Understanding and Navigating Therapy Interruptions

Having your therapy session interrupted by a receptionist over the intercom can be disconcerting, especially when you are deeply immersed in the session. Many clients find this experience strange and personally upsetting. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind such interruptions, discuss potential solutions, and provide insights into how to handle these situations more effectively.

Is It Weird for Therapy to be Interrupted?

The answer is a resounding no. Interruptions during therapy sessions are actually quite common, and for understandable reasons. First, therapists often set up their schedules in this way to ensure punctuality and efficiency. If a therapist or their staff member cannot personally enforce the time limit, a receptionist can politely inform the client that their session is coming to an end. This helps to maintain a professional and impersonal approach, which is important in a therapeutic setting.

Common Practices in Therapy Sessions

According to many experienced therapists, interruptions like these are not uncommon. I, myself, have encountered this situation with five therapists over the past forty years, and at least two of them have used this method. One therapist even found a way to give me more time by seeing me on his lunch break. His approach demonstrated exceptional kindness and flexibility.

Therapists often struggle to manage time effectively, as they need to see multiple clients within a limited timeframe. This is especially true when compared to general medical appointments, which typically allow less time per patient—often ranging from ten to fifteen minutes. We have grown accustomed to this medical model, and it is natural to feel that our personal therapy sessions should be treated with more time and respect. However, therapists must adhere to strict schedules to ensure an efficient use of their time and to cater to a large number of clients.

Strategies to Manage Therapy Interruptions

If the intercom interruptions continue to bother you, there are a few strategies you can explore to better manage your therapy sessions:

Setting Alarms

One practical approach is to set your phone to give you a gentle reminder five minutes before the end of your session. This can help you transition smoothly and be prepared for the interruption. Though it might feel a bit awkward, using a simple, silent alarm can significantly ease this transition.

Working with Uninsured Therapists

Another option is to work with therapists who do not accept insurance. These therapists often offer longer sessions, sometimes up to two hours each, either in a single appointment or as back-to-back sessions. Sometimes, it might be worthwhile to pay for two-hour sessions every other week instead of the standard fifty-minute sessions covered by insurance. This can be particularly beneficial if you find that a longer session allows you to delve deeper into your issues.

Requesting Timers or Direct Communication

If the intercom interruptions persist and you find them highly disruptive, consider discussing alternative methods with your therapist. They may be willing to use a timer to inform you when you have five minutes left. Alternatively, you could ask the therapist to verbally inform you when your session is nearing the end. This direct communication can enhance the overall therapeutic experience and help prevent the abruptness of the intercom interruptions.

Unique Practices in County-Run Mental Health Facilities

It's not uncommon for mental health facilities, especially those with contracts with county governments, to have standardized procedures for managing appointments. In such facilities, the county may set up a system to ensure that all staff members, including therapists, adhere to set time limits. This system is designed to maintain professionalism and efficiency, even if it might seem less accommodating to individual clients.

For instance, I once experienced such a system in a California county-run facility. The practice applied to all employees, including psychiatrists and therapists. While nurses might not follow the same schedule, they typically had no appointments to manage. Instead, they would interact with clients after the psychiatrist or other medical professionals had completed their sessions.

While this system might come across as impersonal or rigid, it is essential for maintaining structure and efficiency, especially in a large, publicly funded healthcare setting. It is reasonable to express your concerns to the therapist if you find the interruptions particularly disruptive, as they might be able to offer alternative solutions or accommodations.

Ultimately, open communication with your therapist is key to navigating these challenges. Whether you choose to set alarms, work with an uninsured therapist, or suggest the use of a timer, the goal is to ensure that you receive the support and time you need to make the most of your therapy sessions.