the 50 minute hour

My colleague and I recently got into a heated debate about how long a therapy session should be. He believes that a session should only be 45 to 50 minutes in length. He believes that any deviation from this is a boundary issue. He continually gives me a hard time about it. I, on the other hand, happen to believe that a therapy session can last longer. I prefer to be with my clients for 55 to 60 minutes. I feel that I can not adequately help my clients in such a short period of time, especially with the high acuity level that is now present in the outpatient setting. I don't think the 50 minute hour was designed to work effectively with managed care. I would really appreciate feedback on this issue. thanks.

• Your colleague is foolishly rigid by Paul Salkovskis, 11/17/98