients who need some structure, u can suggest trying to focus on one topic kinda... One thing possibly that might also help,(in private practice ie.) is letting them be responsible for the extra time gone over by saying it'll be charged extra at so n so rates!! 😜

[@brettkuykendall2485]

@@synchronicity67 I think the agenda setting is best for certain types of structured EBP's, like CBT-CP. But I certainly would not open up a special rate for going over time because then it puts a priority on those with deeper pockets and passes the message that the poor, or less financially privileged, are not worth the extra time in session. One thing I learned from working in a prison is to be firm, fair, and consistent...I think that philosophy applies in this scenario as well.

[@imjustjules]

I just got my first job in the field and came across this!! Thank you 💙

[@synchronicity67]

That was great👍 Setting d alarm on phone 10 minutes prior to ending time.. n with clients who dont even stop with that, ask them to set up d alarm on THEIR phones so they know!😜😉

[@tammiejo]

Abrupt as it may seem, I set an alarm for the 50 minutes and my clients learn that we pick up where we were the next time. 45 min for those who tend to need to ease out of therapy mode

[@brookekilgore5937]

I thought about this - but using a spa-like tranquil sound that gently arises versus a traditional alarm sound

[@alimis426]

As a client, it gets really get uncomfortable when my therapist doesn’t wind up our sessions. I have often wondered why they have this habit. I have appreciated our sessions always but one thing that bothers me a lot is that the therapist seems to need me as a client to say verbal cues like, so can we meet in two weeks again? Once an hour has gone by I want the therapist to end our session!! I wish she knew how I felt. It’s awkward.

[@makingpeoplebetter8654]

Maybe you should tell her, we do our best and talking about this can make your feel relieved;)

[@charly5336]

I am soooooo bad at ending on time, but loved the tips guys

[@drsharonbrehm]

Thank you so much for sharing! I loved your tipps, especially the one with offering some time in between the sessions :)

[@LondynBrielle]

do u prefer scheduling at the end of session or block scheduling at the intake for the same time same day the next week and thereafter for the next several weeks until re-evaluation?

[@theawakenedheart8783]

Great tips thank you and hope you’re well 😊

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

Thank you!

[@CO-go1sd]

As a canine medical massage therapist all my clients have 4 legs and a tail 🙂

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

😆That's perfect! I suppose offering a visible clock to your 4-legged clients may not be so effective...Love that you found my video, and what an awesome job to have!

[@gabrielladecarvalho5442]

Thank you so much for this!

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

My pleasure! I love how everyone collaborated to make this video happen.

[@Shaolin108]

Great advice. Thanks

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

Happy to share!

[@summereggleston4556]

Try "I have a client coming in x minutes, and I need to use the bathroom before that." I've also pointedly looked at the clock (I have 2 in my office, one I can see and one my client sees) and say we have x minutes left, then we have to wind up. With Covid, I'm considering saying, "I need to clean my office before my next client comes in".

[@skeeterbug589]

Curious about the EHR sponsor. Do you use an EHR?

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

So glad you asked! More info to come on this once I'm back from maternity leave in a couple of months. I've just started using TherapyNotes (historically I've gone with paper charting). I need to get back into the swing of things once I'm back at work again to make a more robust video about it ☺️

[@skeeterbug589]

Private Practice Skills I am excited to hear your thoughts. Looking forward to your return. Happy Baby time 😊

[@leanabrown146]

Lol mines is always getting up

[@yasminmughal8931]

Seem like I'd need a 10 minute warning for the 10 minute warning. It's challenging to shift gears/interrupt someone to "we need to recap now."

[@BigPhil2024]

Just get a mask that looks like the apple spinning wheel and put that on the second the session ends.

[@timcrosby36]

Visible clock>standing by the door>GTFO

[@laurelm2333]

😂😂

[@PrivatePracticeSkills]

haha! It can feel that way sometimes! Especially if there's another client waiting.