Why Therapists Ask About Future Appointments at the End of Each Session

One of the more notable changes I've noticed in my therapy sessions is how my therapist now frequently asks if I want to make another appointment at the end of every session. Previously, I could expect them to just ask about the next week's availability. This change could have several underlying reasons that your therapist might be implementing.

Encouraging Autonomy

One of the primary motivations for this shift is to encourage a sense of autonomy. It empowers you to take control of your therapy schedule, suggesting that the decision on the frequency and timing of your sessions is ultimately up to you. By giving you this flexibility, your therapist prioritizes your comfort and availability, ensuring that you are setting the pace for your progress.

Assessing Your Needs

Another reason could be to assess how you feel about your progress and your level of satisfaction with the current therapy setup. By confirming that you want to continue seeing the therapist, they are checking in on your progress and ensuring that your therapy remains a mutually beneficial process. This can help them gauge whether you feel you need more or less frequent sessions.

Flexibility in Scheduling

The change in asking style might also reflect a more flexible approach to scheduling. This shift gives you the opportunity to consider your personal and professional commitments before committing to a specific appointment, making the sessions more convenient for you and your therapist.

Strengthening the Therapeutic Relationship

Furthermore, this approach can be seen as a way to strengthen the therapeutic relationship. By soliciting your input, your therapist shows that they value your opinions and are committed to understanding your needs and preferences. This can enhance the trust and rapport between you and your therapist, leading to a more effective therapeutic experience.

Responding to Personal Growth

As a therapist, I must admit that sometimes early in my career, I felt anxious about clients consistently returning to my practice. This anxiety might have led me to repeatedly ask about future appointments, even when it wasn't necessary. Over time, as my confidence grew, I shifted to a more structured approach. However, it's not uncommon for therapists to continue specific habits or phrases out of habit or a precautionary mindset.

The Fallibility of Early Career Therapists

Becoming a therapist can be a daunting and anxiety-inducing task, especially for those in the early stages of their career. As a new therapist, I remember the many awkward and unusual attempts to accommodate clients' schedules. It's shocking to think about the extreme examples, like suggesting meeting biweekly at 7:00 AM during odd-numbered months and twice a week at 10 PM during even-numbered months, depending on the phases of Mercury and celestial events. Rest assured, many of these practices are just reflections of growing confidence and learned professional standards.

General Policies and Practices

Some therapists might choose to schedule their clients on a one-off, week-to-week basis due to various reasons, such as personal preferences or office policies. If this seems countertherapeutic to you, it's perfectly reasonable to ask your therapist about their reasoning. A simple question like, 'Hey, I've been assuming we'd be meeting regularly each week, but could we double-check?' is a perfectly valid way to address your concerns.

Ultimately, communication is key in a therapeutic relationship. If there's anything that feels off or needs clarification, don't hesitate to discuss it with your therapist. They are there to support and help you, not to make you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the process.

Conclusion

The change in the way therapists ask about future appointments is a natural part of the therapeutic process and can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of your therapy. Understanding the reasons behind their behavior can help you feel more comfortable and engaged in your sessions. Whether it's to foster autonomy, assess your needs, or simply reflect personal growth, the goal remains the same: to provide the best possible care and support for you.