Time and its relevance for a successful psychotherapy

• Published in: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics Vol. 49; no. 3-4; p. 212
• Main Authors: Kordy, H, von Rad, M, Senf, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01-01-1988
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Appointments and Schedules; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Disorders - therapy; Professional-Patient Relations; Prognosis; Psychoanalytic Therapy - methods; Self Concept; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0033-3190
• DOI: 10.1159/000288086

Time and the distribution of time have hardly been taken notice of up to the present although they are of great importance when considering the economic perspective. The present study reports on the results found between certain time parameters (e.g. total duration, total number of sessions, number of sessions per week, longer interruptions) and the outcome of psychoanalytic psychotherapies. The sample consists of 76 patients with neurotic, functional or psychosomatic diagnoses. The results support the thesis that not only the quantity of time (number of sessions, duration of therapy), but also the distribution throughout the therapy is associated with the success of therapy.