Open-ended therapy: is it right for you?

When considering open-ended therapy, it can feel confusing not to have a set number of sessions. Without a specific end date, this uncertainty can feel daunting for some.

What is open-ended therapy?

Many therapy services offer a set block of 6 or 8 sessions. This means that the work is condensed into a smaller time frame. For some, this is really helpful and can help narrow down what you want to work on and search within yourself for answers, insight, and feelings about the particular subject you have brought to therapy. Sometimes, you can extend for a few more sessions if both you and your therapist feel it would be beneficial. 

Short blocks of sessions can be incredibly helpful for certain needs or goals. Some therapists, however, offer open-ended sessions, with regular reviews (often every 6 sessions) to reflect on your experience, your progress, and to discuss when it might feel helpful to plan an ending session as you approach the completion of your therapeutic journey. An 'ending session' can sound daunting, but it can also offer a sense of closure and mark the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

How does the process work?

Open-ended sessions often begin weekly and, over time, may reduce in frequency, with you in charge of how often you schedule a session. This gives you the freedom to steer your therapy journey. Having a sense of choice and time to grow in the therapeutic relationship is important. Like all relationships, it can take time to feel safe and to build trust. For those who have found it difficult to develop safe, trusting relationships in other areas of life, knowing you won't be cut off can help you feel less rushed in this process.

You may want to be in and out of therapy quickly, but you might find that as you continue, you appreciate having a space once a week that is just for you. A time where you can speak freely, be listened to and not pushed to come to decisions or have to perform in any way for someone else's benefit.

Open-ended therapy, like any relationship, is something that grows and changes with you; the reason you start may not be the reason you continue. Some people use open-ended therapy to check in periodically, or may take breaks and return later.

Why some people choose open-ended therapy

There are many reasons people seek therapy. Some people look for open-ended sessions as a safe container to discuss work stress, pressure, or ongoing challenges. Others may have caring responsibilities and need a space where they can feel cared for.

Open-ended therapy is often a steady container for exploring issues without time pressure, and for building a secure, reliable relationship with a therapist without feeling at risk of being cut off. Or you may simply want stability and continued support for a longer period.

Finding the right therapist for you

Whatever your reasons for seeking support and a space to process at your own pace, it's important that the fit is right. To help you find the right therapist, you may want to consider the following areas:

Questions to ask a potential therapist:

• Does the therapist support long-term client work?
• Have they engaged in long-term client work before?
• You may wish to ask about scheduling. Do you want something flexible or a regular weekly time slot?
• Does the therapist have experience working with the things you would like to bring to therapy?

You might also consider when choosing a therapist:

• Do I like the vibe of this person as a therapist?
• Can I see myself working with them for a while?
• Do I feel like it's a good fit – energy, budget, knowledge?

These considerations provide insight into what might be beneficial as you begin your search for a therapist to work with over the long term. It may also be helpful to know that you don't have to start out considering long-term, but you may want to extend your working relationship beyond any initial sessions if you feel it's a good fit.

Many therapists offer a brief introductory call or session, typically lasting around 15 to 30 minutes, to help you determine whether they are the right fit for your needs and preferences. Best wishes on your journey toward finding the support that works for you.