The Double Session: Two for the Price of One or One for the Price of Two?

Abstract

The double session is evaluated here as a treatment option in a once‐weekly psychodynamic psychotherapy. The double session is defined as two 50‐minute sessions back‐to‐back, a single 100‐minute session. I discuss how the double session came to be chosen and practiced with one particular male client. I discuss previous literature on the use of the double session, elucidating the rationale, clinical thinking, indications and contraindications in these papers. I analyse my own clinical experience and thinking in the use of the double session in the context of the many objections; I attempt to argue positively and reflectively with this seemingly controversial adaptation of well trodden once‐weekly work. I address therapists' resistance to the double session. Using other examples of extended session work I examine how the therapy can be enhanced by its intensity and I argue for further research and use of the double session in an endeavour to deepen and enhance once‐weekly work.